Your Upstate Weekend, Set in Stone

  |  January 20, 2015

Upstate New Yorkers are enthusiastic about the history of the Hudson Valley, and we have a variety of ways of expressing this enthusiasm, from Sojourner Truth reenactments to entire exhibits devoted to historic footwear. One element of NYS history that gets the staff of Upstater feeling those warm, nostalgic feelings is an architectural style (we know, shocker) that appeared on the continental US in the 1600s. Stone houses dot the landscape along the Hudson River, and we love watching homeowners transform these antique structures into their own liveable masterpieces. But let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you’re not ready to invest completely in your very own stone house. What better way to get your feet wet than spending a weekend in one of these majestic homes? To that end, here are three Airbnb rentals that will have you humming Union drinking songs no time!

1) West Coxsackie Farmhouse

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Price/night: $100
Accommodations: Private room, one bed
Max guests: 2
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
One thing to note here is that when the hosts say “farmhouse,” they mean farmhouse. Daily activities at this delightful dwelling in Greene County include cheese-making and animal husbandry, and guests are more than welcome to join in the fun! The interior is a charming trip back in time (minus the subpar sanitation and culinary practices), and rumor has it that the owners bake some pretty fantastic bread…

Sample reviews:

“Brent, the on-site host, was marvelously welcoming and fun, and we had a great time. The house is rustic and welcoming, and the sprawling farmland a nice break from our city life. Small town just 15 minutes down the road for supplies and food. The well water is still fairly sulfuric, but an ample supply of bottled water was provided. The bathrooms are remarkably modern, which was nice.

Very satisfied with our stay.”

“Staying at the stone house was such a great experience! Brent was charming and helpful and made us feel at home. The space is so unique- you feel transported in time, falling asleep to sounds of nature and awakening with the Rooster’s crow. A friendly dog and kitty really complete the farm/home experience. We were in a convenient location, the bed and room were cozy and comfortable.”

2) 1800s Antique in Kingston

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Price/night: $150
Accommodations: Private room, one bed
Max guests: 2
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
No need to drive hours into the country to get this Revolution-era experience! As a guest in this Kingston stone house, you are invited to enjoy the elegant living room, sun porch, and what we hear are some amazing breakfasts prepared by the host himself. We suggest rounding out this luxurious lesson in US history with a trip to The Stockade Tavern and Kingston’s historic uptown area, all within a short distance from your lodgings.

Sample reviews:

“It’s hard to share something you love so much – case in point was our stay at the Antique Stone House! From the moment we arrived we were greeted, treated and pampered like royalty. As we were skiing each day during our four night stay, we had a breakfast so elegantly prepared and amazingly tasteful that we just were blown away. The house, rooms and the entire experience was simply outstanding. Ryland is the most amazing host. We will definitely return for future visits!”

“I couldn’t have been more satisfied staying anywhere else than here! The house was beautiful and there were so many interesting antiques that filled the house. Ryland was a wonderful host and a great chef. We slept well and ate well, this was a wonderful experience. If you’re in the area, this is the place to stay!”

3) Full House Rental in New Paltz

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Price/night: $295
Accommodations: Full house, three beds
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Some rentals feature that perfect blend of luxury and accessibility and become Airbnb VIPs in their own right. This charming stone house in New Paltz is one such destination. This 1800s home combines some classic furniture pieces, like the claw foot tub in the bathroom, with modern amenities and plenty of thoughtful extras from the hosts, such as the variety of teas, pastries, and dessert items regularly offered to guests. Add to that the location near an organic farm and all of the incredible outdoor destinations in the New Paltz area, and its no wonder that this stone house has such a following!

Sample reviews:

“AMAZING. We were tempted to extend our stay. We arrived at the house on Christmas Day and they had a Christmas tree set up with lights, ornaments and everything! They also had organic milk, half and half, orange juice, muffins and pumpkin pies to welcome us.

The house has a homey rustic feel to it but it also bright, modern and updated. There are two gas fireplaces, which add a nice ambiance (and heat naturally) to the dining room/kitchen area and the living room. The kitchen was perfectly stocked with all the necessary equipment as well as basic spices, oil, salt, etc. The house is also spotless, everything was super clean and we loooved the claw foot tub.

They make it hard to leave with Netflix on the TV, many books and DVDs in the house. There is a lovely stream behind the house and a trail that leads to New Paltz which has cafes, cheese stores, antique shops etc. The place was so comfortable and cozy, we had to force ourselves to leave and explore the town. Would come back in a second. “

“It is hard to believe anything on Earth can have so many excellent reviews but after staying at The Stone House all surprise vanishes. The pictures can’t transmit the warmth you feel as soon as you enter the property. Mark and Kate had the living area fireplace going (another in the kitchen both conveniently gas) which was perfect for a cold windy night.

Mark showed us around the house made a few dining recommendations and made himself available if we needed anything at all. There were brownies on the kitchen table and a bottle of wine which we enjoyed that night. There was fruit cake in the fridge and most of the basics one would need including half & half and milk. The three levels are immaculate both in cleanliness and decor. The place was restored with great attention to detail and it is a perfect blend of old and new. You can sense the history without it ever feeling stuffy or grandmotherly.

The kitchen is fully stocked. We made a pretty complete meal on the second night and anything one could possibly need to make a meal is available.

The house is only a few minutes away from downtown New Paltz by car and we really enjoyed a few of the restaurants and coffee shops. The main street has a very nice vibe and there are plenty of attractions within 30 minutes.

I recommend The Stone House without any hesitation. Great hosts, great home and a great area.”

About Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson is an Upstater born and bred with a generalist’s education and a specialist’s passion for the Hudson Valley. Ask nicely and she’ll make you a bagel sandwich. Ask really nicely and she’ll accompany that bagel sandwich with a Bob Dylan impersonation.

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