# A Photographer’s Unexpected Journey to a Historic Victorian Home How a Hudson Victorian house captured the heart of photographer Jessica Craig-Martin. - **Source:** [Architectural Digest](https://brifing.si/source/d2a803b5-44d1-459b-8d0d-ae4594d3d9a4) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2c44a689-e19f-4155-8b3a-76bf5c65cee9 ## An Unplanned Real Estate Purchase Jessica Craig-Martin initially visited the Willard Place property in Hudson, New York, out of pure morbid curiosity. The house appeared eccentric and chaotic in online listings, which were later revealed to be manipulated by AI. Despite her initial hesitation, the home's beautiful proportions and natural light ultimately convinced her to purchase it. ## Historical Context of Hudson Completed in 1875, the Victorian residence stands as a testament to the town's prosperous whaling boom era. Hudson is characterized by these distinct architectural styles, featuring turrets, terraces, and bow windows. The house had remained neglected and empty for years before Craig-Martin decided to undertake its restoration and make it her home. ## The Reality of Virtual Staging The homeowner was surprised to find the interior completely empty upon her first visit, contradicting the cluttered images seen online. The grotesque furniture displayed in the digital listing was a product of artificial intelligence. This realization allowed her to appreciate the raw, spacious architecture of the historic building without the distraction of staging. ## Curating a Global Aesthetic The interior design reflects a lifetime of travel and artistic influence, blending items from India, Morocco, Italy, China, and Indonesia. Notable pieces include a table made from dismantled boat parts and a diverse collection of art. The space successfully balances high-end artistic prints with quirky, personal items like Japanese plushy cushions. ## Artistic Heritage and Influence The home serves as a gallery for significant works, including pieces by Fernand Léger, Josef Albers, and Brice Marden. Many items were gifts from her father, artist Michael Craig-Martin, or other prominent figures. These artworks are integrated into the living space, creating a dialogue between the Victorian architecture and contemporary creative expressions. ## Functional and Whimsical Renovations Craig-Martin updated the kitchen with a red refrigerator and stove to complement the vintage red Formica countertops. She embraced a design philosophy that rejects the traditional 'form follows function' mantra. Instead, the house serves as a sanctuary for both the sublime and the ridiculous, reflecting her unique personal taste and artistic sensibilities. ## Living in a Historic Space Two years after moving in, the photographer finds the spaciousness and grand old-world flourishes indispensable. She highlights the 'Norma Desmond' staircase as a feature she cannot imagine living without. The home has effectively absorbed her eclectic collection of artifacts, natural oddities, and sculptures, proving to be a perfect match for her. ## Legacy and Future Projects The house has become a central part of Craig-Martin's life and creative identity. Her experiences and the story of her home are documented in her upcoming memoir, titled 'I Regret I Am Able to Attend,' scheduled for publication on November 10, 2026. The property remains a testament to finding beauty in the unexpected. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/jessica-craig-martin-upstate-victorian-home — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._