Private Vacation Home
Historic Hudson Valley Home in the Berkshire Foothills
Hillsdale, New York, United States
In the middle of nowhere and the heart of everything, our Hillsdale retreat offers quaint shops and food within walking distance, and scenic strolls in all directions.br brEscape to the great outdoors, or from them to well-appointed shops, restaurants, bookstores, and museums that rival the best of any city in style if not scale. From Catamount Ski Area to Great Barrington and Hudson and countless trails in between, you couldn't find a better launchpad to explore the Berkshires and Hudson Valley.brbrWe've worked to preserve the rustic charm and natural setting of this 1824 Dutch colonial, while incorporating modern design and comfortable amenities. Nearing its bicentennial, this home is among the few in Columbia County listed in the historic houses registry. The previous owner made some delightful additions and upgrades, including the windowed upstairs living room with mid-century fireplace, and the spacious downstairs master bedroom and bath, infusing contemporary warmth and functionality uncommon for a 200-year-old farmhouse.brbrLarge windows look out onto nearly an acre of property guarded by venerable trees on every side. In the winter the lawn is often blanketed with a coat of white snow. In the summer there's a deck with furniture for evening glasses of wine and spectacular stargazing — or (no less dazzling) firefly gazing.brbrWith a large, fully equipped kitchen, a nearby grocer, and delicious restaurants within walking distance, you don't need a car to enjoy your stay. We furnished for comfort, and past architects ensured the rooms fill with sunlight to enjoy that book you’ve been meaning to read. Just beyond the property line are hilltop views and historic cemeteries that will beckon you out for daily strolls. brbrThe first floor has a spacious living and dining area recently renovated to expose the brick fireplace and showcase the raw wood beams and doors. Attached is an outdoor sitting area and a spacious master bedroom/bath with large windows looking out onto the grounds and a stunning 60+ foot Norway Spruce. brbrThe second floor has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and large sitting room with a second fireplace and large windows overlooking the tree-lined property. An additional small 3rd room can be set up upstairs with a Tempurpedic cot if your group needs additional sleeping arrangements. (An 8th guest could comfortably sleep on the upstairs sofa if needed.)brbrbrPERFECT FOR A COUPLE OR LARGE GROUP:brIf you need, the lower and upper areas are easily separated by closing the doors to the staircase and utilizing both entryways. This layout is ideal for a few people wanting their own space to themselves, or a large group that needs plenty of space to lounge about. Put the kids (or other couples) upstairs, and enjoying the privacy of the first floor all to yourself!brbrbrCLOSE TO EVERYTHINGbrThe Berkshires and Hudson Valley are special. Down every historic street are curated shops, award-winning restaurants, and artisanal ice-cream shops and taverns. Great Barrington is just to the west, and Hudson is a short drive east. If you're hoping to take home a piece of history, for a little more excitement look up the times of the Copake Auction — or estate sales that can be found nearby just about every weekend.brbrThe centuries of art and culture are on display at the nearby homes of Norman Rockwell, Thomas Cole, Edith Wharton, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Frederic Edwin Church. Our favorite spot in the area is the fabulously preserved Hancock Shaker Village. If you're looking for something more contemporary, then head to the latest exhibits of Mass MoCA, one of largest centers for contemporary visual art and performing arts in the country. brbrNeighboring towns to explore:br Great Barrington, MA: 18 min. Eastbr Chatham, NY: 20 min. Northbr Millerton, NY: 20 min. Southbr Hudson, NY: 25 min. West*br Amenia, NY: 32 min. Southbr Troy, NY: 57 min. Northbr Williamstown, MA: 60 min. NorthbrbrNature adventures:br Catamount Ski Area: 6 min.br Taconic State Park: 8 min.br Bash Bish Falls: 11 min.*br Bebe Hill State Forest: 15 min.br Ski Butternut: 22 min.br Monument Mountain: 25 min.*br Mt. Everett State Reservation: 25 min.br Beartown State Forest: 30 min.br Five State Lookout: 49 min. brbrHistory, art & culturebr Rodger Book Barn: 9 min. *br Copake Auction: 8 min.br Thomas Cole National Historic Site: 31 min.br Olana State Historic Site: 31 min.br Tanglewood Music Center: 31 min.br Norman Rockwell Museum: 32 min.br Hancock Shaker Village: 35 min. *br Clark Art Institute, 60 min.br MASS MoCA: 72 min. *brbr *Personal favorites we enthusiastically recommendbrbrbrDIRECTIONSbrFrom Manhattan the house is a beautiful and decompressing 2-hour drive straight up the Taconic State Parkway. From Boston it's 2.5 hours. From Albany Airport it's a little over one. brbrIf you're in New York City and want to get a good deal on a car rental, take the 1.5-hour NY Metro North train ride to Poughkeepsie, and then drive the remaining hour to Hillsdale. brbrA car is preferable to take full advantage of the many nearby attractions, but if you just want a relaxing week in Hillsdale, you can get around by foot and the occasional Uber. Simply ride up to Hudson via Amtrak or Wassaic via Metro-North and Uber or cab the half-hour drive to Hillsdale.brbrIf you have friends that want to join for part of your stay, you can easily shuttle them back and forth from the Wassaic Metro-North station 35 minutes away, or the Hudson Amtrak station 25 minutes away. (Metro-North is cheaper than Amtrak.)
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