We rented this house for five weeks in July/August 2020, and loved it so much, we were sorry to leave.
This house itself is wonderful - stylish and beautiful, yet also warm, welcoming and very comfortable. I was surprised by the size of the bedrooms, which are larger than they appear in the photos. The biggest is the Master Bedroom, which is stunning, with lofty ceilings and a sitting area that functions as a private living room. The second bedroom also has an airy feel, and even the smallest bedroom is a generous size with a nice window that does not appear in the photo. Throughout the house, large windows frame really beautiful views. Each one is like a picture! The whole place is full of light, but feels cosy because of the warm, honey-colored woodwork. It was breezy and glorious in summer, and would probably be equally appealing in winter, with a warm cabin-like vibe. All textiles - pillowcases, throws, upholstery, rugs - blend together, in a thoughtful, stylish way. The deck is big, with lots of inviting, well-cared for furniture, and gets just the right amount of light and shade. So comfy and beautiful!
Rock-solid WIFI allows for remote work.
The location is fantastic in several ways. The house is in a sunny position, with a view of trees and mountain tops on all sides, to be admired from the deck while listening to the brook below. There are houses nearby, but one does not see them, and many are lovingly restored vintage log cabins that are quaint and picturesque (the caretaker lives in one of them). The Woodland Valley makes for wonderful exploring, with three major trail heads, waterholes and dipping pools galore, and fantastic wildlife. This particular valley is a very special, magical place. One can walk to downtown Phoenicia, which is attractive, with interesting shops, and good dining possibilities.
Finally, the house makes an ideal base to explore the Catskill Park. Around Phoenicia, several valleys radiate north/south, and east/west. The drive and hike from West Kill up Hunter Mountain via Spruceton Road is not to be missed. The drive from Magaretville to Bovina Center, and Andes (a loop) is drop dead gorgeous. Another drive from Phoenicia via Chichester to Tannersville and beyond is also beautiful. Countless hikes are clearly posted along the way. A Google Map search of Catskill Trail Heads reveals a wealth of opportunities to hike, swim, and explore. In short, the makings of a perfect summer!