14 Lions Way

The essence of Woodstock; the artists, the poets, the musicians and the creatives who have gravitated to the beautiful, iconic Catskill Mountain town, no-one embodies the original spirit of Woodstock more than local artist and environmentalist Calvin Grimm. Every home tells a story. This hand built 1 Bd/ 2 Ba with additional flex room and art studio tucked away on 2 private acres on a dead end private lane in the hamlet of Shady speaks volumes. This labor of love Calvin created over 5 decades, reflects his artistry, his ingenuity and simply his dear love for this place. Calvin's maternal grandparents would summer in Woodstock and eventually Calvin would as well, beginning when Calvin was just a few weeks old. In the 1960's before the infamous concert put Woodstock on the global map, Cal vin was in his early twenties with just enough to purchase his own parcel of land. When he came upon this special spot full of rock outcroppings, mountain laurel and maple tucked on the side of the mountain overlooking Mt.Guardian he knew he was home. And there Calvin's own story with this land began. Calvin was from a. lineage of fine furniture makers and believed ''form follows function'' and as he hand built each part of his home he would go back to that philosophy. There was a 250 year old barn in Wilson State Park available for repurposing and there began the footprint of this unique, singular home. As Calvin did not have a sawmill he used an old time method of cutting the wood with a tool called an adz. And when we use the term hand built we mean it in the truest sense. He repurposed the wood and hand hewn beams from the barn as well as the Vosburg Turning Mill at the foot of Hutchin Hill, which are the framework of this light filled, warm home. Calvin used Chestnut hardwood floors throughout. He sourced plexiglass panels for the skylights from the Kingston Ford Dealership that they had used to build a dome to showcase their cars as he wanted to bathe the stairs in light. A friend told Calvin of an original cast iron sink that was available in Long Island and he drove down to get it. It is the centerpiece of his country kitchen with updated appliances but still the authentic feel in tact. Each frame, each corner, each board was carefully sourced over time. As Calvin described building the stairs he described it as an evolution with each step, without a plan but rather going back to the old adage ''form follows function''. And as every artist needs, he built a wall of windows south facing overlooking views of Mt. Guardian. Simultaneously he designed and built his studio with the same locally sourced materials where he would spend the next 50 years producing his art that can be seen all over the world. A bluestone walkway with rock outcroppings and a native plant pond connects the two structures. He mixed classic amenities like the clawfoot tub with more modern updates like the efficient mini splits throughout but still utilized his wood burning stove that is equipped to keep the whole home warm. Walking among his artwork and other artists who he has showcased on his land over the years, one feels like you are experiencing time in Woodstock that isn't easily accessible anymore. Calvin not only was a prolific artist but also an ardent environmentalist. He was on the forefront of helping to preserve Overlook Mountain and cherished the natural beauty the Hudson Valley offers.His land and the world he created here is a testament to that adoration. This home is truly one of a kind and just to walk it's land and it's rooms one feels the love and the craftsmanship. Minutes to the center of Woodstock yet a world a way. This property is the quintessential upstate sanctuary.