For all the buzz and popularity of our charming Catskills and Hudson Valley towns on weekends, a surprising number of eateries are closed Monday through Wednesday. But fear not! Country House has compiled a list of great spots for grabbing a bite and a beverage on the quieter days of the week.
Read MoreNestled cozily between both the Catskill Mountains and the Shawanagunks in Ulster County, NY, Accord is a charming, unsung gem in the Town of Rochester. Even with increased press and name-recognition, it still maintains its historic rural charm and off-the-beaten path appeal. And for a town of its size, it features a surprising amount of destination-worthy attractions and events. Read on below for some of our favorite local spots.
Read MoreNarrowsburg is a dynamic riverside town with an active business and arts community. Whether you're a local, first-time or repeat visitor, there's always something new to discover, from eateries with enchanting waterfront views, to fun shops that will tickle your retail urges. Here's a guide to some of the town's must-visit spots and hidden gems.
Read MoreA turnkey property, great design and killer pics to bump your Instagram page — that’s all it takes to launch a successful Airbnb rental, right? If you think it’s that easy, prepare yourself. Towns throughout the region have been enacting laws that regulate Short Term Rentals (STRs), and some are tough enough to change the whole trajectory of your plans.
Here we take a look at a few examples of commonly enacted STR regulations in our area.
Read MoreStraddling Sullivan and Ulster Counties, Claryville is a bit of a unicorn with its rare combination of stunning natural scenery and minimal development. For those seeking a peaceful setting with an emphasis on outdoor activities who don’t mind having to leave town for more practical amenities, Claryville is a piece of heaven.
Read MoreWhile the panic buying of the first heady months of Covid are thankfully long behind us, the real estate market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley remains exceedingly competitive for the most desirable properties. As prices continue to push the envelope, bank appraisals often lag, creating nearly a requirement that buyers looking to snap up their dream home pony up more cash, sometimes substantially more, than the standard 20% downpayment. We explain the workings behind the strategy and share our recent experiences.
Read MoreIt’s been a seller’s market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley for several years now, with Covid pouring gasoline on an already white-hot market. So who are the the lucky ones winning those bidding wars? And how are they coming out on top? There are definitely strategies, and I’ll share my Top 7 here.
Read MoreWhy do listings show a “town” and a “city”? The answer affects your taxes. Think you know which areas have the highest and lowest taxes? You might not be looking at the right “town”. This post shines a light on the labels and on what’s behind property taxes.
Read MoreIn this upended world where every day is a month, my last post two-and-a-half weeks ago appears to have been more of a hunch, while now I have at least some stronger anecdotal evidence to cull from, regarding the coronavirus’s impact on the second home market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Read MoreWhen we’re free in the world once again, will the feeding frenzy of recent years be even more frantic, or will the bottom drop out leaving only the sound of crickets? I do have a strong sense of optimism about the real estate market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley, however, borne out of anecdotal feedback from our second home buyers including what their current general frame of mind is, as reflected in emails and my little Instagram survey.
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