Architecture Wednesday: Catskills Cabin

Nestled atop a hill this peaceful retreat is located less than two hours from New York City. Sitting on 46 acres, you ascend the private driveway winding through forested hillsides and instantly feel calm as this house comes into view.

Thoughtfully sited on the land, the home affords commanding views of the surrounding countryside, and benefits from the integration of passive solar principles. Californian and Japanese architectural influences, plus generous-sized windows throughout, contribute to a Zen-like feel and connection to nature in every space.

The home is constructed using premium materials and finishes: red slate and copper roofing, walls clad in wood shingles and stone sourced from the property, and radiant-heated bluestone floors throughout the first floor. A stone fireplace rises through the center of the double-story living and dining space with overhead beams extending to an impressive curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. A suspended balcony overlooks the great room while a dramatic open staircase connects all levels.

In addition to the spacious two-story great room, the first floor comprises a well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry, marble counter tops, Wolf oven, Sub Zero fridge, Gaggenau steam oven, and brick pizza oven. Also on the first floor is a primary bedroom suite, laundry area, and a screened-in porch adjacent to the kitchen that’s perfect for morning coffee, evening dining, or an afternoon nap.

The second floor has two additional bedroom suites. The east-facing suite, currently used as office and lounge, features a traditional Japanese Hinoki wood soaking tub in the bathroom. All bathrooms have towel warmers. On the balcony there’s space to sit and read, or simply take in the dramatic and distant view.

The full, unfinished basement has vast storage space—suitable for creating a workshop, studio, or workout space—the mechanical room, and garage parking for two vehicles; a dumb waiter allows for groceries to be easily transferred from car to pantry.

Outside, an extensive open porch flanks two sides of the main entrance. The 46 acres property is mostly wooded with large stone outcroppings and is suitable for hunting or, better yet, hiking along old trails, perfect for nature walks, foraging, and forest bathing. A small creek flows near the westerly boundary across Bethlehem Road.

Nearby towns provide great shopping, dining, and brewery options, while the area also benefits from having a vibrant and growing arts community. And it’s all yours for $1.295M.

Dwell