An Ai Weiwei–Designed House in Upstate New York Is Available to Rent

The Tsai Residence can be leased from June through September

May 27, 2020

On the hunt for an artful refuge to spend the summer? Look no further than the sprawling Catskills compound conceived by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in collaboration with HHF Architects. Set on 37 rolling acres, the Tsai Residence was completed in 2006 for a pair of art collectors—and it is available to purchase for $5.25 million or $125,000 to rent for the season (June 4–Sept. 7).

In addition to the 3,500-square-foot main home, which features three bedrooms, the estate is also equipped with a Y-shaped guesthouse sheathed in corrugated corten steel that includes two additional bedrooms. Together, the structures are the only homes in the U.S. crafted by the high-profile artist, who known for his challenging political work.

Located in Ancram, New York, the compound is anchored by a main house comprising a quartet of two-story pavilions clad in white metal panels. The interior is lined with refined mix of wood and gypsum, while the flow is based on a traditional country house, with the ground floor featuring an entry hall that connects to a formal dining room and Boffi kitchen, and the bedrooms located upstairs—along with a library.

The guesthouse was completed by the same design team in 2011 and although it appears as a single story, features a lower-level garage. A 50-foot heated pool rounds out the property, which is listed with Graham Klemm of Klemm Real Estate.

See below for a tour of the estate.