Brownstoner Upstate: Along the Scenic Byway

Fridays at 11, Brownstoner Upstate brings you a selection of properties within three hours north, and a little east or west, of New York City.

Detractors of the Route 28 Scenic Byway Project, which winds its way through the Catskill Mountains from West Hurley in Ulster County to the Western Gateway in Delaware County north of Andes, worry that this official designation would take away some of their rights under Home Rule and subject local businesses to land use regulations. Proponents, on the other hand, see the Route 28 Scenic Byway designation as a boon to the Catskills in terms of both tourism and protection of natural resources. Regardless of either opinion, one thing everyone can agree on is that Route 28 through the Catskills is seriously scenic (with a lower case “s”), and while tourism can’t be the only industry that revives the flagging economy of the Catskills, it certainly plays a substantial role. The proposed byway passes through picturesque towns like Phoenicia and Margaretville, making its way past Belleayre Mountain. We’ve traveled the loop-de-loop that links Route 28, Route 10, and Route 23 into Greene County — that’s not too hard on the eyes, either. So let’s make the loop together, going backwards through Greene County, into Delaware, and then back into Ulster County.

The exterior of this ornate Victorian in Windham is quite charming and sunny-yellow, complete with a gazebo and a well-landscaped yard. Suffice it to say, we were surprised that the interior was a tad more lackluster. But all the elements are there to match up interior and exterior: Wide plank floors, fireplaces and woodstoves, and a sitting parlor could bring some of this house’s history back inside (it was supposedly built in 1907 — although it looks older — belonged to a prominent businessman, and served as a boarding house back during the Catskill resort days). Close to skiing at both Windham and Hunter Mountains. Distance from New York City: two hours, 20 minutes. Beds: 5. Baths: 3.5. Square Feet: 3,316. Lot Size: .46 acre. Est. Taxes: $3,246.

5419 State Route 23, Windham (Coldwell Banker Village Green) GMAP

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The cool, energy-efficient house passively collects sunlight during the day for warmth and stays cool during the summer thanks to it being set right into the ground. We love its big, open design with peaked ceilings, use of brick and slate for flooring, and circular flow inside, and its terraced landscaping with gardens and ponds outside. It’s on 21 acres in South Kortright in Delaware County, three hours away from New York City. Located north of the hamlet of South Kortright, home of the Bibliobarn. Beds: 2. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,100. Lot Size: 21 acres. Est. Taxes: $5,491.

1376 Betty Brook, South Kortright (Frank Lumia Real Estate) GMAP

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East Meredith is getting up into the western corridor to the Adirondack Mountains, which means it’s far away (we’re talking at least three hours from New York City), but it’s awfully pretty country. And there, you’ll find this old-fashioned farmhouse on 30 acres with nearly 3,000 square feet of interior space for less than $300,000. Built in 1900, the farmhouse has clearly been loved, taken care of, and well-preserved. And talk about room to roam the countryside. Beds: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,688. Lot Size: 30 acres. Est. Taxes: $7,310.

790 Grimm Road, East Meredith (Frank Lumia Real Estate) GMAP

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And here’s the bargain of the day: A turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts house in the village of Fleischmanns, 1,500 square feet in size, that looks tank-like in its construction. Includes an enclosed porch and a hilltop perch that lends it a lovely view over the treetops and to the mountains. Lot size is sadly small, but it’s convenient to lots of outdoorsy activities in the Catskill Mounts (could be homebase) like hiking, skiing, fishing, and so on. Walking distance to the village and approximately two hours, 15 minutes from New York City. Beds: 4. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1,512. Lot Size: .16 acre. Est. Taxes: $3,095.

37 Schneider Avenue, Fleischmanns (Frank Lumia Real Estate) GMAP

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