Brownstoner Upstate: Culture in the Catskills

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

The majesty of the Catskill Mountains has been influencing art for centuries, and yet, some still consider it the cultureless boonies. Boonies, perhaps, depending on the location, but cultureless, definitely not. There’s a lot going on up here, particularly during the summer: The Belleayre Music Festival kicks off during the Fourth of July weekend continuing through the end of August. Mountain Jam has come and gone, but Hunter Mountain still has plenty of festivals rounding out the summer. There’s always something going on at Bethel Woods (we’re flirting with lawn seats to HEART this weekend). We haven’t even talked about galleries, theaters, street fairs, flea markets — GASP! “Okay,” you’re saying. “We get it. There’s stuff to do there. Let’s look at cool houses.” Your wish is my command.

more on the jump…

Speaking of Bethel Woods, this farmhouse is located less than twenty minutes from there. Nice front porch and big ol’ kitchen. Those whose eyes take offense at knotty pine, take heed: There’s a fair amount of it. Beds: 3. Baths: 2.5. Square Feet: 2,082. Lot Size: .24 acre. Taxes: $4,671. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 13 mins.

4 Lake Street, Bethel (Era Curasi Realty) GMAP

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Technically, the Columbia County city of Hudson is more Hudson Valley than Catskills, but we just wanted an excuse to look at this Italianate beauty. Besides, Hudson is a happening place with the top-notch music venue Club Helsinki, great food like Swoon Kitchenbar, and galleries galore. Definitely worth a visit. Plus, there’s an Amtrak station on the riverfront, and this house is practically next door to it. Beds: 4. Baths: 3.5. Square Feet: 6,065. Lot Size: .15 acre. Taxes: $15,563. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 30 mins.

41 W Court, Hudson (Prudential Nutshell) GMAP

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The Greene County hamlet of Palenville is really coming into its own as an artists’ community…but we already knew that. It started with the Hudson River School. This weekend marks the hamlet’s Hidden Gallery Walk, where various locations around town will be transformed into art galleries, followed by an art sale at the Clark House B&B. This Victorian is kind of work of art itself, with the Kaaterskill Falls Creek right outside the front door. Beds: 3. Baths: 3. Square Feet: 2,427. Lot Size: 1.9 acres. Taxes: $9,703. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 20 mins.

381 Malden Avenue, Palenville (Westwood Metes & Bounds) GMAP

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Greene Arts helps make the village of Catskill one of Greene County’s cultural centers, with workshops, exhibitions, and classes happening year round. Its location on Main Street bolsters the art scene in general, and this ornate Victorian is situated just a few minutes from there on more than seven acres, just off Route 23b. Also convenient to Olana. Beds: 7. Baths: 3. Square Feet: 3,860. Lot Size: 7.3 acres. Taxes: $4,763. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 22 mins.

2170 Route 23B, Catskill (Steve Hubbard Real Estate) GMAP (approx)