447 Butts Hollow RoadDover Plains, NY 12522Price: $995,000

It seems to be a human instinct to define utopia as a garden, and this Millbrook property on Butts Hollow Road unequivocally deserves that designation. Not only gardens-which have been lovingly created and curated-but meadows and forest glens, falling water and meandering paths. Regardless of season, there is always something unexpected and lovely to greet you-a rippling sea of red poppies, arching magnolias laden with heavy pink blossoms, cheerful chartreuse stonecrop smiling out from the back of some stone steps. A large formal garden is stitched gorgeously into the landscape with masterfully crafted stacked stone walls. Every woodland path is thoughtfully planted with native species, exotic ferns, seasonal flowers, and rare shrubs and trees. There is even a meadow both utterly wild and carefully planted to attract butterflies and birds. The tidy two-bedroom bungalow can be renovated or repurposed, while there are beautiful building spots on the 12.5-acre property, in particular a large plateau above the gardens and beside the pond, a serene mirror reflecting trees and passing clouds above. Two wells, septic, power, and driveway already exist, making a building project quite manageable. Deer fencing around the property protects both the natural beauty and exquisite gardens. Though it is only four miles from MetroNorth and six from the village of Millbrook, this property is surrounded by major estates and feels completely remote from civilization.