Tiny Blue Mountain Cabin

Nestled in the serene beauty of State preserved land rests Woodland Valley, a coveted location revered for its natural beauty, wildlife and the Esopus River that runs through it. Our privately located wood cabin is a restorative little gem. Hand built and designed to offer an elevated escape. Purposed by its smallness; offering everything you need, nothing you don't. Feel off the grid while still enjoying modern amenities and being close to all the best places the Catskills has to offer. This cabin is special in every way. We built our home with love and attention to every detail. Enjoy the small cozy quarters and the benefits of what smaller paired down living offers. It's an ideal couple's retreat and only would recommend as so due to the one small bedroom. Enjoy the great outdoors while still having modern amenities, high end bedding and linens, heated floors, hot water on demand ( never run out of hot water) a Chef's fully equipped kitchen with a large gas burner stove, a dishwasher (no should do have to do dishes during their vacation) an ice maker (because cocktail hour is a must) and full laundry available. A weber grille is just outside the kitchen door on the large bluestone patio. The cabin's interiors offer an open living space surrounded by windows and natural light. The sunlit bedroom has a Queen sized bed. The cabin also features a small additional room with a twin size lounge bed and floor to ceiling windows, a perfect spot for drawing or reading away a rainy day. All of the windows are intentionally left curtain free to enjoy the unobstructed views; allowing nature to encompass you even when indoors. Only sounds of the birds and the nearby creek to hear. The cabin is set alongside of a private gravel drive open only to the four neighbors we have. Please see our listing pictures for reference We curated not only the interiors of the cabin but also it's location, not in isolation, but still with the feeling of time being dialed back and away from it all. Woodland Valley is one of the most sought after areas in the Catskill, revered for its natural beauty quietly tucked away just outside of Phoenicia in state preserved land . There are many hikes and swimming holes within walking distance. Many more a short drive away along with quick access to surrounding popular areas and attractions. We have included a welcome book featuring the curation of all the places we found and enjoy. There are so many fun things to do and explore, places to shop and eat; you will find yourself wishing for more days. (Don't worry! your will return!) Winter Months: The cabin has heated floors throughout, which makes for the most warm, healthy and wonderfully cozy environment. Please note that due to an incident, our indoor ambient Fireplace is no longer available for guest us. Our winter rates have been lowered to reflects this now permanent restriction. The outdoor Fire-pit is wonderful for fireside enjoyment and is available for year round use which we provide bundles of kiln dried wood for :) Summer Months: The cabin does not have (nor need ) air conditioning. Through its log build it traps in and insulates the fresh and cool mountain air at night and maintains a comfortable interior even though the warmest of days, no need to breath in freon :) There are noise free ceiling fans in the bedroom and living space. Our property manager is available by phone, email or text, and lives localy. Step outside our cottage and explore the mountainside beauty that is locally adorned as "God's Country". Come hike the many trailheads, search waterfalls, swim in secluded watering holes, gather wildflowers, breath fresh mountain air and relax. A few minutes drive brings you to Phoenicia's adorable town, localized Farm Stands, the famed Phoenician Diner and a 20 min scenic drive to the lively Woodstock and Hunter Mountain Our Cabin is privately located but not isolated. We are within walking distance to the views and sounds of the Esopus River and a few mins drive to many excellent restaurants. Hi! Prior to booking or inquiring, please read through the below. This will help ensure we are the right hosts for your stay and may answer questions too :). Thank you! About us: My wife and are both working artists and designers. We have a daughter who loves to draw animals and she is very funny, she keeps us laughing every day. We love sharing our home and enjoy hosting guests when we cannot be there. Nearly every item within our cabin is handmade and most by the works of our many talented friends and community. We hope you love your stay and leave feeling refreshed and inspired. Please be understanding that this is our private home that we built with love and to suit our personal preferences. It is not a hotel or a vacant income rental. If a guest is looking for airbnb designed specifically for guests, kindly understand that is not who we are . Unfortunately we are unable to host children of any age as their safety and comfortability is our priority. Our home has limited foot room, is decorated with non child friendly furniture and we have a large railing free outdoor patio that has a 3' drop off along the back. Location: We are privately located off main roads tucked away in Woodland Valley's only "walkable" neighborhood. We are right along a private gravel drive open to the few neighbors we have. While you cannot