Romantic + historic artist cottage with storybook charm in private woods!
5.0
Outstanding(59 Reviews)Cottage in West Hurley, NY
2 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this cottage rental
Treat yourself to a romantic getaway, personal retreat or creative sabbatical in your own romantic storybook cottage nestled in a private 5-acre forest in Woodstock, the famous “colony of the arts” and cultural hub of the Catskills! This historic Woodstock hand-built house was the home of the legendary film director, Preston Sturges ~ as well as many other well-known artists and musicians.
It features a spacious great room with a cathedral ceiling, 2-story north-light windows, a massive stone fireplace (open during the winter only when temperatures drop below freezing), and 2 sets of French doors that open onto a native blue stone patio on a ledge overlooking a fern glade and deep pine forest.
Stretch out on the queen bed with a pillow-top mattress and luxury linens in the quaint bedroom with cottage-style casement windows. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets, and wake up to birdsong!
Climb an open stairway to a private writer’s office, as well as a loft space with a foldout futon couch and balcony overlooking the great room. There’s a second writer’s office on the first floor, with an arched Palladian window and forest views.
Prepare snacks and meals in your well-equipped country kitchen, and serve them at the farm table next to a wall of glass, or on the patio surrounded by gardens.
Cozy up to a fire in the stone fireplace in the winter (available only when temperatures drop below freezing), and watch the snow settle on the branches and transform the woods into a magical winter wonderland.
This charming cottage in an idyllic setting is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or creative retreat. Make the Sturges’ cottage your home for a week, month, or season, and let it inspire and uplift you throughout the year!
SUITABILITY
Please note that due to potential hazards (open stairway, stone patios, rock walls and ledges, etc.) the cottage is not appropriate for small children.
WINTER/SPRING SPECIALS:
Week: 7 nights for price of 6 (one night free!)
Month: 4 weeks for price of 3 (one week free!)
It features a spacious great room with a cathedral ceiling, 2-story north-light windows, a massive stone fireplace (open during the winter only when temperatures drop below freezing), and 2 sets of French doors that open onto a native blue stone patio on a ledge overlooking a fern glade and deep pine forest.
Stretch out on the queen bed with a pillow-top mattress and luxury linens in the quaint bedroom with cottage-style casement windows. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets, and wake up to birdsong!
Climb an open stairway to a private writer’s office, as well as a loft space with a foldout futon couch and balcony overlooking the great room. There’s a second writer’s office on the first floor, with an arched Palladian window and forest views.
Prepare snacks and meals in your well-equipped country kitchen, and serve them at the farm table next to a wall of glass, or on the patio surrounded by gardens.
Cozy up to a fire in the stone fireplace in the winter (available only when temperatures drop below freezing), and watch the snow settle on the branches and transform the woods into a magical winter wonderland.
This charming cottage in an idyllic setting is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or creative retreat. Make the Sturges’ cottage your home for a week, month, or season, and let it inspire and uplift you throughout the year!
SUITABILITY
Please note that due to potential hazards (open stairway, stone patios, rock walls and ledges, etc.) the cottage is not appropriate for small children.
WINTER/SPRING SPECIALS:
Week: 7 nights for price of 6 (one night free!)
Month: 4 weeks for price of 3 (one week free!)
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Map of West Hurley, NY
Reviews
5.0
Outstanding(59 Reviews)5.0
The house was very quiet and comfortable .
We enjoyed it very much and will definitely come back.
5.0
As reported
5.0
The home is wonderful, truly nestled in the woods away from the hubbub but accessible to everything. Beautiful books about the history and culture of the Catskills along with great hiking books and materials. The historical book collection, great selection of vinyl records going back to Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary, and DVDs of all of Preston Sturges’ movies gave us a great sense of the history of the house and of Woodstock. And it was inspiring to sit at what we assumed was Sturges’ own writing desk, looking out on the lovely woods. The kitchen had everything we needed and nothing we didn’t. We cooked every night except one and also used the grill. So lovely to eat breakfast outside on the beautiful back patio. We can’t recommend this house highly enough!
