Overview
Nestled where eagles glide, this beautiful and tranquil hilltop retreat is located less than two hours from NYC/GWB. Ascending the private driveway winding through forested hillside, you’ll experience a shift in pace as this stunning custom-built home comes into view. Sited thoughtfully, the home affords commanding views of the surrounding countryside, and benefits from the integration of passive solar principles. Californian and Japanese architectural influences, plus generous-sized windows throughout, contribute to a zen-like feel and connection to nature in every space. The home is constructed using premium materials and finishes: red slate and copper roofing, walls clad in wood shingles and stone sourced from the property, and radiant-heated bluestone floors throughout the first floor. A stone fireplace rises through the center of the double-story living/dining space with overhead beams extending to an impressive curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. A suspended balcony overlooks the living/dining space and a dramatic open staircase connects all levels. In addition to the spacious two-story open plan living/dining area, the first floor comprises a well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry, marble counter tops, Wolf oven, Sub Zero fridge, Gaggenau steam oven, and brick pizza oven; also, a primary bedroom suite, laundry area, and a serene screened-in porch adjacent to the kitchen that’s perfect for morning coffee, evening dining, or an afternoon nap. The second floor has two additional bedroom suites. The east-facing suite, currently used as office and lounge, features a traditional Japanese Hinoki wood soaking tub in the bathroom. All bathrooms have towel warmers. On the balcony there’s space to sit and read, or simply take in the dramatic and distant view. The full, unfinished basement has vast storage space (suitable for creating a workshop, studio, or workout space), houses mechanicals, and provides garage parking for two vehicles. A dumb waiter allows for groceries to be easily transferred from car to pantry. Outside, an extensive open porch flanks two sides of the main entrance. The 46 acres property is mostly wooded with large stone outcroppings and is suitable for hunting. Old trails, ideal for nature walks, foraging, and forest bathing, would benefit from some clearing so they can be fully explored. A small creek flows near the westerly boundary across Bethlehem Road. Nearby towns—Callicoon, Livingston Manor, Roscoe, North Branch, Jeffersonville (10-20 mins), Narrowsburg (30 mins)—provide great shopping, dining, and brewery options, while the Conover Club restaurant and bar at Callicoon Hills is literally just down the road (less than 5 mins). This area benefits from having a vibrant and growing arts community, is famous for fly fishing, provides many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, swimming and kayaking, and is renowned for its natural beauty.