While many people are attracted to our region for its natural beauty,  many don't realize that some of our area's crystalline lakes were actually active quarries in the first half of the 20th century.

Now filled with water, these "retired" quarries offer some of the most dramatic scenery around - offering a ruggedly beautiful landscape that is more expected in the Adirondacks than in such close proximity to Manhattan.

By happy chance, two of these spectacular properties are available right now.

In Dutchess County, eighty-acre Clearwater Farm in Wingdale sits on a private 10-acre lake, a former marble quarry that dates back to the 1800s. For details and more photos visit the website. Click below for a Video Tour.

Sitting on the edge of a former rose quartz quarry in Westchester County, Quarry Lake in Bedford celebrates nature with a striking modernist home that showcases the remarkable surroundings. For more information and additional photos of Quarry Lake visit HoulihanLawrence.com