Brownstoner Upstate: Margaretville Shines in the Catskills

The circa-1850 Bussy Building in Margaretville

The Delaware County village of Margaretville has had its ups and downs. Charming though its streets may be, all that charm couldn’t protect them from flood damage of historic levels when Hurricane Irene rolled into town in 2011.

However, Margaretville did just exactly what so many other plucky, tough-as-nails Catskill Mountain towns do when disaster strikes: It got up, dried itself off, rebuilt what it could, and got on with life.

While you won’t find a happening nightlife in Margaretville (you’re in the wrong mountain range if you want that, although we hear Hunter Mountain gets pretty rowdy during the winter), what you will find is a centralized village packed with historical architecture, mom-and-pop shops, a swell bookstore, and close proximity to outdoor recreation of all sorts, including hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching — we could go on.

Margaretville’s population is around 600, and the village is situated in the town of Middletown near the border of both Catskill Park and Ulster County and along the banks of the East Branch of the Delaware River. It’s located approximately 3.5 hours from Brooklyn.

Main Street in Margaretville just after Hurricane Irene, 2011. Photo taken during clean-up.

If you go: Hit the local bookstore, Bibliobarn, for a big selection of used and rare books. Grab your breakfast pastry and coffee from the Cheese Barrel Cafe and Gourmet Shop. Don’t forget to grab groceries and deli items while you’re there.

Afterward, head over to the Margaretville Commons, a shopping plaza with an art gallery, artisan’s guild shop, flower shop, interior design store, and home goods. Explore Margaretville’s wealth of historic architecture by taking the local walking tour.

If you’re in the area around dinnertime, drive east about 15 minutes along Route 28 to the Peekamoose Restaurant for some of the best food this side of the Catskill Mountains. Got the kids with you?

Carve out some time to hit Belleayre Beach, a swimming beach with lifeguards also located about 15 minutes east of Margaretville village. It will cost $3 a person to walk in, or $10 for a carload.

The Bibliobarn, Margaretville

The Cheese Barrel, Margaretville via Cheesebarrel.com

Galli-Curci Theatre, Margaretville. Currently on the market.

Corner of Bridge and Main streets, Margaretville

If you stay overnight: The Margaretville Mountain Inn is a B&B located just five minutes north of the village. The circa-1886 Queen Anne Victorian house offers mountain views, six guest rooms, two suites and, during the winter, plenty of ski-and-stay packages since Belleayre Mountain is a few miles away.

Rates run from $95 a night for a queen-sized room on a weekday ($125 a night on weekends) to $225 a night for their largest suite ($265 a night on weekends). Or, if you feel like AirBnBing it, this adorable one-bedroom cabin near Margaretville goes for $80 a night (two night minimum).

Cabin for rent in Margaretville via AirBnB.com

If you’re looking for a vacation home: According to Brownstoner Upstate market trends, the average price for a property in Margaretville is just over $179,500, around $123 a square foot. We would play the comparison game with other Upstate markets, but when you get this far into the Catskills, there’s no comparison.

Housing stock is still affordable up here, and we think you’ll find the property taxes a lot less painful than points further south. School district-wise, GreatSchools.com gives the Margaretville Central School District a medicore (at best) score of 5 out of 10. Ouch.

Don’t get too excited about private school offerings, either. The closest one appears to be Woodstock Day School, which is nearly an hour away.

52 Bill Stahl Road, Margaretville: $139,000

Looking for an inexpensive second home in the Margaretville area? There are more than a handful on the market, including this low-priced cottage on nearly two acres of land. Located about 10 minutes from Margaretville. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1300. Lot Size: 1.92 acres. Est. Taxes: $2381. 52 Bill Stahl Road, Margaretville (Mary Kay Gallagher) GMAP.

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36835 State Hwy 30, Margaretville: $189,000

Sure, it’s more expensive than the one above it, but this sweet cabin sits on nine acres of land that abuts DEP land. It’s also right across the road from the Pepacton Reservoir, so bring your boat, get the DEP seal of approval, and you’re cleared for launch. Privacy included. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 616. Lot Size: 8.8 acres. Est. Taxes: $2430. 36835 State Hwy 30, Margaretville (Coldwell Banker Timberland) GMAP.

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