Philwold No. 5: Forestburgh, NY

About The Property

“House No. 5” is part of Philwold, a quiet five-home enclave designed by Eugene Schoen for members of the Wechsler family in the late 1930s. Schoen, described by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as being “in the forefront of modern American design,” created a compound Usonian in spirit — channeling Frank Lloyd Wright’s belief that a home should grow from its landscape. Thoughtfully sited around Gilman Pond, No. 5, the last home along the private country road, offers a rare combination of privacy, water access, and architectural pedigree.

The house itself delivers on that promise with warm wood paneling, generous proportions, oak floors, and abundant natural light. It exudes the kind of Catskills character that is in demand and surprisingly hard to find.

THE GROUND FLOOR

The entry sets the tone immediately with a built-in bench-and-hook nook — a practical, polished arrival point — just steps from a powder room with bold, lively wallpaper.

Beyond, the living room opens wide: wood-paneled, generously scaled, and anchored by a wood stove with brick surround. At the far end, an enchanting dining alcove wrapped in windows offers views toward the pond and easy access to the patio.

Down the hall, the den, clad in the same warm pine paneling and complete with a closet, works equally well as a media room, office, guest space, or potential first-floor bedroom. A full bathroom with glass-enclosed shower connects to this room, adding to its flexibility.

The eat-in kitchen has been thoughtfully updated while keeping its unique character intact. Cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and GE Profile wall oven and microwave are among the updates, while a deep island topped with butcher block and a 6-burner Wolf cooktop provides ample prep space. A wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with steel frames and frosted glass panels delivers standout storage and style.

And then there’s the surprise: a discreet door at the far end of the kitchen opens into a tucked-away bar with its own sink and beverage fridge — equally useful as a butler’s pantry or proper cocktail station. French doors open from the kitchen onto the charming front patio.

The finished basement includes a rec room with pool table, a fireplace (work recommended before use), a separate well-lit laundry and mechanicals room, and additional storage.

UPSTAIRS

Four bedrooms and two full baths occupy the upper level, along with a separate office — a flexible layout well-suited to full-time living or extended stays.

The primary suite is spacious, with an en suite bathroom offering both a tub and a separate tiled shower. Three additional bedrooms share a sleek modern hall bathroom with tiled shower and cherry built-in cubbies.

The office is a standout, with two walls of windows framing water views and treetops — the kind of Zen workspace you’d look forward to spending time in. Another bedroom features whitewashed shiplap walls and a built-in dresser — clean, considered, and full of personality.

OUTSIDE

Flagstone patios with attractive stonework front and back extend the living space outdoors, offering spaces for sun and shade, grilling and lounging. A fire pit overlooking the pond creates a natural gathering spot for evenings by the water.

A barrel sauna is a more recent addition to the fenced patio garden out front, planted lovingly by a previous owner. The path to Gilman Pond is right out back, with canoes and kayaks at the ready.

A separate two-car garage provides ample space for vehicles, gear, and storage.

ADDITIONAL LOT

This sale also includes a separate, vacant, buildable adjacent lot, adding privacy, flexibility, and long-term optionality. (Click the Extra Info button on this page for further details.)

NEVERSINK GORGE ACCESS + AREA HIGHLIGHTS

Beyond the property itself, ownership at Philwold comes with something rare: an exclusive access point to the Neversink Unique Area, aka the Neversink Gorge, a 4,500-acre nature preserve through which the Neversink River runs at arguably its most spectacular. The interior is genuinely difficult to reach for the general public (.6-1mi hike with rugged terrain); Philwold owners hold shares in communal acreage that allows members to walk or even drive in (very rugged road, however). It's the kind of access that can't be purchased separately. (Click the Extra Info button on this page for further details.)

Set in one of the quieter, more wooded corners of the Catskills, the property offers easy access to some of the area’s most distinctive destinations. Catch a performance at the Forestburgh Playhouse or head to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts for concerts on the historic Woodstock concert grounds. Closer to home, the Forestburgh General Store offers a dose of everyday country charm — morning coffee, provisions, tasty sandwiches, and a friendly local scene. It’s a setting that balances seclusion with just the right amount of culture and community.