Woodstone Trail: White Lake, NY

About The Property

Life at Woodstone Lodge, a private residence within Chapin Estate, encompasses so many aspects of the best The Catskills. Lakefront life serves up a continual string of memorable experiences, and Swinging Bridge Reservoir does this in spades. Peaceful mornings watching the mist rise over the water, coffee mug in hand. Say hello to the ducks as you kayak past, exploring peaceful coves along the lake’s nine mile stretch. And of course taking a refreshing plunge, whether it’s off your private dock or cannonballing off your boat, is a one of the great pleasures of summertime. Motorboats are permitted, and you can pull right up to Swinging Bridge Marina and grab a bite to eat.

The home is a destination unto itself, scoring high marks for entertaining, whether it’s for weekend guests or just you and your own crew. For example, there’s a dedicated hot tub room that opens onto the deck (these owners have added a handy bar hutch there as well, for convivial gatherings). The walkout lower level has a TV / games room, a separate gym and there’s an adjacent pantry that’s useful for beverages and snacks.

The heart of the home is spacious and dramatic, with its centerpiece being the towering two story stone fireplace facing a wall of glass, and accented with large structural timbers. The long deck overlooks a view down the open lawn toward the water, where trees maintain privacy.

The integrated chef’s kitchen is a pleasure to cook in, with abundant storage and plenty of counter space. The appliances are Viking, including the convenient wall oven and 5-burner gas stove. Lingering over meals is one of the many pleasures of life at your country house, and the dedicated dining area is thoughtfully flanked by 2 sets of sliding glass doors that open to the deck.

There are five bedrooms throughout the house, satisfying various needs. There is an en suite on the ground floor, which is great for giving guests privacy and sparing them from climbing stairs. Upstairs the primary suite is spacious, with cathedral ceiling, propane fireplace, TV and walk-in closet. Leave the French doors to the balcony open and enjoy the benefits of evening breezes and country air. The primary bath features a deep jetted Jacuzzi tub, tiled shower and double sinks.

There are two pretty guest bedrooms and a full bathroom on the other side of this level, one with a door to its own balcony. The fifth bedroom is on the lower level, and there is a full bathroom on the same hallway.

This property is set within the Chapin Estate, a 2,500 acre preserve, fronting on three lakes. But this isn’t likely to match whatever your vision of a “gated community” is. Large homes are tucked away on 5+ private acres, mostly set back from gravel country roads that preserve a vibe of understated country affluence. There is the option of joining the “Lake Club” and it, too, is a fairly informal affair where residents can gather and grill, take out a boat, use the small gym, or jump in the pool. There are tennis and pickleball courts too. In 2022, Chatwal Lodge opened within Chapin Estate, offering 11 high end rooms, and the private dining in their Rustic Grill is open to residents.