Old Macdonald

Old Macdonald: New York

Once an 1890s carriage house, this home has been designed for country living for a small family. Low timber ceilings and hardwood floors retain the barn-like element, but instead of hay bales, you’ve got comfortable king-size beds for grown-ups and secret sleeping spots for kids in the mezzanine above the loft. Huge windows in the living room let in the sunshine, streaming through the trees, and in the evening, there’s a wood-burning stove to keep the chill at bay. The open-plan kitchen has a large double fridge, kitchen island and plenty of storage space for all the fresh goodies from the nearby farmer’s market. You’re in the middle of nature’s bounty here, after all. The farm is at the foot of the Catskills, away from it all, so you can spend your days immersed in the wilderness of hiking and biking trails. Stick close to home and wander the acres of farm grounds, through woodlands, past ponds or just the short dander to the farm’s swimming pool.

Home truths:
* The home is set on a working farm so expect farm noises and some action on the grounds
* The second bedroom is an open and airy loft space that can accommodate a whole family, with two additional beds in the form of mattresses in the mezzanine
* There is access to a swimming pool which is shared with your hosts
* This place is truly remote and away from it all so come well equipped with everything you might need