see neighbors while on our property, if you are looking for total isolation, we definitely have neighbors, whom you may or may not see. We have not been able to meet them all yet ourselves either lol. Windows: As detailed in the listing, the windows are left curtain free to enjoy the outdoor views. While we have never felt any privacy issues ourselves, nor have any guests expressed concerns, we like to double ensure guests are aware and comfortable with this detail. Over the past year, Covid has brought up so many new travelers to the area, It's been great to connect and share our love of the Catskills with so many wonderful new visitors. But like all new things, there are always some hiccups to figure out. Because there has been the occasional set back with some guests not being in alignment with the responsibility of staying in someone's home and ignoring house rules, our home was not properly cared for and suffered damages that should have never occurred. Therefore we have installed this new screening process. It helps ensure clarity and expectations of all parties involved prior to booking, especially for newer members to the Airbnb community. We love to host (we have made so many new friends and connections!) and will always continue doing so. Please read the below guidelines and confirm prior to requesting to book (or within your instant booking message ) by messaging us a code word that is embedded in the below info. Trust: We offer our guests full privacy throughout their stay. In return we ask for trustworthiness. A guest may not bring, invite, nor house other people beyond the 2 guest limit. Our home is not a wedding venue. If someone besides you and your booked guest are at our home or on our property during your stay without receiving our prior approval to do so, this is breaking the rules. Guests may not show up with a dog or pet of any kind. Breaking our trust is not only unfair to us as the homeowner but uncomfortable for everyone involved. When any of the above rules are broken, the guest(s) will be required to leave immediately, no refunds will be issued and /or there will be an additional flat fee of $500.00 charged. This has been a real and very unkind issue to deal with, especially with the uncertain times of Covid-19. We thank you in advance for understanding why this new lengthy screening process is now in place. Breakages & Damages: Accidents can happen, it’s nothing to worry about. Please report them upon occurrence so we can easily address steps for replacement costs or repairs if needed. A breakage, damage or loss, will not affect a guest’s otherwise deserved full 5 star review. It's okay! just a normal honest mistake and we are still very happy to host. :) There is no need to ignore, attempt to hide or "fix" a damage. We enjoy sharing our home and everything within, if damages occur or items are removed it will be noticed. If a guest isn't in agreement with this level of trust and responsibility, our home is not the right fit. Cooking: It is required to reasonably clean up after cooking/eating throughout the stay and to take care of our cookware and utensils. Handwash all wood items including the chef knives. Please return our cookware and dishes back to where they were found. This helps avoid breakage and possible losses. Linens: Our linens are damage and soil free and will only remain that way through proper use. Our placemats and kitchen hand-towels are not rags. Paper towels are provided to wipe up food spills or dry outdoor furniture. Eating: Eat only in designated areas. Not in beds, nor on the living room furniture. Our kitchen table was hand made for us as a generous house warming gift from our talented friend who is a Master Swiss Carpenter. It is the heart of our home. Please always use provided placemats, coasters and never cut on it. Please treat the outdoor dining table with the same care. The interiors may not be re-arranged and interior furniture may never to be brought outside. There is outdoor furniture for outdoor enjoyment. Rates & "Value" Reviews: Discounted rates are not able to be offered as rates are based off of us being able to cover the expenses incurred in order to make hosting sensible. We have never raised our rates either. We respectively ask to be mindful with managing expectations of personalized needs after choosing to stay in someone's home in lieu of a hotel, especially for new travelers. The airbnb community was created to join homeowners with travelers looking to skip hotels and instead enjoy the privacy and amenities of what only a home can offer. Like all things, there are trade offs. We are not a business nor a hotel and should not be viewed or "reviewed" as one. Guests needs to be comfortable and happy with understanding that this is our home that we take personal pride in. For guests who would want a larger home, amenities we do not have, or a lesser rate as a reflection of “Value" when reviewing us post stay, understandably that is an impossible expectation for us to meet. It's the sole responsibility of the guest to identify their needs and book accordingly. Our cabin is accurately listed as small paired down living for those interested in exploring that experience. If a guest's preference is for a larger home, a lesser rate, a "hotel-like" experience, there are many wonderful boutique hotels, resorts and other options in the Catskills. The 