Romantic Phoenicia retreat near Hunter, Belleayre

2 minutes drive from Phoenicia or 20 from Woodstock, this wonderfully hand-crafted building w/17' ceilings sits above a beautiful stream. 174-acre property includes 7 miles of totally private hiking & cross-country ski trails and a mountaintop with incredible views. Located just ten miles from both Hunter and Belleayre, it's secluded & ideal as a creative or contemplative retreat. Perfect for two but can accommodate one or two more in the same space, kids perhaps, if privacy isn't required. Inspired, comfortable and completely functional, this cozy but airy timber frame building, 1,000 sq ft, is completely owner-designed and built. Originally constructed as a painting studio with north-facing skylights and studio lighting, it can still function that way with the flip of a switch. The building has a glass-fronted woodstove in addition to its regular heating system, along with cable tv and excellent wifi. Maps of the owner's private hiking trail system are provided on arrival. The kitchen area is simple but well-equipped, the bathroom has a shower and a small clawfoot tub. Scaled as a 50' x 20' open floor plan, the building's spatial proportions are based on those of a gothic cathedral and most visitors seem to recognize that they're similarly affected by the space and the light. The view from the bed includes a small waterfall, and just outside, steps from the building, there are plenty of great outdoor spaces.. fireplaces, seating, swimming holes, etc. Our rental place is located just a few hundred feet from our house, but it's sited above it so it's quite private. It has its own parking, seating, and streamside areas. Our generator will keep the power on, but when it really snows, you might have to leave your car next to ours, at the bottom of the driveway until our plow guy opens things up. It's not far to walk, but I'm happy to move your things if needed, on my atv. The owner lives in the property's main house, just down the hill. Protection from bunny rabbits and deer is provided by Jack, an old and extremely friendly dog who's occasionally mistaken for a small bear. Although Phoenicia is just down the road, the only business here in Chichester is the Catskills Yoga House ... which has a great reputation, classes nearly every day, and is just a short walk down Park Road. For swimming and stream exploring, there are smaller swimming holes here on this property but the nicest local place to fully immerse is in the Stony Clove Creek with its beautifully eroded rock formations. It's on state-owned land right on Rt 214, about half a mile away, walkable or drivable. The hamlet of Phoenicia is a two minute drive from here. Basic groceries can be found at the Phoenicia market, the nearest supermarkets are about 10 or 12 minutes away, either in Boiceville or in Hunter. Locally the Phoenicia Diner, Sweet Sues, and Brios are all excellent choices for breakfast and lunch. Other excellent local restaurants are The Phoenician on Rt. 214, Peekamoose in Big Indian, and Zephyr in Pine Hill. Woodstock is 12 or 13 miles away, a 20-minute drive. Nice town to browse and street walk. This very private property is at the literal end of the road. Beyond it is more than 100,000 acres of the Westkill Mountain Wilderness. It's quiet and secluded here, and I'm looking to rent to people who'll share an appreciation of the beauty and the solitude and the safety of this place. If you have questions as to whether it may be right for you, just write and ask me.