Cannes on the Hudson
Elizabeth Wilson | February 5, 2015
Crack open that French-English dictionary collecting dust on your bookshelf, because the Tournées French Film Festival is coming to Poughkeepsie! The theme of the upcoming month of noteworthy cinéma français is “Love in the 21st Century.” This sounds to us like a topic worth exploring, especially around this time of year, when the inner dialogue sounds a lot like “Real flowers, or Snapchat of real flowers?” And naturellement, your friends at Upstater have found a ménage of trois rentals for your adventure to the home of the Brewers!
Price/night: $250
Accommodations: Private room, 3 beds
Max guests: 6
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
We anticipate that the renovated barns of the Hudson Valley will stand out from the run-of-the-mill rentals, but this Ulster Park dwelling combines the features of the original structure with new design elements in an unexpected and impossibly chic way. We’re particularly fond of the catwalk that hovers elegantly over the main room. With an amazing homemade breakfast lovingly prepared in the morning, and wall after wall of art curated by Les and Les, previous guests have found little reason to leave.
Sample reviews:
“An Idyllic Hudson Valley Getaway
We (two city dwellers) decided that a weekend away from the city was needed, and having heard a lot about the beauty of the Hudson Valley, we began searching for a place to stay one night. We were hoping to find accommodations that were comfortable and had a bit of character. What we found in Les & Les’ restored Dutch barn B&B, completely superseded our expectations, so much so that a week later we’re still saying, ‘Can you BELIEVE how amazing that place was?!’ We are plotting a return as soon as possible.
After a scenic drive up the Hudson River, during the season’s prime Fall foliage weekend, we arrived at our destination–an original, restored, early 1700s stone house with an attached restored Dutch barn (tire swings in the front yard, apple orchard and walking path up the hill). Les & Les welcomed us to their home with genuine and warm hospitality. We then received a tour of the B&B (the attached Dutch barn) and were completely blown away by the history, architecture, design and attention to every detail… the place is immaculate and filled with antique and international treasures. To top it off, we were gifted a bottle of wine and received wonderful recommendations for how to spend our day, where to dine, and how to enjoy the beautiful Hudson Valley lifestyle that Les & Les so clearly love to share with their guests.
And, this review would not be complete without mention of Leslie’s phenomenal Sunday morning breakfast spread! Right on the hour per our request, the barn filled with aroma of fresh baked pastries and coffee. Leslie entered with hot croissants, a perfect quiche, local jams, and apple cider, French-pressed coffee, and one of the most bountiful, beautiful cheese board we’ve ever seen!! We lingered over breakfast for at least two hours, with the huge French doors open to the back yard, enjoying every bit of our peaceful and delicious Sunday morning.
It was hard for us to depart, as all the little details of this place made us want to stay longer. Other things we enjoyed…the rain shower made from reclaimed wood, and with good water pressure. Such a relaxing space (they also provided small organic/natural soaps, shampoos). And the short, tranquil, hiking loop around the property, featuring a pond, creek, a horse stable, trees and tons of fallen leaves.
Leslie and Leslie are the perfect hosts, and their Dutch Barn is the ideal place to lay one’s head for the night!”
“Our time at the barn was truly amazing! Les & Les were an absolute delight. Les was so super helpful from the start, helping with plans and things to do. When we arrived a “warm welcome” it truly was- the smell in the house from Leslie cooking was so amazing. We got a tour of the barn which is truly incredible- pictures do NOT do it justice. Its large, unique, pres timely decorated, and impeccably clean. There are amazing touches everywhere you look. A bottle of wine awaited us which was a nice added touch.
Even though the house is “attached” to the barn we felt very separate never was our privacy compromised. The beds were amazingly comfortable as were the showers (extra touch was the towel warmer… So nice)
Leslie’s breakfast was truly incredible – the money spent on the room couldnt buy that delicious of a breakfast in most places. The location of the barn is also great- puts you right near so many great towns. Even just driving around is such a pleasure (coming from the hustle bustle of city life) Les also made us a last minute dinner reservation which was awesome!
