Brownstoner Upstate: Spend 2015 in the Catskills

ICYMI: Travel + Leisure named the Catskills as one of its Best Places to Travel in 2015, and we’re not going to argue. In our completely unverified unscientific opinion, we seem to see more and more visitors popping up during the warmer months at local farmer’s markets and walking around our streets, gawking upward at cool, old buildings. People are catching on to the fact that it’s paradise in your own backyard up here. There’s a change in the air around the Catskill Mountains, and while we don’t think the tourist industry alone can completely revitalize the Catskills, it’s becoming increasingly more apparent that it will play a large role. How do casinos factor in to all of this? Well, that’s a whole post in and of itself and a subject that’s been extensively covered, but it’s what the voters wanted, so they shall receive it. Meanwhile, as we enter into a brand new year, let’s head into the mountains and see what the real estate market holds for us (spoiler alert: a lot of good stuff).

Our journey begins in Phoenicia, an Ulster County town situated on the Esopus Creek. The heart of Phoenicia is the hamlet of Phoenicia with great restaurants and all manner of nature beauty. While this rustic cottage on more than a half acre is north of the hamlet, it’s only a few minutes away and right down the road from a yoga studio. According to the listing, the living room woodstove will heat the whole house. Situated on Stony Clove Creek but purports to be “high and dry.” Close to Belleayre Mountain and Ski Resort. Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1398. Lot Size: .61 acres. Est. Taxes: $2126. Distance from Brooklyn: 2.5 hours.

302 Route 214, Phoenicia (Westwood Metes & Bounds) GMAP

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Retro cabin in the woods near Woodstock, anyone? It needs some brightening and updating inside, but it does include three acres of lush land about 10 minutes due west of Woodstock village. Also comes with a screened-in porch and detached garage/storage area. Here’s the thing, though: It’s seasonal, which means some work will need to be done to bring it up to a year-round situation. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1488. Lot Size: 3 acres. Est. Taxes: $3672. Distance from Brooklyn: 2+ hours.

3 Rothwell Road, Bearsville (Win Morrison) GMAP

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Meanwhile, about 20 miles northwest of Bearsville, this house sits on 2.5 acres and might be a good fit for a large family. Made up of five bedrooms, three baths, and 2,606 square feet, not to mention slate hearth/fireplace, deck, and mountain views. Streamside. Beds: 5. Baths: 3. Square Feet: 2606. Lot Size: 2.5 acres. Est. Taxes: $3766. Distance from Brooklyn: 2.5 hours.

333 Route 42, Shandaken (Westwood Metes & Bounds) GMAP