Entire home

Handcrafted Elegance Close to PHOENICIA

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Exterior
Living area
Living room from bay window area
Living area
Cozy custom window seat!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Shandaken, NY
  • Copperhood Retreat & Spa
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Catskill Mountains
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Hunter Mountain
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Handcrafted Elegance Close to PHOENICIA

Hand Crafted Elegance

3 or more nights = $345

This custom designed home is nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens in a very private setting, and often on the local garden tour. It was designed and built by the owners with comfort and quality at every turn. Reclaimed wood was used to add a personal touch. The house features a unique altar railing from a 19th century local stone church. Much of the reclaimed wood, from vintage buildings, adds to the charming ambiance of this romantic home.
Located 2 1/2 hours from N.Y.C. and 7 minutes from Phoenicia with it's lovely Main Street, restaurants and shops. It is no surprise that the Phoenicia area has become the fastest growing hot spot for weekend and vacation getaways from N.Y.C.
Numerous magazines have written articles and the phrase "The New Hamptons"
has become common.
Tropical deck
Enjoy outdoor dining on a tropical deck overlooking the koi pond and Japanese rock garden. Relax or do yoga with the peaceful, tranquil sound of the waterfall, or visit the stream at the bottom of the driveway. Sit back on the deck in the warm sun on Adirondack chairs or under the roof at the mosaic table made from a wine barrel with it's lazy susan center. A beautiful spot for morning coffee. Or just relax and swing in the hammock.
Living space
The living room (20x30) has a large, soft, comfy sofa. Reclaimed diamond paned windows frame a gorgeous window seat with pillows. Hardwood maple flooring is throughout the home.
Kitchen
The spacious bright kitchen is fully equipped with dual fuel 1500 btu gas burners and an electric convection oven. Full size refrigerator, dish washer, toaster oven, microwave, Kitchen Aid mixer, coffee pot, veggie juicer, blender, food processor,
etc. Two skylights brighten the work area.
Dishes, cookware, utensils, baking supplies all intended for serious cooks. It has a marble work counter and includes a large butcher block centrally located for convenience, there is plenty of counter space. Our dream kitchen!
A true pleasure to create wonderful meals while enjoying the view over the gardens and the new, spectacular stone pizza oven.
Hummingbirds feed at the window 3 feet from the dining area table. Colorful birds feast at other windows.
Bedrooms. (Linens included)
There are 3 newly renovated bedrooms upstairs with views overlooking the gardens and mountains. Two master bedrooms, one with a pillow-top king mattress, the second has a new pillow-top queen mattress. The latter has a very large picture window. When the leaves fall you can see water glistening in the stream with the mountain tops above. The third bedroom has a twin.
Bathroom

There is one bathroom with plenty of hot water and great pressure!
Soap and towels included
Fast Wi fi and a land line phone are available, as well as cable TV.
The playhouse is adorable, it has a play stove, loft and 2 flip chairs.
Feel free to gently harvest the organic veggie and herb garden.
Sit around the campfire on those cool mountain evenings.
Our well water is fabulous and without sulfur. Family and friends from the city always take some home!
Features:
Playhouse
Basketball court
Golf driving net
2 bicycles (1 men's and 1 women's)
Fire pit
Pizza oven
Tranquil waterfall at koi pond (view from deck)
Organic garden
Nature abounds!

Property manager

Laura Passantino

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 26
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
***Please provide photo of drivers license on both sides, it is requested prior to pre-approval of all travelers to submit that****

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Shandaken

Located in Shandaken, this holiday home is in a rural area. Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Catskill Mountains. Empire State Railway Museum and Pine Hill Community Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Shandaken, NY

What's nearby

  • Catskill State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Copperhood Retreat & Spa - 7 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Catskill Mountains - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Belleayre Mountain Ski Center - 26 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Hunter Mountain - 33 min drive - 30.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Phoenicia Diner - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Brio's Pizzeria & Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Phoenician - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Woodstock Brewing - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪West Kill Brewing - ‬31 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Handcrafted Elegance Close to PHOENICIA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Handcrafted Elegance Close to PHOENICIA located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is steps from Catskill State Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Esopus Creek and Copperhood Retreat & Spa. Catskill Mountains and Shandaken Dog Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

beautiful property and well managed

Everything was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

John E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice get away

Perfect for our needs. Wanted to visit a family member at camp. Perfect location. Home and property were very well maintained and had lots to do on the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chuck K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Home in Remarkable Setting

