Summary:
Welcome to your peaceful and private retreat nestled in the Catskill foothills. Nestled on 2.3 acres, this bright and airy three bedroom, two bathroom ranch with a full walk-out lower level offers the perfect escape. Expertly designed with modern furnishings, and surrounded by mature hardwoods and pines and picturesque stone walls, this is the perfect home base to explore nearby Kaaterskill and the Catskills Mountains.
*Pet Friendly, fee applies per pet.
The Space:
As you enter the home, you’ll be greeted by an inviting foyer with a skylight that provides lots of natural light. Continue through to the living room, where you’ll find the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, complete with a wood stove insert and a bluestone hearth and mantel. The vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows flood the space with natural light and bring the scenic outdoors inside, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere day or night. The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for preparing home-cooked meals, and the adjacent dining room and breakfast nooks offer charming and comfortable settings for shared meals. Relax and unwind in the game room area of the basement and enjoy a movie or a game of table tennis! Great for gathering with family indoors. Straight out of the basement doors, you'll also have access to the hot tub and firepit!
This home comfortably accommodates 8 guests. With each bedroom featuring Casper mattresses and luxury linens, every room is designed to ensure a restful night’s sleep. To the left of the foyer, you’ll find three large sun-filled bedrooms, each furnished with a queen-sized bed and modern, comfortable décor. Two full bathrooms complete the main level. Downstairs, the spacious basement includes a queen-sized sleeper sofa with a plush 6 cm memory foam mattress—perfect for extra guests or a cozy movie night.
From the living room, step through the sliding glass door onto the spacious raised deck, where you can unwind, relax, and entertain family and friends surrounded by nature. Descend the exterior staircase from the deck to discover the large backyard, gather around the fire pit for roasting marshmallows and enjoying the star-filled evening sky from the hot tub, and embrace the fresh air and tranquility while savoring the joys of outdoor living.
Sleeping arrangements:
- Bedroom 1: 1 queen bed
- Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed
- Bedroom 3: 1 queen bed
- Basement shared space: queen sleeper sofa
Guest Access:
We offer convenient door codes for self-check-in. Portoro Homes uses convenient keyless entry for self check-in, details provided 2 weeks (or less) prior to arrival by email and text message.
• Early check-ins or late check-outs: If the property happens to be ready earlier than the standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, in most cases an early arrival option may be available when confirmed with the main office. Late check-outs must be confirmed with main office staff prior to the date of departure.
The Neighborhood:
The Catskills and Hudson Valley are fantastic destinations for anyone looking to escape the city and experience a blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and small-town charm. This region is famous for its rolling mountains, lush forests, and scenic river views—perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the outdoors. In autumn, the foliage is truly spectacular, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. Throughout the area, you’ll discover a unique mix of history and creativity, with beautifully preserved architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods. Weekend markets, cozy cafés, and a welcoming community vibe are found in every corner. The region is rich in culture, with attractions like Olana, Clermont State Historic Site, and regular art shows, music events, and seasonal festivals. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a foodie experience, the Catskills and Hudson Valley deliver it all—making any of these charming towns a perfect home base for exploring this special corner of New York.
Palenville, often called the “Gateway to the Catskills,” stands out for its artistic legacy and breathtaking natural surroundings. Once a 19th-century artists’ colony, Palenville continues to inspire with its waterfalls, wooded trails, and creative spirit. The village is just minutes from iconic sites like Kaaterskill Falls and the North-South Lake area, making it a favorite for hikers and painters alike. Palenville’s quiet streets, historic inns, and community events reflect a deep appreciation for both art and nature, offering visitors a unique blend of inspiration and tranquility.
Things to See & Do:
• Things to Do:
- Hike to Kaaterskill Falls or North-South Lake (nearby).
- Stop at Circle W Market for coffee and art.
- Explore the Palenville Library and local history.
- Visit the Catskill Mountain House site for views.
- Discover Sphinx Rock and other local legends.
- Visit nearby Thomas Cole National Historic Site.
• Things to See:
- Enjoy scenic drives and photography in Kaaterskill Wild Forest.
- Palenville Cemetery’s old gravestones
- Rip Van Winkle Bridge’s panoramic river views
- North-South Lake’s scenic shores (nearby)
• Golf Courses: Rip Van Winkle Country Club, Catskill Golf Club, Windham Country Club
• Museums: Thomas Cole National Historic Site (Catskill, nearby), Mountain Top Historical Society (Haines Falls, nearby), Empire State Railway Museum (Phoenicia, nearby)
• Local Markets: Catskill Farmers Market (nearby), Saugerties Farmers Market (nearby), Rip Van Winkle Country Club Farm Stand (seasonal, nearby), Greene County Farmers Market (Catskill, nearby)
• Local Restaurants & Shopping
- Restaurants: Circle W Market (café), Fernwood Restaurant, Woodhouse Lodge Restaurant, Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company (Catskill, nearby), The New York Restaurant (Catskill, nearby), Gracie’s Luncheonette (Leeds, nearby)
- Shops: Circle W Market, Catskill Mountain Country Store (Catskill, nearby), The Open Studio (Catskill, nearby), Magpie Bookshop (Catskill, nearby), Mahalo Gift Shop (Catskill, nearby), Rip Van Winkle Country Store (Catskill, nearby)
Annual Festivals & Events:
• Palenville Library Summer Fair
• Rip Van Winkle Wine & Cheese Festival (Catskill, nearby)
• Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Independence Day Celebration (Hunter, nearby)
• Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival (East Durham, nearby)
• Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (Saugerties, nearby)
• Catskill Food Festival (Catskill, nearby)
• Saugerties Artists Studio Tour (Saugerties, nearby)
• Tannersville Crazy Race & Festival (Tannersville, nearby)
• Mountain Top Arboretum Summer Celebration (Tannersville, nearby)
• Thomas Cole National Historic Site Opening Day (Catskill, nearby)
Getting Around:
Driving through Palenville is a treat, with quiet roads passing waterfalls, artist studios, and lush woodlands. Route 23A provides dramatic scenery as it climbs into the mountains, while local roads lead to trailheads and historic sites that showcase the area’s creative and natural heritage.
Parking is easy at most attractions, and the relaxed pace of traffic makes for a pleasant journey. Scenic drives offer chances to stop at local cafés, explore an art gallery, or hike to a nearby waterfall.
Wildlife sightings are common, especially near streams and forest edges. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, so download maps if you plan to explore off the main roads. With your own car, every drive in Palenville is an adventure in Catskills history and scenery.
Airports:
• Albany International Airport (ALB): ~1 hour
• Stewart International Airport (SWF): ~1 hour 30 minutes
• New York City Airports (JFK/LGA/EWR): 2.5–3 hours
Popular Landmarks:
• Kaaterskill Falls (iconic waterfall, nearby)
• Circle W Market (historic general store/café)
• Palenville Library (historic)
• Rip Van Winkle Bridge (scenic views)
• Catskill Mountain House Site (historic overlook)
• Palenville Cemetery (historic)
• Sphinx Rock (local legend)
• Kaaterskill Wild Forest (hiking, nature)
• North-South Lake (recreation, hiking, nearby)
• Thomas Cole National Historic Site (art, nearby)
Interaction with Guests:
Our goal is that your vacation exceed your expectations. Portoro Homes communicates via email and phone. After a booking is confirmed, rental agreement will be emailed to the guest for e-signature. Check-in instructions are sent by email and text message 14 days (or less) prior to arrival date. We offer convenient keyless entry for self-check in. We do typically check in with guests by text 1-2 times during their stays to ensure a 5-star experience and remain available for any questions. We are available to guests 24/7 for any inquiries.