5.0
Just as pictured. So welcoming, utterly charming and comfortable. The perfect place to cosy up and write and read and walk. Stunning trails nearby. Can’t wait to come back.
5.0
Our stay at the cottage was idyllic. Designed by an architect, the vaulted ceilings, overhead loft, expansive living room and master bedroom make for inspiring stays and restful nights. Crafted wood floors, an engaging library and overhead beams beneath the loft add to home’s coziness. And while it was too warm for a fire, the large stone fireplace was a delight to behold. The kitchen is fun to cook in and enjoy breakfast. And the room off the kitchen was a wonderful place to read, write and just daydream thanks to its forested views. This is a very special place that begs one to stay for several weeks.
5.0
Beauty, Bliss and Serenity
Our stay at the cottage was idyllic. Designed by an architect, the vaulted ceilings, overhead loft, expansive living room and master bedroom make for inspiring stays and restful nights. Crafted wood floors, an engaging library and overhead beams beneath the loft add to home’s coziness. And while it was too warm for a fire, the large stone fireplace was a delight to behold. The kitchen is fun to cook in and enjoy breakfast. And the room off the kitchen was a wonderful place to read, write and just daydream thanks to its forested views. This is a very special place that begs one to stay for several weeks.
5.0
This place lived up to the excellent reviews. We came up to Woodstock during bitter cold weather, with the goal of getting away from it all and sitting by the fireplace. This place was perfect for that. It really has a unique feel, and it was exactly what we wanted. We did all our own cooking, and the kitchen is well-appointed. Judy, who met us at the property, was extremely kind and helpful. We would definitely return for another quiet retreat.
5.0
Wonderful and warm getaway!
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay; the host was so responsive and helpful, and the place is just so warm and cozy; the owner has really thought of and included all of the essentials, and it made the stay so comfortable. The location is terrific, too! I'll be back if they'll have me!
5.0
Quiet retreat in the mountains
This place lived up to the excellent reviews. We came up to Woodstock during bitter cold weather, with the goal of getting away from it all and sitting by the fireplace. This place was perfect for that. It really has a unique feel, and it was exactly what we wanted. We did all our own cooking, and the kitchen is well-appointed. Judy, who met us at the property, was extremely kind and helpful. We would definitely return for another quiet retreat.
5.0
Judy Atwood was just outstanding arranging our stay on short notice. She is a pleasure to work with, very warm, understanding and flexible. The cottage was as charming as described as was the wooded setting , and a welcome respite from our daily pace.
5.0
Enchanting cottage retreat
Judy Atwood was just outstanding arranging our stay on short notice. She is a pleasure to work with, very warm, understanding and flexible. The cottage was as charming as described as was the wooded setting , and a welcome respite from our daily pace.
5.0
Absolutely charming place to spend a week, even lovelier than the photos, in a peaceful setting. The kitchen was simple but well-supplied, the furniture comfortable and the outdoor space well-appointed.
We would definitely stay there again.
5.0
Magical cottage
Absolutely charming place to spend a week, even lovelier than the photos, in a peaceful setting. The kitchen was simple but well-supplied, the furniture comfortable and the outdoor space well-appointed.
We would definitely stay there again.
5.0
I would love to live here! Watch all of Preston Sturges's movies while you stay here (we left a boxed set.) Listening to the owls on the back porch at night was a little bit of heaven. The house is beautiful inside and out with a dazzling history. Very generously stocked and the caretaker is very responsive to your needs. The layout is perfect to live, work, and play. Secluded but still close to the town, but why would you want to leave this property?
Faithfully yours,
Nan and Thora
5.0
This is but a dream
I would love to live here! Watch all of Preston Sturges's movies while you stay here (we left a boxed set.) Listening to the owls on the back porch at night was a little bit of heaven. The house is beautiful inside and out with a dazzling history. Very generously stocked and the caretaker is very responsive to your needs. The layout is perfect to live, work, and play. Secluded but still close to the town, but why would you want to leave this property?