Extremely gracious hosts made us feel most welcome in "sharing" their uniquely crafted and extraordinarily comfortable home, set in the middle of the wooded splendor of the Catskill Mountains, and surrounded by thoughtfully sculpted landscaping and gardens. A great find -- better than advertised!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Our family had a terrific time. Owners are super responsive and nice. Property was beautiful.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed the property. Great setting for weekend trip to Catskills either in warm or cold weather. Property was beautiful and well kept. Surrounding nature was terrific for kids. Highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016

10/10 Excellent

Maria K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis in Shandanken

We had a terrific time at Laura and Vinny’s oasis in the Catskills. The house left nothing to be desired, and the yard was amazing. Close to skiing, hiking, a few quaint towns and of course several local craft breweries. We look forward to returning for years to come.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary in the woods

We had a wonderful time. We would highly recommend this rental. The property is amazing. The owners were very attentive and communicated with us quickly when we had a question. We will certainly come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

lynne m., Brooklyn, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and wonderful

We had an absolutely lovely time staying in Laura and Vinny's home. The cabin was even more beautiful in person. They even left homemade brownie pies and ice cream for us to enjoy on our arrival. The kitchen is stocked with everything you could ever need and the bedrooms were so comfortable I had the best sleep. It was a magical and cozy experience and we would love to return as we all loved it so much.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true oasis in the Catskills

A true oasis in the Catskills ! The house , the frogs, the chipmunks, the birds, basketball, the garden , the flowers , the deck, walking down the road and wading in the river!! My two daughters played in the cottage and explored the property for hours!! We absolutely loved our stay!!! Thank you Laura and Vinny!!! Your home is amazing !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Magda L.

Bliss

This was our second visit to this lovely home and it was just as splendid as the first time. Our girls were delighted to come back to the playhouse and drums. We all enjoyed the nature and towns immensely and relaxed around the house. Thank you Laura and Vinnie! We hope to be back again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Magda L.

perfect escape

We were very happy with our stay at Laura and Vinny's house for Memorial Day weekend. It was everything we expected and more. Charming, cozy with all the necessary amenities. The kitchen had absolutely everything we needed. We all loved exploring the surrounding greenery, flowers, playhouse and basketball court and got to know a lot of birds and frogs. Laura was very responsive and made sure we were comfortable and aware of all the nearby attractions. We look forward to returning soon! Thank you! Magda K. and family
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Lauren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super memorable!

Spent Labor Day weekend with my husband, 2 year old, 3 month old, and a family friend. The property was better than described- so many destinations and activities. We really enjoyed the basketball court and driving range, and our son loved the garden, thoughtful landscaping, and bird feeders everywhere! Lots of frogs and salamanders in the pond, too! Very close to Phonecia and hikes with waterfalls. Loved the nonstop roar of the river across the street. Thank you, Laura! We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paige F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Getaway

We stayed over Thanksgiving and couldn't imagine having had a better experience. Laura's home is beautiful, clean, welcoming, and cozy. She was so kind and communicative before and during our stay. (I'm still dreaming about the brownie pie she left us!) Our four kids had the best time both indoors and out--the house is safe & kid-friendly and they also loved playing in the playhouse, the yard, and the woods. I cooked a little Thanksgiving feast and the kitchen had everything I could possibly need. Our vacation was truly everything we hoped it would be. Fall was magical at the house and we hope to experience it during other seasons as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alex G., New York City

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super attentive hosts

The hosts went above and beyond. They left us baked goods. They met us in the drive way in an ice storm to make sure we made it safely and that we had the supplies to manage in the weather. Everything was plowed and shoveled and salted over and above. They actually live in this house. It’s not an ikea showroom with four forks and one pan. It’s a fully stocked and lived in home. And they truly share it with guests.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Spectacular!