5 star"value" of this cabin is the special unmatched experience of what this tiny restorative gem brings, a private stay in a highly sought after area, It is decorated lavishly, functionally, has private outdoor grounds for only your use, beautiful custom interiors, high end bedding and linens, a Chef's equipped kitchen and- us, your knowledgeable and thoughtful hosts :) We genuinely love hosting! We provide our guests with the best recommendations and unmatched tips and local knowledge. Majority of our guests return which is one of our greatest rewards. Shoes : Shoes are not permitted inside. Kindly bring a pair that can be easily slip off and on. Walking around outside barefoot and then returning inside brings in the same amount of dirt and debris as if shoes were worn. Following this rule maintains a clean environment for guests to enjoy throughout their stay and protects the custom handmade rugs throughout. We thank guests for following this rule. Bugs & Vermin : The cabin is as bug and vermin free as possible for such a secluded wooded location. We require it remains that way which is maintained through a very special homeopathic and poison free solution......called...... keeping the screen door shut. :) It seems obvious and we hope that made you laugh, but it's true! Please keep the exterior screen door shut all times. We understand this may be inconvenient when grilling or unpacking/ packing your car but we follow this rule as well. A screen door left even ajar will immediately bring in ants, flies, mosquitoes and mice. Once they are in, it's very hard to get them out and then we have to exterminate with actual poison. Occasionally, a small dime sized black spider may be seen. If possible a napkin can be used to toss it harmlessly outside. A spider is doing its job of trapping eating bugs that would otherwise bite you. It protects the home from being invaded and we like to offer respect in return. My wife is very afraid of them but she is the one who taught me how to trap them and make a run for the door. Upon my first lesson, I had zero idea she could move or run that fast. LOL. Needless to say, kindly be aware that when staying in the mountains, most likely insects will be reasonably around, especially by doors and windows. Driveway: Please only park on our gravel drive way, not on the grass or meadows. Smoking: Due to previous guests littering of our grounds no smoking of any kind is permitted anywhere inside nor on our property. Do not Vape inside our home. Do not smoke on our porch or patio. Communication : Guests are provided with a ton of welcome info prior to their trip dates, we like to prepare guests ahead of time so they may relax and enjoy a fully private and uninterrupted stay. We are happily available if whenever needed with the understanding that we work jobs ( which is why we are not at the cabin enjoying it ourselves lol) Understandably not every message can have an instant reply. All communications are to be equally respectful and when are non emergency needs, to be sent during reasonable hours. Wildlife: Woodland Valley is filled with wildlife, many which will be seen right out the windows. Please protect them by driving slowly on the roads. It breaks my daughter's and wife's heart - and therefore mine too- to see them crushed on Woodland Valley’s roads. This is a new occurrence due to the largely increased visitor traffic. Please keep it slow. ..... When hiking, picnicking and swimming, ensure to take your belongings /trash with you. This is our responsibility as residents and yours as our visiting guests. Only together we can preserve the Catskills. Rental Agreement and Waiver : All guests sign a formal and standard Rental /Agreement and Waiver that now has specific Covid-19 added language. It releases us against claims and liability for guests safety while staying chaperone free in our private home. On our end, we confirm that our home is cleaned and disinfected according to CDC standards right down to the doorknobs :) We take this very seriously, for your health and ours. We also block out dates in-between guests stays and departures so the cabin rest and air for added safety measures. To ensure comfortability, please preview it prior to booking, it can be found by scrolling down to "Additional House Rules”. We can also send a preview it in the forum message prior to booking if needed as well If guests book and later decide not to sign the waiver, guests are responsible for canceling their stay. Please be aware that Airbnb may deduct a service fees from the refund, which is charged and handled by airbnb, not by us and is completely out of our control. That's it! If you are still here reading this and the above is in alignment with your needs and agreeable, please message us code word agreeable:). We are committed to being the most kind, thoughtful, understanding and open people and therefore are the same as hosts. We also try to be funny too :) Not sure if that's a bonus or a drawback but it's thrown in for free either way. We have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people though hosting. Majority of our guests return and we have made some new friends along the way which is especially rewarding. We love connecting with other friendly and positive folks who share the love of the great outdoors. We’ll look forward to hosting you! With Love, Max and Bethany