Randy Countermine used to mow the lawns at Stone Bridge Farm, the horse farm founded by former billionaire hedge fund manager Jeffrey Tucker. Now he owns a piece of it.
Countermine’s company, New Dimensions Outdoor Services, took care of the farm grounds while Tucker was building and expanding an equine facility, which at one time encompassed 426 acres across northern Saratoga County. The property included a 7,720-square-foot Georgian-style residence, a Cape Cod guest home, three other houses, a nearly mile-long synthetic race track, riding arena, stalls, barns with an office, paddocks, a maintenance building and a starting gate with a clock. In addition to the thoroughbred operation, Tucker started a hydroponic facility to grown tomatoes. He had two big greenhouses built, including a 10,000-square-foot one near Clark Road.
“Everything was grand, because he had the money to do it,” Countermine said.
Earlier this year, Countermine, 57, was working on another deal that wasn’t panning out. His daughter, Jennifer Countermine, said to him, “You know, I think it’s 148 Gansevoort Road you really want,” referring to a 235-acre parcel Tucker was still trying to sell, formerly the broodmare operation. “Everyone had forgotten about it,” Countermine said.
After a series of negotiations with Tucker, Countermine bought it for $1.6 million. His daughter and her family moved into the house once occupied by the farm manager. Countermine hired a crew that spent two weeks cutting waist-high grass, fallen trees and trimming back bushes. Work continues on repairing paddock fences.
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