Artist Hunt Slonem’s Historic Catskills Mansion

Today on Homeworthy, we’re traveling to the Catskill Mountains to visit artist Hunt Slonem to explore Belle Terre, a sprawling 30,000-square-foot estate with a private lake, rolling hills, and a storied past.

Originally built by copper baron James McLean as a summer retreat and fox-hunting haven, Belle Terre once played host to glittering gatherings—including a legendary party hosted by Eleanor Roosevelt for 6,000 guests.

Now, this historic estate belongs to internationally acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem, whose work can be found in the permanent collections of more than 250 museums worldwide, including the Guggenheim and the Met.

Best known for his vibrant paintings of bunnies, butterflies, and tropical birds, Hunt’s creativity is deeply inspired by nature, his beloved pet birds, and the exotic places he has explored throughout his life. But Hunt’s artistic vision goes far beyond canvas.

With a deep reverence for history, he has made it his mission to rescue and restore forgotten architectural treasures, transforming them into living works of art. His restoration projects—ranging from grand mansions to historic armories—are his way of preserving the past while reimagining it for the present.

At Belle Terre, Hunt has embraced the estate’s Georgian architecture, carefully selecting period-appropriate furnishings and celebrating its original details while breathing new life into every corner. For Hunt, these homes are more than just places to live—they are his life’s work, a canvas on a monumental scale.