Woodstock's reputation as an artist's mountain refuge dates back all the way to the early 1800s, when it became a gathering place for naturalists, painters and musicians, and a hub for the American Arts & Crafts movement. This vacation rental in Woodstock, built in the 1880s, hearkens back to that time, paying homage to its rich past while offering a modern take on a place to gather.

The home's owner is a Woodstock native who left for New York City to work in Broadway and fashion lighting, but felt compelled to return, looking for the perfect site to create his vision—the first in a series of residences that offer a sense of home to guests, no matter how far they've traveled to reach them. 

It took him a year to find what is now Glasco Woodstock, a striking home located at the end of a private driveway that opens up into flowering meadows, with views of Overlook Mountain. Renovated in the 1970s, it has been largely left intact and is designed to showcase the beauty of the region. The home uses locally-sourced products where possible (including Hudson Made soaps and toiletries) and updates guests with a real-time, digital concierge service to help create a highly personalized stay.

An Arts & Crafts vibe presents itself in the two-story window forms, rustic wood and brickwork, while charming touches are preserved, including a double oven and a grill built into a stone wall in the sunken kitchen, and a stained-glass shower.

With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is plenty of space and beds here, accommodating up to 16 guests and making it a perfect place for families and groups of friends. For anyone looking for an escape within an escape, one of the rooms is a standalone studio in the garden, available for bookings of 11 guests or more.

Cozy up to the polished home decor by Hawkins and Rejuvenation New York, curl up with a book or take a nap in the screened-in porch, which spills outside and into the extensive menu of outdoor pursuits: two ponds, hammocks, and an eight-person hot tub, surrounded by a wonderland of foliage.

If you're feeling especially energetic, head off into the 16 acres of forest and meadows, which have a range of hiking trails. You may even spot some animals, as blue heron, deer and more have been known to frequent the land.

Come develop your own craft, or simply attune yourself to nature, letting the trees and mountains be your skyscrapers.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The Linden King, an upstairs king-size suite has a fireplace and adjoining bathroom with a large shower, heated floors and a secret passage to the Brooks Loft. The loft overlooks the living room and has a twin bed, perfect for a child. A queen-size air mattress can fit in this room. Also upstairs is the Avery Suite, a full-size suite with shower and tub. On the main floor, you'll find the Campbell Queen, a queen-size bedroom with shared bathroom, and the Dalton Standard, with queen and twin, perfect space for small families. The Glaser Studio is separate from the main house and accessible by a 200ft stone path. It features a queen bed and a pull-out sofa, but the bathroom is in the main house. Use of the studio may be added for an additional cost.

The home’s 24-hour digital concierge service provides recommendations for activities, hikes, and restaurants. Experiences on offer include private yoga and Pilates classes, the services of a private chef, massages and other spa treatments, as well as seasonal private mushroom foraging and dumpling + pizza making sessions.

OUTDOORSY, ARTSY WOODSTOCK

Two hours north of New York City, Woodstock is well known as a thriving arts colony, with rows of galleries and shops along Tinker Street, the remarkable stream-side Bearsville Theater, and Byrdcliffe Guild, a regional center for the performing and fine arts. Come for the Woodstock Film Festival in October, the Maverick Chamber Music Festival in summer, Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambles summer music series, and the Farmers Market.

An all-season playground, Woodstock is framed by the Catskills Mountains and offers up summer hiking trails in nearby Wilson State Park, canoeing and kayaking on the Hudson River and Great Lake, and local swimming holes galore. Just across from the house is trail access with miles of protected state land for great for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Both Belleyre and Hunter ski resorts are 30 minutes away, and Windham is under an hour.

Eateries within the locality include Silvia for contemporary American cuisine, Woodstock wine bar Early Terrible for craft cocktails, wines and small plates, Cucina for modern Italian fare, and Westwind Orchard for natural hard ciders and farm-to-table food. Don't miss Opus 40, a large environmental sculpture by Harvey Fite in Saugerties, and the Overlook Mountain Trail, a 4.6 mile scenic hike.

LOCATION

Woodstock, New York. Nearest airport: Stewart International Airport-Newburgh (51 miles) or Albany International Airport (54 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round. Summer and fall, when the colors come out, are the most popular, and there are excellent winter sport areas.