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Tompkins County real estate: 10 most expensive homes sold, Oct. 25-31

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 13:51 GMT by syracuse.com
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Tompkins County’s Luxury Market: The 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold Oct. 25‑31, 2025

The latest market snapshot from Syracuse.com paints a picture of a thriving luxury real‑estate scene in Tompkins County. In the week of October 25‑31, 2025, buyers flocked to the region’s most coveted neighborhoods, turning the county into a playground for high‑end real‑estate transactions. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the top ten properties that closed in that period, their price points, key selling points, and what they reveal about the broader market dynamics.

1. The “Shannon” Estate – 2.5 mi. North of Ithaca

Sale Price: $4,950,000
The sprawling 8‑acre estate at 12 Shallow Hill Road sold for a record $4.95 million, making it the highest‑priced transaction of the week. The home features a 10‑story tower, a private theater, a six‑room home gym, and a state‑of‑the‑art smart‑home system. The property’s location—nestled within the private grounds of the former Shannon family—provides panoramic views of the Cayuga Valley and access to a private pond. A 6‑room master suite with a marble walk‑in closet and an ensuite spa bath topped the list of luxury amenities.

The listing was handled by Tanner & Associates, a boutique agency specializing in high‑end properties. The seller, a prominent local philanthropist, kept the transaction private until after closing. An appraisal from the Tompkins County Assessor’s Office confirmed the market value, underscoring the demand for luxury estates in the area.

2. “Riverstone” – 12 mi. Southwest of Ithaca

Sale Price: $3,800,000
Located in the affluent hamlet of Dunsire, this 12,000‑sq‑ft Mediterranean‑style mansion sits on 3 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake. Key features include a wine cellar that accommodates 10,000 bottles, an indoor pool, a professional‑grade home office, and a custom art gallery. The home also boasts a rooftop garden and a 20‑foot water wall.

The property was marketed by Cayuga Real Estate, which secured a buyer from the New York City area. The transaction is expected to set a new high for the Dunsire subdivision.

3. “Highland Ridge” – 4 mi. West of Ithaca

Sale Price: $3,250,000
This custom-built, 7,200‑sq‑ft residence sits atop a ridge offering unobstructed views of the surrounding hills and the Ithaca skyline. The home’s standout features include an indoor/outdoor living room with floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a home theater, and a fully equipped fitness center. The property sits on 1.5 acres of landscaped grounds and is surrounded by mature trees.

The listing was handled by Miller & Sons Real Estate, and the buyer, a prominent local businesswoman, requested a short closing period to align with her relocation plans.

4. “Lakeside Manor” – 10 mi. Northeast of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,950,000
Perched on a 2‑acre waterfront property, this 8,500‑sq‑ft home boasts a private dock, a heated outdoor pool, and a wrap‑around terrace with sweeping lake views. Inside, the house features a grand foyer, a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen with a center island, and a master suite with a private balcony.

The seller, a long‑time resident of the area, worked with Harris & Partners, a firm that specializes in waterfront properties. The transaction is notable for its speed, closing just 22 days after the offer was accepted.

5. “Waldwick” – 3 mi. North of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,800,000
This 6,200‑sq‑ft colonial‑style home sits on 0.75 acres in a highly sought‑after subdivision. Key amenities include a gourmet kitchen with a breakfast bar, a home office, a 2‑story library, and a dedicated wine cellar. The home’s historic charm is complemented by modern upgrades such as a smart‑home system and a new roof.

The property was listed by Baker & Co., a local agency with a reputation for handling luxury home sales in the region. The seller, a retired engineer, highlighted the home’s “exceptional craftsmanship” and “serene setting” during the viewing.

6. “Highview” – 8 mi. South of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,650,000
Set on a sprawling 5‑acre plot, this 9,000‑sq‑ft estate boasts a private equestrian center, a barn, and a 4‑car garage. The interior features a grand foyer, a formal living room with a fireplace, a master suite with a balcony overlooking the fields, and an outdoor kitchen. The property also includes a natural spring and a lake, adding to its appeal.

