We very much enjoyed our time at the BLAK House. A renovated cabin nestled on a quiet street with a spectacular stream that runs along the back of the property. Cabin is clean, modern and comfortably furnished with a stone fireplace in the great room, nicely appointed kitchen and back deck off the kitchen and sitting area and table for outdoor dining with views of the stream. The primary bedroom has a beautiful bay window with views and sounds of the stream for a restful sleep. Hosts were gracious and attentive and left farm fresh eggs from their chickens. The host cleared the driveway, walkways and back deck after it snowed. Our first visit to the Catskills and we are looking forward to returning.

This is a great place for a weekend getaway. The house had everything we needed and the location was perfect.

The house was impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. The location is perfect, close to many beautiful hikes and charming towns. Angelo is very attentive and responsive. We will definitely be back!

The pros: 1. proximity to lovely stream 2. nice deck 3. good kitchen 4. washer/dryer 5. beds comfortable The cons: 1. no central A/C (if you want A/C in the master bedroom you have to move the unit from the living room into the bedroom which means no A/C in the living room!) 2. couch will swallow you it's so soft 3. if you have over 2 people, be prepared to spend an extra $20/night/per person 4. next door neighbor pops in unannounced while you're hanging on the back porch - no thanks 5. if the lawn gets cut while you're there they will come onto the back porch with their leaf blower

My husband and our dog and I had a wonderful stay in Shandaken. The house had everything we needed. THe beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well-equipped, and the location was ideal, with easy access to great restaurants, swimming holes, hiking and biking. The best feature was the beautiful creek that flows right through the back yard. We loved sitting on the sun-warmed rocks with our feet in the cool water. Angelo was a terrific, attentive host who clearly wanted everything to be perfect for his guests. A few notes: the house is on a residential street, so you're going to hear and see your neighbors. Space in the bathroom is pretty tight -- when you're sitting on the toilet, your knees are bumping the tub. The air conditioner is effective but loud (we ended up hardly needing to use it). A larger dresser or a suitcase stand in the primary bedroom window would be welcome, as would window shades or blinds for non early risers. But we loved our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return!

We were looking for a relaxing retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of NYC, somewhere close-by where we could bring our senior rescue dog, Jackie. So happy we landed on the BLAK House! Our host, Angelo, was super-responsive, from the time we booked to the time we made it back to Brooklyn. Check-in was a breeze. The house is on a quiet street. Cell service is spotty (we didn't mind being off the grid), but WiFi was strong. The pictures don't do the property justice. The home was impeccably clean, beautifully styled, and the layout was perfect for a couple and their dog. The back bedroom has a stunning view of the creek. Our dog loved splashing in the creek, while we sat in the comfortable chairs, enjoying a glass of wine and the soothing sounds of the gentle stream. All the creature comforts—coffeemaker, cookware, dishes and wine glasses, A/C, a washer and dryer (!). The best spring water we've ever tasted. The kitchen was smartly laid out to prep a quick breakfast or intimate dinner (Fleishmann's and Phoenicia are super-close, for all your grocery and wine, liquor, and local beer needs). Not a cook? Not a problem! Because we got to enjoy the best cuisine the Catskills had to offer—Phoenicia Diner and Woodstock Brewing, the Peekamoose in Big Indian, Cucina and Havana Market in Woodstock. All dog-friendly! We've been to the Catskills three times now, and this was our best trip yet! Thank you, Angelo for your hospitality. Would definitely book again! 5/5!

My niece and I and my 2 fur babies had a beautiful relaxing weekend away in this country cottage. We enjoyed every minute of it and felt right at home. It did rain one of the days so we went to some local markets picked up some fresh produce cooked in the well equipped kitchen, and had a spa day right at home! We sat out in the deck and listen to the stream in the back of the house and had our evening cocktail! Our hosts were truly professional & pleasant. We will definitely return in the near future. Thank you Angelo & family

My husband and I had a wonderful time at this house. It was close to hiking and other entertainment. Every night we had cocktails on the deck, grilled dinner that we ate on the table outside & had a fire pit next to the stream and under the stars. The house is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully provisioned. The hosts were responsive and helpful and it was amazing to fall asleep listening to the stream.

Fantastic overall experience We never heard a car drive by the house. Zero noise outside except the magic sound of the flowing stream. Inside or outside sleeping was a dream No matter how much one spends on a motel or hotel a person can have a bad experience with a loud neighbor. This place answered our dreams! Overall Nice and clean with modern appliances loved the outside back deck loved the garage with a clicker Just like home for a fantastic price! Thank you for having us !!!!

Angelo’s place was perfect for a getaway. The property and surrounding area were serene and beautiful. My 3 year old spent hours near the creek, even though it wasn’t swimming weather. We loved everything from the insanely comfortable beds, to the fireplace and fire pit, and the friendly neighbor who invited us to see the creek from his land. Angelo was communicative and so kind. We’ll definitely be back!

