Ranked among the Top 15 places in Fodor's Go List for 2015, the Hudson Valley and Catskill region is hotter—and cooler—than ever, especially this time of year. Weekend visitors are fast becoming committed converts, joining a growing contingent of "anti-Hamptons" New York City second-homeowners trading waves for woods, traffic for train rides and eschewing the club scene for fireside intellectualism. Here are highlights from our current north country inventory that capture what it's all about:
CLINTON CORNERS | 175 Market Lane | $425,000
No, you haven't wandered into a watercolor painting. This Clinton Corners cottage, snuggling in ivy behind rustic gates and lush gardens is very much reality. The chanting Cape Cod-style abode is chock full of character, with hand-hewn beams, bright splashes of color and creatively decorated spaces creating a truly enchanting environment. French doors lead to a large poolside deck, affording distant farm views for quiet cocktails or entertaining your Brooklyn friends who, if they haven't jumped the Hudson Valley bandwagon yet, won't be far behind after visiting this enchanting retreat. A detached two-car garage also adds an upstairs artist studio. Bring a big cup of tea and some hardcovers and you're set for the weekend.
CHATHAM | 3418 County Route 9 | $795,000
At 165 years young, this Chatham charmer might be the oldest Instagram user in the Hudson Valley. But we don't just love it for having its own social media accounts: it's a perfect balance of style and serenity, with light-flooded interiors, professionally redesigned chef's kitchen and period charms including original windows, molding and heart pine floors. The upstairs master suite boasts a dressing room, lavish bath and fireplace, with two additional suite bedrooms providing private space for family or guests. The view over the pond isn't to shabby, either.
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STAATSBURG | 696 Centre Road | $519,000
It's easy to love this tranquil 1830s farmhouse sits on a park-like parcel seven acre parcel, just 10 minutes from Rhinebeck and 5 from the Taconic Parkway. Original wood floors, built-ins and priceless antique detailing define an elegantly rustic and infinitely warm home. Bluestone patios and wandering footpaths connect the main residence to a barn/garage and guest house, offering flexible arrangement whether you're a perpetual host or simply want to exploit having all that room to spread out in you lacked in Manhattan. Mystical woodlands and a trickling stream add to the draws.
PINE PLAINS | 375 County Route 11 | $895,000
There's always a latest and greatest in the city, but some things are truly timeless. We tend to think waking up an 1840s farmhouse after a long work week and hauling down for brunch at the Pine Plains Platter is among those things, and this beauty on nearly 90 acres puts that dream within reach. Located over the Columbia County line in the Town of Gallatin (NYU alums: Yes, that Gallatin), the massive compound includes a six acre pond with boat house and a plethora of historic outbuildings, including the original ice house and outhouse. Whether fishing, kayaking, swimming or simply kicking back, this lovely home set into an even lovelier landscape is a fully loaded Hudson Valley experience.
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ELIZAVILLE | 82 North Shore Drive | $439,000
In convenient proximity to Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Tivoli and Hudson, this Columbia County lakefront home offers a majestic wooded setting with incredible views and 120 of private shoreline to call your own. The spring-fed glacial lake is ideal for all water sports and activities, and the well appointed boathouse-inspired home frames the setting marvelously. Cathedral ceilings, skylights and a big stone fireplace effuse a feel that's somewhere between a rowing club and a zen retreat. A warning, however: You may never want to leave the sunsets and return to the real world.
