Alix and David Becker Announce Expanded Vision for Farmstead Hudson Valley®

Merging Sustainable Agriculture, Historic Preservation, and the Arts

Stockport, New York (May 21, 2026) – Alix and David Becker, the founders of Farmstead Hudson Valley, today announced the next phase of their comprehensive mission to intertwine sustainable land stewardship, historic architectural preservation, and community-focused arts initiatives across their properties in Columbia County, New York. Spanning two distinct and culturally significant properties—the historic 41-acre Staats House estate in Stockport and a 45-acre working farm in Stuyvesant—Farmstead Hudson Valley represents a profound dedication to the agricultural heritage of the region while fostering a vibrant hub for the local creative community.

For the Beckers, the foundation of Farmstead Hudson Valley is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong connection to agriculture and a passion for the arts. Both natives of Northern California, Alix and David spent their formative years surrounded by agricultural landscapes, fostering an early and enduring respect for farming communities and environmental stewardship. Driven by David’s extensive background as a visual artist and a mutual longing to return to New York’s thriving, collaborative creative community, the Beckers made the deliberate decision to relocate to the East Coast. Their goal was clear: to weave their passions for agriculture, artistic expression, and historical preservation together into a single, cohesive lifestyle and mission.

The genesis of this ambitious project began in 2016 when Alix and David acquired a 45-acre former commercial strawberry farm in Stuyvesant, New York. This site now serves as the primary agricultural hub for their operations. The following year, in 2017, they expanded their stewardship by acquiring a breathtaking 41-acre property situated just ten minutes north of the city of Hudson. This estate encompasses the culturally significant 17th-century Staats House and its surrounding former working barns recently restored and re-adapted by BarlisWedlick Architects as part of their evolving site plan.

Recognizing the profound historical value of the site, the Beckers embarked on an extensive journey to not only restore the aging historic structures but to actively maintain the land and contribute positively to the delicate local ecosystem of the Stockport Creek estuarine environment.

Across both of these distinct locations, they founded Farmstead Hudson Valley. Operating as dedicated, hands-on growers, Alix and David are fully committed to the principles of sustainable micro-farming. Their agricultural practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and the preservation of the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley landscape, ensuring that the land remains fertile and vibrant for generations to come.

"When we first stepped onto the grounds of The Staats House, we immediately felt the weight of its history and the incredible potential of the surrounding landscape," said Alix Becker, co-founder of Farmstead Hudson Valley. "We didn't just want to be homeowners; we wanted to be caretakers. Our vision for Farmstead Hudson Valley is to create a living, breathing space where sustainable agriculture honors the past, and where the community can come together to celebrate the land, the food it provides, and the incredible creativity that defines the Hudson Valley."

For the Beckers, land ownership is intrinsically tied to a deep sense of environmental and historical responsibility. The Staats House estate is protected under a Columbia Land Conservancy easement. This vital legal agreement ensures that the property’s natural beauty, its rural character, and its highly sensitive estuarine environment will remain permanently intact and protected from future overdevelopment. By partnering with the Conservancy, the Beckers have guaranteed that the land will continue to serve as a safe haven for local wildlife and a pristine example of the region's natural topography.

Furthermore, the Beckers actively recognize and honor the deep cultural heritage of the land they now steward. The 41-acre estate features the oldest existing residential structure in Columbia County, with portions of The Staats House dating back to between 1654 and 1664. More importantly, the site is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Mahican Indian Tribe—an Eastern Algonquin Native American Tribe. The tribe's enduring legacy is reflected in the original, indigenous name of the Hudson River: Mahicannituck, which translates to "the People of the Waters That are Never Still." They view their current stewardship of this historic estate as a privilege to be celebrated, respected, and shared thoughtfully with the broader community.

Today, Alix, David, and their family have fully embraced the Hudson Valley’s interconnected agricultural and artistic communities. They have successfully transformed their historic property into a vibrant, welcoming hub for gathering, sharing, and creative exploration. The restored Twin Barns at The Staats House now serve as spectacular venues for cultural events that bridge the gap between art and nature.

Recently, the Beckers proudly opened their property to the public during the renowned Upstate Arts Weekend. Their restored historic barns and the surrounding landscape served as a featured stop on the tour, showcasing stunning, site-specific works by acclaimed artists Marie Lorenz, Dan Devine, John Cleater, and David Becker himself. These installations were placed in direct, thoughtful dialogue with the natural environment, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art within a historically and ecologically rich context.

"Art and agriculture are both fundamental expressions of our relationship with the land," noted David Becker. "By inviting artists to interact with this specific landscape and by opening our doors to the community, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for both the creative process and the natural world. The barns are no longer just structures for storage; they are spaces for inspiration and connection."

As Farmstead Hudson Valley continues to grow and evolve, Alix and David Becker remain steadfast in their mission. Through their unwavering dedication to sustainable micro-farming, their respect for indigenous history and land conservation, and their ongoing support for the local arts, they are cultivating much more than just produce—they are cultivating a lasting legacy of stewardship and community in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

Explore more at farmsteadhudsonvalley.com.

###

About Farmstead Hudson Valley

Founded by Alix and David Becker, Farmstead Hudson Valley spans a historic 41-acre estate in Stockport, NY, and a 45-acre working farm in Stuyvesant, NY. Dedicated to sustainable micro-farming, historic preservation, and land stewardship, Farmstead Hudson Valley operates at the intersection of agriculture, community, and the arts.

For media inquiries please contact:

Victoria Hood | victoria@agencyesta.com and Blake Arrowood | blake@agencyesta.com