Faithfully yours,
Nan and Thora
5.0
The house is charming and very comfortable. The setting is beautiful (would love to see the property in the spring/summer). Judy Atwood was helpful and made sure we had everything we needed. Overall a relaxing stay.
5.0
You can hear the quiet
The house is charming and very comfortable. The setting is beautiful (would love to see the property in the spring/summer). Judy Atwood was helpful and made sure we had everything we needed. Overall a relaxing stay.
5.0
Flawless process. We’ve rented a lot in the area, and this was easily the most interesting house. Beautifully preserved and maintained 1925 house with amazing history. Private and quiet. Loved it. Will come again, for sure.
5.0
Great, interesting house
Flawless process. We’ve rented a lot in the area, and this was easily the most interesting house. Beautifully preserved and maintained 1925 house with amazing history. Private and quiet. Loved it. Will come again, for sure.
5.0
Peaceful and private yet close to Woodstock- very historical. The property manager (Judy) was very helpful- my husband forgot something back upon checking out, which he remembered hours later- Judy let us go back and pick it up and was very professional and helpful.
5.0
Private and Peaceful retreat!
Peaceful and private yet close to Woodstock- very historical. The property manager (Judy) was very helpful- my husband forgot something back upon checking out, which he remembered hours later- Judy let us go back and pick it up and was very professional and helpful.
5.0
Charming
5.0
Great
Charming
5.0
Another wonderful weekend in this amazing cottage! Despite a rainy Saturday, the cottage was warm, inviting and relaxing. This home provided a wonderful escape from our very busy schedules.
5.0
Shelter from the storm
Another wonderful weekend in this amazing cottage! Despite a rainy Saturday, the cottage was warm, inviting and relaxing. This home provided a wonderful escape from our very busy schedules.
5.0
Wonderful old craftsman-style cottage exudes charm
Enjoyed it immensely. Loved the old rock walls , the slate patio, and the old double patio door on both sides of the huge vintage fireplace. The small step down from the great room to the other rooms added to the overall charm.
5.0
We did not want to leave!
What a serene and lovely week we spent in this cottage! The sound of birdsong in the morning, crickets and tree frogs at night, always the wind moving through the trees. We even caught a glimpse of a bear (albeit from the comfortable distance of the beautiful bluestone patio)! It's a special house: charming and comfortable, spotless, and not only fully equipped but thoughtfully so––with a fresh sponge in the kitchen, cloth napkins and candles for dinners in, night-lights that significantly reduce the hazard of moving through an unfamiliar house at 3am, and a stash of mosquito repellent (which came in handy when my own bottle ran dry). I'd planned on cooking and––having stayed in many vacation rentals over the years––lugged quite a bit of stuff from home. I used almost none of it (like most serious cooks, I'm partial to my own knives, but there are plenty to be found in the kitchen), and I was beyond delighted to find the pots of herbs just outside the kitchen doors. We felt far removed from it all––and yet, somehow, amazingly, were also close to everything. We can't wait to return.
5.0
Charming and cozy woodland cottage
We chose a very hot weekend to get out of the city. Even without AC the house stayed nicely cool. We barely used the kitchen as we chose not to cook, but it had most everything you'd need. There were beach towels (we went to a waterhole) and ample out door seating. Beds could have been more comfortable but that is my issue in life, so they are probably just fine! The place is sweet, our family of four enjoyed our stay. Our daughters (college age) took the upstairs - one bed on a balcony over the living room and the other a futon foldout in a small study, we had the bedroom on the ground floor.
5.0
Hidden Haven only 5 minutes from town
This is a charming retreat that is secluded, quiet and peaceful. The home is handmade and interesting, bright and has everything you need. It is clean and airy. The master bedroom is very comfortable as well. The back porch overlooks the woods and eating out there feels as though you are somewhere in Europe. It was lovely even in the rain. Judy Atwood is a wonderful liaison and helped us to have a most enjoyable experience! Highly recommend!