We had a lovely 5 day stay at this house a couple of weeks ago with our teenage daughters. The location is peaceful and pretty with the Esopus Creek running right outside. It is easy to go to close by towns but it was just as nice to stay in and enjoy the fireplace. It’s a well kept house and the owners were responsive and quite nice. We look forward to staying here again in the future!

Angelo and Valerie are wonderful hosts. The cottage was as depicted in the photos, spotless and in a nice location. We made the most of our weekend - beautiful hikes that were nearby, terrific dinners in Woodstock and nearby Big Indian, and loved relaxing by the awesome fireplace. Perfect weekend getaway!

The only thing better than the house, location, fireplace and falling asleep to the sound of the stream was the attentiveness of our Host, Angelo. He went above and beyond to make sure our stay was a great one which it was. I look forward to going back in the Spring and enjoying another relaxing week. Thank you Angelo!!!

My daughter and I had a wonderful time. Angelo was very attentive and kept in communication with us to make sure we had everything we needed. The property is very comfortable and is fully stocked with everything we needed. The view is calming from the back yard and deck listening to the water from the creek. We definitely want to return!!!

Wonderful Catskills base for quiet vacation

My family and I spend 5 days in this cottage and it was delightful. The stream in the backyard was the best part of the whole vacation for my daughter and dog- they skipped around and splashed all day. 13/10, highly recommend.

The house couldn’t have been more wonderful and Angelo was an absolutely perfect host. Already picking dates for our return. Please note: the stream in the backyard and the view from the bedroom window should be on the cover of a Catskills tourism brochure.

Great property! The house is very comfortable and clean and we loved relaxing on the porch, listening to the spring.

We had a great time and enjoyed the yard/water. My boys were very excited for bunk beds! I had to rig up some shades to block light in the boys room...shades or curtains would be fantastic but not a huge deal.

Angelo was a great host, quick to respond to questions and provided lots of extra helpful information about the property and area. Check in process was seamless. This property is just as it looks and the area is even more picturesque in person. The creek out back is lovely! The outdoor space is large with multiple seating areas. Four of us stayed, two adults and two kids, very comfortably. I would not recommend more than four adults. We had no AT&T cell service but the WiFi signal was strong. The property is almost two miles from the main road, a pretty drive down a winding dirt road. It is a great escape!

Angelo was a great host, quick to respond to questions and provided lots of extra helpful information about the property and area. Check in process was seamless. This property is just as it looks and the area is even more picturesque in person. The creek out back is lovely! The outdoor space is large with multiple seating areas. Four of us stayed, two adults and two kids, very comfortably. I would not recommend more than four adults. We had no AT&T cell service but the WiFi signal was strong. The property is almost two miles from the main road, a pretty drive down a winding dirt road. It is a great escape!

Angelo was a great host. Very nice cozy home in a great location. Would def stay again.

Angelo was a great host. Very nice cozy home in a great location. Would def stay again.

We had a great time! Skiing during the day at Hunter and ate in Woodstock and Pheonicia for dinners. We will be back. Thanks again!

We had a great time! Skiing during the day at Hunter and ate in Woodstock and Pheonicia for dinners. We will be back. Thanks again!

My group enjoyed our stay!

The house was perfection and the host was beyond accommodating and lovely to work with. I would definitely rent this house again. It was overall fantastic.

We had such a lovely stay at this property in Shandaken. The house is so nicely finished: very clean and comfortable, and well designed. The kitchen was very workable too. The surrounding woods are so peaceful, and the stream out back is just gorgeous. We miss it already! The hosts were absolutely present and responsive to any questions we had. There was even a bottle of delicious wine to welcome us. Thank you very much, we would absolutely stay here again!

Smartly renovated cabin with great design touches. Super clean. Excellent location right between Peekamoose and the Phoenica Diner.

We had a great time at Angelo's home. The home was nicely updated and very clean. Beautiful view out the back of the house to the creek. Very convenient to Phoenicia and Belleayre Mountain. Angelo was very communicative and helpful. Highly recommended!

This was our second stay at this property. Angelo and Valerie are amazing hosts.

Angelo and Valerie’s home is so perfectly charming and beyond comfortable and cozy. My husband and I (as well as our pups) spent almost a week enjoying some quiet time surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a running creek right outside the master bedroom window. During the day we spent our time at Hunter Mountain. In the evenings, we walked our pups up the street as we were greeted by friendly neighbors and more beautiful views. At night, we warmed ourselves by the fire. Additionally, there were great local places for coffee, breakfast, and craft beers. The entire trip was perfect. Angelo and Valerie really make you feel a warm welcome and ensure a comfortable stay. They are responsive to any questions and are hospitable. We look forward to visiting again— not just for snowboarding, but also for some summer fun hiking and fishing. Thank you so much again for a perfect little winter getaway!