Tucked into the quiet curve of Hinchcliffe Drive in Newburgh, NY, lies a parcel of land that has waited patiently for its moment. At just .3844 of an acre, 12 Hinchcliffe Drive isn’t a sprawling estate—but that’s exactly what makes it so rare. This vacant lot, nestled within an established residential neighborhood, carries with it a story of both ambition and potential—one that almost came to life, and still very much can. Years ago, someone envisioned a home here—a four-bedroom sanctuary framed by trees, with space enough for gatherings, garden beds, and a driveway that curves gently into the land. They did the work. They sought approval. The property received BOHA (Board of Health Approval) for a four-bedroom home, confirming that the soil could support a full septic system and the dreams that came with it. But plans change, and the house was never built. The approval eventually expired. Still, something important remained: the variance. In a town where zoning can be the deciding factor between possibility and dead-end, this small parcel carries a powerful exception. Newburgh’s zoning for this area typically requires a larger lot size for a new home—but 12 Hinchcliffe has a variance already in place, granting it permission to build despite falling under the minimum lot requirement. For a builder or buyer in the know, that piece of paper is gold. It means the hard part—the waiting, the hearings, the approval process—is already behind you. The door is open.
And the setting? It's exactly what you’d hope for. Hinchcliffe Drive is part of a modest, quiet neighborhood—a place where people wave from porches and kids ride bikes after school. The land itself is mostly cleared with a gentle topography, offering flexibility in siting a future home while maintaining a degree of privacy from the street. Utilities are nearby. The parcel is perfectly suited for someone who wants a manageable lot with minimal maintenance, yet enough space to build a full-sized, comfortable home. It’s also strategically located. Just minutes from the heart of Newburgh, the property offers proximity to major roadways like I-84 and the New York State Thruway, making commuting simple whether you're heading east toward the Hudson River or west toward Middletown and beyond. Shopping, schools, and parks are all within reach, as is the growing charm of Newburgh’s revitalized waterfront. What makes 12 Hinchcliffe Drive truly special, though, is what it represents: opportunity in a market where such chances are becoming increasingly scarce. With housing inventory tight and buildable lots harder to come by—especially lots that already have a variance in place—this land offers a shortcut to building, free from the red tape that stops so many projects before they begin. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout but instead waits quietly for someone with vision. A first-time homebuilder looking to break ground. A downsizer wanting to custom-design something efficient. A local contractor who knows the value of an already-cleared lot with municipal access. Whether your interest is personal or professional, this is not just a plot of land. It's a canvas, already prepped and primed, waiting for someone to bring the next chapter of its story to life.
