Nestled in the quaint town of Coxsackie, New York is a residential garden oasis with crystal clear views of the Hudson River and magical green landscaping that could very well serve as the backdrop for a children’s fairytale book. The enchanting grounds of the River House were designed by Susan Wisniewski Landscape, who created a natural-looking setting to frame the environmentally friendly Hudson Valley home.

Take a tour of the beautiful outdoor space

Filling up the ole’ gas tank is not a glamorous job, and usually not a task that leaves one marveling at the surrounding architecture.  But in 1927, Prairie-style extraordinaire Frank Lloyd Wright put together plans for a fuel filling station in Buffalo, New York that would leave even the most seasoned driver awe struck.

Now, almost 90 years later, the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum has realized Wright’s vision and constructed the station as a one-of-a-kind installation housed in a 40,000-square-foot glass and steel atrium, made possible by a $6.3 million state grant. The arts-and-crafts gas station, the third Wright recreation in Buffalo, makes a nod to Native American design and thoughtfully mixes practicality with visual appeal.

Take a virtual tour of the architectural masterpiece

Even looking at this wood-clad retreat designed by workshop/apd brings us into a more peaceful state of mind. Everything about the freestanding studio — from the neat wood frame to cozy interiors — is a reminder of how modern-day architecture and Mother Nature can get along after all.

Click to see the interiors

It’s not often a guest house gets as much attention as the main one, but this mini-me of an upstate New York home designed by Archi-Tectonics is hard to miss. Built as an alter-ego to a larger structure, the 1,500-square-feet building stands out without upstaging the estate’s true star.

Check out more photos straight ahead

Upstate New York has no shortage of interesting homes — just take a look at this enchanting stone beauty — and we’ve found another picturesque stunner located to our north. Tucked away in picturesque Garrison, NY is a modernist home that blends right in with its natural surroundings, thanks to the work of Victoria Meyers and hanrahanMeyers Architects.

See more pictures straight ahead

China’s most provocative artist can add architect to his already extensive resume. Known around the world for his contemporary artwork and political activism, Ai Weiwei has also had a hand in designing this sprawling compound in upstate New York.

Located in bucolic Ancram — just a two-hour drive from New York City — the Tsai Residence was originally commissioned by a pair of Upper East Side art collectors. The 2,800-square-foot structure was completed in 2006 and put back on the market a few years later in 2013 for a whopping $4.25 million. But the hefty price tag comes with a unique distinction — it’s the only house in the United States that Ai has ever designed.

Take a tour of the pricey, one-of-a-kind property here