Upstater

A designer-builder we’ve had our eye on for a long while, and whose success has been inspiring to those of us interested in the architectural and economic welfare of upstate NY, is getting some small screen love.

Tomorrow, HGTV’s “Selling New York” is all about a client’s search for a house in upstate NY — one that reads like a charming old farmhouse but is modern and updated in its amenities. Which is pretty much the description of Catskill Farms, which specializes in “new old homes.” In tomorrow’s episode, they check out three of Catskill Farm’s properties near lovely Narrowsburg.

As we’ve mentioned before, Catskill Farms’ homes have been selling well despite the struggling economy — they’ve designed and built over 100 getaway homes in both Sullivan and Ulster counties, selling 18 homes in 2012. The buyers have largely been young, urban professionals looking for a second home. Charles Petersheim founded Catskill Farms in 2002 — he decided to leave the city after 9/11 — and came upstate to  create what he calls “small, well-designed, high-quality farmhouses and cottages for those seeking a simpler way of life.” Turns out that’s just what lots of folks are looking for.

If you want to get an in-depth look at the homes, check out the Valentine’s Day episode at 6:30 p.m, on HGTV.