A Twist on a B&B: This Wurtsboro House Comes with Its Own Diner for $299.9K

  |  April 21, 2023

Today’s Friday pick is north of five figures, but its quirkiness deserves a look.

This two-bedroom home, on the Sullivan County village of Wurtsboro’s main drag, comes with two interesting highlights: a c.1946, Silk City diner, and another surprise that we’ll reveal further in this story. The interior measures 1,705 square feet, according to the listing—we’re assuming it includes the footprint of the diner. Originally named the Royal Diner, the traditional railroad-car-style eatery was a haven for hungry locals and travelers throughout the 1960s and ’70s.

A quick history of the style: In 1927, the Paterson Vehicle Company of Paterson, N.J., began building what it called Silk City Diners. The name was a reference to Paterson’s primary industry of silk manufacturing: From the late 19th century into the 20th century, the city was the center of the silk industry in the United States. This one retains what we know and love about these diners: Chrome stools topped with green vinyl line up in front of a green-tiled, long counter. The floor is black-and-white checkerboard, and (faded) red banquettes snug up under the big windows at the front of the diner.

The service area is stainless steel (albeit it could use a polish), and the ceiling bows up overhead, just like an old railroad car.

The brick house attached to the diner needs a big glow-up, too. But it’s got huge, floor-to-ceiling windows and could be a standout example of 1970s architecture with some elbow grease.

The living room has a new, gray laminate floor and a white marble fireplace.

The walls are a mix of white wood planking, natural wood paneling, and sage-colored paint.

It’s open to the kitchen area.

The cabinets and countertop are dated, but we’d try to keep all that interesting cabinet hardware.

This bedroom is large and has a wide, squat window.

The bathroom is big but very dated. Sliding glass doors cover the tub/shower, and the entire room (including the ceiling) is tiled in beige tiles. A large, wood-panel vanity/closet system takes up one wall.

The second bedroom needs a lot of work. It’s got a terra-cotta-colored accent wall and a big picture window that looks out to…

…the second surprise: an indoor pool. With a lot of fixing up (and probably some new permits from the town and village), this room could echo your favorite lounge-y, 1970s dreams. It’s already located in the foothills of the Borscht Belt Catskills.

It’s just a half-hour to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, but the village itself is worth exploring, with great eats at Pasta D’Oro and space to stretch your legs along the D&H Canal Trail just down the street.

If this diner and house are on your radar, find out more about 22 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, from Patricia Sassi with RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group.

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