Weekend in the Western Catskills

  |  January 21, 2015
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So maybe it’s the recent hubbub over Albany’s decision to move forward with plans for a resort and casino in the area, but we’ve had the pristine lakes and mountains of southwest New York on the brain and we just can’t shake this urge to plan a Sullivan County getaway. Unfortunately for our overall level of productivity, there is a treasure trove of homes on Airbnb sitting pretty in the lush woodlands of the western Catskills and just waiting to accommodate weekend explorers.

They say the best way to get something off your mind is to share it, so we did a little sifting (and a lot of drooling), and found you three highly-rated rentals located near some of Sullivan County’s most popular natural attractions!

1) Magical Catskills Retreat in Liberty

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Price/night: $200
Accommodations: Full house, 3 bedrooms
Max guests: 6
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
This three-level home is surrounded by scenic views of water, with a natural waterfall and two creeks flowing right through the property. The hosts clearly anticipated that this location would be very popular, and have set up two separate kitchens, two living rooms, and three, yes three, individual bathrooms to accommodate up to six (very comfortable) people and their animal friends.

Sample reviews:

“From start to finish everything was simply perfect. Sabrina should be the poster child for what an amazing host is via Airbnb. She communicates and actually cares about the livelihood of her guests. The pictures do not do justice for what you see when you are face to face with her property. The house interior is spotless and you feel at home the minute you walk in. I recommend everyone puts this in their wish list of places you must visit while using this site. It was a dream come true.”

“Sabrina’s home is truly exceptional. We came here for a weekend get away from NYC to find this beautiful home nestled in the woods, which makes it seem super isolated, even though it’s near a town. One of the most amazing things was experience the waterfall that follows the home’s elevation. We spent our time cooking and relaxing on the deck, which sits right over the water, making it feel like we were actually in the water. The property is full of plant life, wildflowers, and trees. Really amazing.

I honestly cannot say enough great things about this place. It really feels lived in and appreciated; it’s obvious that Sabrina takes great care for this place. Sabrina was also super helpful with navigating the wonders of the area. She took extra care to make sure we knew where all the best lakes, hikes, and swimming holes were.

I cannot wait to come back again. Thank you, Sabrina!!!”

2) Mountaindale Lake Home

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Price/night: $984
Accommodations: Full house, 4 bedrooms
Max guests: 16
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Rather than highlight all of the amenities that caught our eye at this Mountaindale lakehouse, we’re trying to figure out what this luxurious rental doesn’t include. We’re not having much luck. Looking to relax? You can find a massage chair, elliptical, and a hammock at the barn. Working for the weekend? The tower office is about to be your new favorite space for getting things done. There’s really something for everyone, including a bed for sixteen or more of your closest friends, or whoever happens to be lucky enough to get invited along on what is sure to be a fantastic Catskills vacation.

Sample reviews:

“The perfect Catskills experience. We did not want to leave this dreamy house. We arrived when it was already dark outside and woke up to the most beautiful views and morning lights. We went beginning of fall so the colors were stunning, but can only imagine the fun it must also be in the summer time. The host really made us feel welcome with very sweet attentions. We slept like babies in these very comfortable and soft beds. The kids had the time of their life running in the beautiful gardens, and looking at all the beautiful wild life. At night we enjoyed the fire pit outside with marshmallows while staring at the stars. The house is very comfortable and the decoration has a lot of cache, Hemingway would have loved to stay there.”

“A wonderful house and grounds that will make your vacation feel like you had gone back to summer camp — but better. No counselors or curfews, no annoying bunkmates, but you get to have all the fun and stay in beautiful accommodations. The rustic house and the “barn” — but really more of lovely enormous ski-lodge-style room with a pool table in its center — housed 13 of us very comfortably and would have easily fit a few more. What stands out is the considered layout of the estate. As you approach the property, you see what resembles a tiny village: an arrangement of footbridges and walkways connecting a variety of charming buildings, all in foreground to your own special, sprawling private lake. Paired with the beautiful setting is something very hard to find in rentals: a consistent attention to craftsmanship. The owners clearly gave thought to each piece of furniture and decor, from the construction of the buildings to the hand-crafted teacup collection. Polished antique pieces adorned the inside of the residencies, accompanying beautiful (and comfortable!) furniture. Moments of luxury scatter the property: the bathrooms and showers are more than inviting, and we found the massage chair to be a particularly good massage chair. It was an excellent massage chair. During our stay, we canoed and kayaked, fished (and grilled the fish for dinner!) and swam in the gorgeous lake. We went running in the woods surrounding the water, played soccer and volleyball. We got wonderfully dizzy on the swing that overlooks the lake and the small private pier. At night we sat around the fire pit where we made s’mores, to later retire to the cozy interior of the house that invites you to sit around, play games or strum a guitar. It is a very special place that we look forward to staying at again. Many thanks for letting us stay at your delightful lake home for Labor Day weekend.”

3) Private Room in Catskills Lodge

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Price/night: $135
Accommodations: Private room, 1 bedroom per reservation
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
A visit to this rural rental comes complete with an introduction to living off the land! From the elegant front and back decks, guests can get a view of the rose garden, vegetable garden, adjacent farm, and with a little luck, a glimpse of the resident woodpeckers. The house itself is full of natural light and stocked with games and amenities for the kids and the adults to enjoy after a day of hiking in the nearby Catskills.

Sample reviews:

“Jeremy is a wonderful host. His house is warm and welcoming and we had a delightful time getting to know him. Jeremy knows the area very well, and is extremely generous with his experience–he had excellent recommendations for activities for every member of our family. A pleasure! »

“Jeremy is a natural host with a fantastic home in a beautiful setting. He went over and above to ensure that we had a great stay. Even though he was in Thailand when we made the original booking, he communicated quickly and in detail. His place is totally charming, luxurious in a peaceful setting. We had a private balcony that overlooked a magnificent pond and field with a mountain in the background. He made sure we were armed with plenty of information and a good map to use exploring his part of the world. Jeremy is a fascinating guy with a diverse range of interests.”

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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