Modern Glass House

A Minimalist Gem with Woodsy Charm

Plopped down in the deep old-growth forest, yet minutes from upstate New York’s most famous town, this home channels the aesthetics of minimalist masters Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra, yet retains its cabin-in-the-woods charm. Contemporary and crisp indoors, with a more back-to-nature vibe apparent outside, the house features wraparound decks overlooking a creek, a screened porch, pool, and definite treehouse vibes.

At once a temple to contemporary architecture and a classic upstate cabin in the woods, this vacation home for rent in New York State offers the best of both worlds. Lose yourself in the shade of towering pines, bobbing in the creekside swimming pool, or curled up on a deck or in the screened porch. Floor-to-ceiling windows amplify the isolated, deep woods feeling, yet the interior décor and name brand furnishings and amenities bring sophistication and urban refinement that elevate the property way above cabin standard.

A main house, guesthouse and studio combine around the pool and wood decks to offer three queen bedrooms and baths, and generous living spaces. The décor palette fits the location, with earthen toned linens and sleek, contemporary tiles and cabinets. There’s custom hickory wood underfoot and overhead, bringing warmth and coziness to the otherwise spare, contemporary space, and a wood-burning fireplace adds to the cozy feel. 

The house was built on top of a massive rock outcropping, and this dominant natural feature is artfully incorporated into its design. An expertly equipped cook’s kitchen, with its massive wall of windows, gives the delightful impression of cooking outdoors, though the fixtures are sophisticated and definitely gourmet quality, perfect for entertaining.

Pure nature really dominates around every corner of the home, yet the multitude of thoughtfully added luxuries, including the large private pool and hot tub, solar power and organic vegetable garden balance the home’s lost-in-the-woods mood, and give it unrivaled sophistication. Also not as remote as it seems, this contemporary gem is only a quick drive from the mythical town of Woodstock, with its lively restaurants and bars, shops, groceries and services.

AROUND

Two hours north of New York City, Woodstock instantly brings to mind the famous music fest which actually occurred in Bethel, over 60 miles away. But the town is more well known as a thriving arts colony with rows of galleries and shops along Tinker Street, the remarkable streamside 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. Both Belleyre and Hunter ski resorts are within 30 minutes, and Windham is under an hour.

LOCATION

Woodstock, New York, USA. Nearest airport: Lebanon (10.5 miles), Burlington, Vermont (66.8 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to September