There really are no more words to explain our stay- feel like we found a gem- can’t wait to be back. Thank you Les & Leslie for such fond memories! We will see you soon!!!!! :)”
2) Heavenly Modernist Home on the Hudson
Price/night: $360 (est.)
Accommodations: Full house, 2 bedrooms
Max guests: 5
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
We set eyes on this gorgeous modernist home, and we have been daydreaming about watching the snow fall through the enormous windows ever since. The sleek fireplace at one end of the open floor plan sets the perfect mood for a post-film discussion, and we are quite certain that we could fit six or seven of our fellow cinema enthusiasts on that comfy couch. Of course, with that wide, spacious front yard facing the Hudson River, there is no doubt that a return trip will be in order once the snow melts.
Sample reviews:
“The house is wonderful. Great on the outside and beautifully decorated on the inside, with all the amenities for a relaxing get away.
The property is very private, as described, with a big lawn in the back.
Benjamin is an A+ host, he responds quickly at all times and set up everything for a welcome arrival.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend stay at this beautiful home in Hyde Park. The house was the perfect “home base” for a weekend of visiting Hyde Park, enjoying the scenery and having delicious meals. Benjamin was an extremely responsive and helpful host. The house is very comfortable and perfectly equipped. We are so glad we chose this as the place to spend the weekend!”
Price/night: $150 (est.)
Accommodations: Full house, 1 bedrooms
Max guests: 2
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
How fitting – a weekend spent viewing foreign films chez Eve Heller, or chez Eve Heller’s Airbnb rental, to be specific. The American filmmaker has opened up her historic Hudson home to the outside world, and her guests thus far are completely enamored with this eclectic riverside retreat.
Sample reviews:
“Eve’s home was beautiful and well-maintained. Great location in Hyde Park- can walk to the Vanderbilt Estate and the FDR Estate, close to other destinations such as the CIA, Rhinebeck, New Paltz, the Walkway over the Hudson, wineries, etc. Can’t forget to mention the beautiful view of the Hudson river! Eve continuously checked in with us to make sure we had all the information we needed and that we made it to her house safely. Overall it was perfect weekend thanks to Eve and her beautiful home!”
“My husband and I were so excited to discover this amazing home in Hyde Park as it was so close to the Culinary Institute of America where I flew in to attend my reunion. I had not visited this area in 28 yrs and I was amazed at all the new growth of wineries, restaurants, cute shops and brew pubs in the area. The autumn leaves were almost at their peak- simply magical, as was making the winding drive down to this home which overlooks the Hudson River and a short walk to the Vanderbelt mansion. Eve was a wonderful host- although out of the country, she provided a wealth of information ahead of time and in her home (markets, restaurants, kayaking, hiking). We were in contact with her neighbor Jane, who was the caretaker, and upon meeting her, wanted to invite her for a glass of wine which we were enjoying on the second floor balcony overlooking the most gorgeous sunset! She was quite delightful! During our stay, we walked across the 1.25 mile Hudson bridge, toured the homes and property of FDR and Vanderbelt mansion- which were brilliant, dined at the Beakman Arms in Rhinebeck (so many cute antique shops in the area and a great wine bar with live music on fri/sat!), dined at the Bounty Room at the CIA, along with many hosted reunion events, and discovered 2 wonderful brew pubs for lunch in Hyde Park & Poughkeepsee. Although we did not use the kitchen- the house is set up nicely to cook some cozy meals and take in the scenery. We wanted to go kayaking- which is right out the front door and can be organized by a shop in walking distance, but the weather was a bit rainy. We would really love to come back and enjoy more time to veg and hike here or in the winter to xxski/snowshoe as there are so many places to go close by. I loved the house- charming, historical, cozy and peaceful, which we appreciated after having spent a day in NYC. There was an awesome collection of movies- we watched one late night..but forgot to buy some popcorn to make! There was also a huge collection of fascinating books that if I had the time, would venture into some. It was really nice revisiting this area after so many years and being able to enjoy it without worrying about homework!”
Read On, Reader...
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