Brownstone Upstate: Four Cozy Cottages

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.

Bucolic scenery. Serenity. Having a place tucked away in the woods, perhaps on a bit of land, maybe on a little stream bubbling you to sleep at night. The ability to sit on a deck from which to watch the birds congregate. The opportunity to plant a garden. The desire for quietude surrounded by nature. An escape. These are all reasons we’ve heard folks express for wanting to migrate up to the north, sometimes with a wistful glint in their eyes. What better way to retreat from the hustle and bustle than a quaint, cozy cottage in the woods? Even those of us who live up here already dream about it, too, which prompted an exploration of mid-range priced cottages in the area. Here’s what we discovered in Delaware, Greene, and Dutchess counties.

We were unsuccessful at finding this place on a map, although we suspect it’s on Parker Road, north of Margaretville. Still, the mystery just made the property all the more attractive, and the streamside location and cute kitchen certainly helped. Sometimes, these for-sale-by-owner houses aren’t so forthcoming with information, but we can tell you that it’s 1100 square feet, located on an acre of land, and that it’s just lovely. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1,100. Lot Size: 1 acre. Taxes: Unknown.

Two bedroom cottage in Margaretville

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The price might seem a little high for a cottage, but this is typical for Rhinebeck in Dutchess County. Size-wise, it’s certainly cottage-like, but it’s got a nice open floor plan thanks to its former incarnation as a barn. Includes a pond and outbuilding, and it’s located on 3 acres just outside of Rhinebeck village. We love that they kept some of the old wood detailing and ceiling beams. Beds: 1. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1,225. Lot Size: 3.2 acres. Est. Taxes: $5,260.

155 Wey Road, Rhinebeck (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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This modest but tidy cottage is located near Sleepy Hollow Lake in the Greene County town of Athens. You can learn more about the Sleepy Hollow Lake community on their website. It’s a decent size for a cottage, but the lot size is small due to its location within a lakeside community of homes. Still, you get your water views from here, plus access to private swimming beaches and outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts, private campgrounds, playgrounds, and a community lodge. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,584. Lot Size: .37 acre. Est. Taxes: Approx. $7,000 – $8,000.

10 Tammy Trail, Athens (Lake & Mountain Realty) GMAP

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Size-wise, this pretty Colonial in the Greene County town of Cairo might be too big to be considered a “cottage”, but the price is good, and it’s on a decent bit of land near the Cottekill Creek not far from village of Cairo. Listings claims privacy surrounding by woods on “park-like” 1.5 acres of land. Too big to be a cottage? Perhaps. Too cute to be overlooked? Definitely. Beds: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,200. Lot Size: 1.5 acres. Est. Taxes: $2,943

2776 County Route 23B, Cairo (Non MLS) GMAP (approx)