Beautifully designed, cozy, clean, well kept home with every need anticipated and prepared for. Fresh flowers and sprigs of greenery in most every room from the immaculate garden. I expected Better Homes & Gardens to be arriving with their camera crew any moment! Quiet, great place to relax with family. My adult children enjoyed the basketball court & golf net and we all enjoyed the wildlife (lots of birds & chipmunks). Nice kitchen to cook in. Spices I forgot at grocery, here for us to use. Laura checked on us a couple times to make sure all was going well and it's apparent she pours much love and good energy into her home and desires wonderful stays for her guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shane S.

A special place

This is my first time writing a review like this and I normally don't review, well, anything. But this place is a true gem. We have stayed in many houses in the Catskills over the years and this was by far our favorite. The house has plenty of privacy but is in close proximity to Phoenicia and other great spots. The owners have clearly put their heart and soul into the house, and it shows. From its lush herb and vegetable garden to the unique hand-built interior, this house is special and makes a nice getaway for a family or couple. My daughter absolutely adored the playhouse and we spent many memorable hours on the basketball court and outdoor patio. And the outdoor pizza oven! I could go on. But what makes the place truly unique is the owners. They are not simply giving you a place to stay for the night but allowing you into their home with open arms (and in our case, some delicious brownie pie and homemade granola!). Thank you guys for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Russell R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Weekend with NATURE!!

You can feel the love Laura and Vinny have invested in their home. As I sit on the veranda drinking my morning coffee I cannot find a moment of quiet. The rolling brook that comes down from the mountain, the gentle chirps of the many species of birds, the buzzing of hummingbirds, the chipmunks frolicking in grass, the love songs of the frogs, woody woodpecker doing his thing, and so on. It sounds like one of those nature CDs you would buy to meditate. You can read the other reviews to learn about your incredible hosts and how they make you feel welcome. There is a fire pit, basketball (½) court, hammock, garden, frog pond, wood burning oven, grill, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, golf net, and much more. If you are looking for a very relaxing getaway, surrounded by nature in a rustic setting this would be a good choice. Right off Rt. 28 you are close to great hiking, fishing, NYS parks/trails, Phoenicia and not far from Woodstock. I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Francesca R.

Absolutely breathtaking home, beautiful inside and out! Truly LOVED this rental!! <3

I don't know if there are really words to describe how absolutely beautiful this home is -inside and out - but we really enjoyed our stay here, and the homeowners are such wonderful people! We were greeted with such a warm welcome and made to feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, or a family retreat, this is the perfect rental! My husband and I were looking for a quiet, romantic weekend away from our chaotic life, and this definitely 'fit the bill'! We enjoyed everything about this home, from the beautiful woodworks all throughout the property, to the giant rock garden - and I really enjoyed strolling through Laura's amazing garden! :) And for anyone who enjoys nature, this is the place for you! We stayed in mid-July, and I can't tell you how much we enjoyed watching all the different kinds of birds and chipmunks (adorable!) that visit Laura's bird-feeders outside the kitchen and dining room windows while we sipped coffee in the morning. There's a natural creek that runs across the way from the house, and the sound when you're on the half-covered deck was so serene. Needless to say, I could go on and on, but this was by far one of my personal favorite rentals on VRBO! We will definitely be back to stay again!! <3
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Luisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magical place in the Catskills