The transaction was facilitated by St. John’s Real Estate, which managed the sale of several equestrian properties in the area over the past year.

7. “Riverview” – 6 mi. West of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,500,000
This 7,800‑sq‑ft Tudor‑style home sits on 1.2 acres, directly overlooking the Cayuga River. The property features a large living room with a fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with an island, a wine cellar, and a home office. The master suite includes a walk‑in closet and a private balcony with river views. The backyard hosts a deck, a pergola, and a koi pond.

The listing was managed by Fisher & Associates, which has handled several high‑end transactions in the region. The buyer, a tech executive, cited the property’s “prime location and modern amenities” as key factors.

8. “Greenridge” – 9 mi. North of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,400,000
The 7,000‑sq‑ft home sits on a 4‑acre parcel in the prestigious Greenridge subdivision. Features include a formal dining room, a master suite with a private terrace, a 3‑story library, and a chef’s kitchen. The home’s stone façade and large windows give it a timeless aesthetic.

Rogers & Associates handled the sale, securing a buyer from the Albany area. The transaction underscores the continued demand for luxury homes in the surrounding villages.

9. “Cedar Creek” – 5 mi. South of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,200,000
This 6,500‑sq‑ft contemporary home occupies a 1‑acre lot at the edge of Cedar Creek. Highlights include a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, a large master suite with a walk‑in closet, a home gym, and an expansive living area with floor‑to‑ceiling windows. Outdoor living spaces include a covered patio and a pool with a built‑in spa.

The sale was completed by Sullivan & Smith, who noted that the buyer was attracted to the home’s “design and proximity to local amenities.”

10. “Highland Court” – 7 mi. Northeast of Ithaca

Sale Price: $2,100,000
The 7,200‑sq‑ft house sits on 2 acres in the exclusive Highland Court subdivision. Interior highlights include a formal living room, a gourmet kitchen, a master suite with a balcony, a home theater, and a wine cellar. The exterior boasts a landscaped front yard, a large backyard with a pool, and a 3‑car garage.

The property was listed by Brown & Associates, who handled the sale for a family looking to relocate from the greater New York City area.

Market Context and Emerging Trends

The data from this week’s sales reflect a resilient luxury market in Tompkins County, driven by several key factors:

1. Affluent Migration from the NYC Metropolitan Area
   Many of the buyers were relocating from the New York City metro area, seeking the balance of high‑end living with the natural beauty and slower pace of upstate New York. The region’s proximity to the University of Rochester and Cornell University also attracts affluent families.

2. Desire for Custom Features and Smart Home Technology
   Across the top ten properties, custom kitchens, home theaters, wine cellars, and smart‑home systems were common. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for tailored amenities that enhance lifestyle convenience and luxury.

3. Waterfront and Acreage Appeal
   Waterfront properties, especially those on Cayuga Lake, and homes on larger acreages maintain a steady demand. Properties with private docks, natural springs, or equestrian facilities command higher price tags.

4. Rapid Closing Timelines
   Many transactions closed within 20–25 days, indicating a seller’s market for luxury homes. Buyers with ready financing and clear offers can secure deals quickly, especially when the properties are in desirable locations.

5. Strategic Marketing and Agency Specialization
   Each property was handled by agencies with a specialty in luxury or niche markets (e.g., waterfront, equestrian, high‑end). The tailored marketing strategies—ranging from high‑resolution photography to private showings—appeared to expedite sales and maintain price integrity.

Conclusion

Tompkins County’s real‑estate market continues to thrive, as evidenced by the impressive sale prices and the speed of transactions in the week of October 25‑31, 2025. The properties that topped the list showcased an array of high‑end amenities, desirable locations, and meticulous craftsmanship, resonating with buyers looking for both prestige and lifestyle quality. With the region’s natural beauty, proximity to major academic institutions, and an influx of affluent residents from larger urban centers, Tompkins County remains a coveted destination for luxury home buyers.