Our family stayed in this fantastic property for the 4th of July weekend. This is a very special place. The house itself is beautiful, like a fairy cottage in the woods, full of windows that connect the house to the outdoors. It is very comfortable and well-equipped. The kitchen and dining area are large and easy to navigate, with plenty of counter space. The living room is very large and well-furnished. The bedrooms are very comfortable, especially the beds, in which we slept very well. There are many unusual and thoughtful touches - one small example being the provision of napkins, which we usually have to buy in vacation rentals. What elevates this property from the excellent to the sublime is its surroundings. The house is visited by a profusion of birds. We were enthralled by the hummingbirds and the songbirds, which come all day to the feeders next to the windows. We have never had an experience quite like that one. The house is also surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. The grounds are extensive and beautiful. Our daughter loved the small pond, in which she spotted frogs and salamanders. No other houses are visible, making this a truly secluded retreat. Nonetheless, the house is very well located, a few minutes off Route 28. Just 10 minutes in either direction on Route 28 takes you to excellent restaurants. Finally, the host is very communicative and welcoming. We felt sure that she wanted us to enjoy our stay and experience the magic of the house. She left gifts for us and responded immediately to inquiries. She went above and beyond what you would expect from a host making sure that our stay was meeting our expectations and offering to help. She was truly a model host. We highly recommend this house. Our family hopes to return often.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jianyuan Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best Upstate Home

Our family stayed in this home for Christmas. It was absolutely stunning. The house was exactly like the photos, and felt so warm and cozy. The bird feeders outside invite all different kinds of birds- so fun to watch throughout the day! The house was in a quiet and beautiful location, not far from numerous hiking trails. We felt so welcomed by the hosts! They were so kind and made our stay here unforgettable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for Families and Relaxation

We (family; two grownups, three 8-year-olds) had a wonderful time at this beautifully hand-crafted gem of a place. The grounds were immaculately maintained and hosts couldn't have been more friendly. We didn't even need to leave the property to have a wonderful vacation; everything we were looking for in a Catskill Mountain getaway was there! There was hiking nearby and a basketball court, child's playhouse, pizza oven, grill, fireplace and plenty of room in the yard for outdoor games outside. Inside the house and beds were very comfortable for lounging and the house was equipped with all the technology and bandwidth we needed for the modern conveniences we're used to. The kitchen was well stocked and a very comfortable place in which to cook. The property was close enough to civilization for dining and shopping options, but remote enough that you couldn't hear the highway or your neighbors. Nature abounds all around the house, and we were visited by all sorts of birds and wildlife. We can't wait to go back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Randy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

This getaway in Shandaken was just what we needed. Beautiful home and property - truly unique design with many thoughtful touches. And could not have asked for a more generous and communicative host in Laura. She provided great detail ahead of our trip, helped answer all of our questions, and made us feel right at home. Would highly recommend and will look forward to coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tessa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming and Considered Stay

We had a fantastic time staying at Laura and Vinny's beautiful, considered, and eclectic home. From fresh cut flower arrangements all around the house, to the abundance of clean fluffy towels and linens, pantry items Laura welcomed us to use, the outdoor pizza oven and fire pit, the property exuded charm and comfort. The owners were communicative from afar, leaving us detailed instructions for the various amenities and activity recommendations on paper and over text. We loved using the extremely well appointed kitchen, the cozy living room, and the great deck and patio area. The pizza oven is really something special. The area itself is blessedly quiet and rustic, but very close to groceries, a few great restaurants, hikes, and other activities. We'd love to visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charles W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really wonderful home!

Really enjoyed our stay at this lovely and wonderful home and property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joseph V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rest and Relaxation

This was our first time to the Catskills and we were looking for a relaxing place that also had neat attributes. Laura and Vinny’s place met that criteria and so much more. When we first arrived they had fresh flowers in EVERY room and a delicious dessert waiting for us to enjoy (they even checked beforehand to accommodate any allergies we had.) There was already wood in the brick oven and fire ring ready to be lit. We brought our 3 year old and the place was very child friendly. We saw a few bear and we’re very skittish of people which is a good sign. Other than that we saw tons of deer, foxes, a coyote and countless birds. We had a great time and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim W., Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay! Great Hosts!

We had the most wonderful stay this past week. Laura and Vinny are great hosts and they have created a mountain oasis where we truly felt at home. The gardens are wonderful (both vegetable and floral), it was such a joy spending time in the gardens and enjoying the wonderful flavors of the bountiful vegetable garden. The teenage boys spent their days playing basketball and the nights making pizza in the pizza oven and sitting around the fire pit. We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Laura Passantino

Host profile image