5.0
Fabulous Getaway!
I can't say enough about the cottage we rented. My mother and I were looking for a special mother-daughter retreat, and this cottage did not disappoint. The accommodations were perfect- the rental setup process was trouble-free, the setting was private, we were provided with more than we needed, the location was close to everything, and the beautiful cottage enveloped us with a comforting peace we needed. We greatly appreciated the little details to make it 'home' for us... the great vinyl (record) collection we spun during each meal, the thoughtful herbs planted outside the kitchen door, the books on the local history that had us embracing a trip to see the Maverick totem statue and theatre (we learned so much on Hervey White), ...oh I could go on and on. Thank you Jill and Judy for sharing your wonderful cottage. We look forward to our return!!!
5.0
Wonderful weekend!
The cottage is charming, totally private, cozy and very clean. It was just what we needed to get away from it all. We’ll definitely be back again!
5.0
The property was very beautiful.
Me and my girlfriend quickly felt at home in this beautiful well kept property. The property managers were very attentive and available for any questions. I would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Beautiful Homee
This house is set back off of a private drive, which makes for a nice peaceful getaway. Once you enter, you feel like you are taken back in time, as the house has many original fixtures/details from the 1920's. We visited after a fresh snow fall and we just enjoyed sitting in the kitchen looking out the window. The house is a short drive to the Woodstock town and is a perfect place to spend a weekend. Also, the house manager Judy is very friendly and attentive. We will be back!
5.0
A Real Treasure
The “Romantic Storybook Cottage” is charming and comfortable - making it the perfect getaway destination. It exudes character and, while nestled in a private wooded setting, the cottage is conveniently located within a short drive of downtown Woodstock. Every amenity necessary is provided in this artistic and well preserved home.
5.0
Perfect
We chose this cottage as a base for road biking through the hills around Woodstock and it worked out beautifully....lots of back roads with challenging climbs and little traffic (Ohayo Mountain Road and Mead's Mountain Road are nasty but rewarding rides and then there is Platte Cove Road which you can try only if you want to have a near death experience - we didn't and skipped it).
The cottage itself was charming, set on the side of a slope, surrounded by trees. Very peaceful.
Our visit was in September so the days were warm, but I imagined being in the cottage in the late fall or winter and thinking how warm and cozy the cottage would be on a cold day in the woods.
Summing up, a nice, enjoyable stay and certainly a place worthy of a return visit.
5.0
Beautiful cottage. Great location.
Really beautiful cottage; apparent that lots of care has been taken to maintain the interiors in close-to-original form. Great location - right in the middle of everything (short drive from Woodstock downtown and the reservoir), yet feels far removed. Enjoyed the record player and collection of records!
5.0
Charming, private retreat
The cottage is sweet and lovely, very clean. Surrounded by trees down a private drive, so while only 5 minutes from grocery store and 10 minutes from town, it feels secluded and private. Judy, the property manager, was responsive and helpful. Highly recommend. We hope to be back soon.
5.0
Love this cottage!
My husband and I spent the best time at this immaculate, well designed and super charming cottage. Judy, the property manager, was waiting for us. She was extremely attentive, told us a little bit about the history of this lovely place and then we engaged in an interesting exchange about Woodstock and its community.
The cottage is beautiful, full of light, immaculate, private, the lawn and patio are. great. The property is very well equipped and has everything needed to make you feel at ease. I enjoyed the light and the palette of colors chosen to decorate the cottage. We practice yoga, drank wine on the patio and enjoyed the food at the nearby restaurants like Cucina and Bear Cafe and last but not least the Garden Cafe whose owner, Lia is very welcoming, and the food is delicious.
We highly recommend this property, and definitely, we are coming back.
Celina from Westchester, NY
5.0
Great stay!
Lovely property that's perfect for one or two adult couples to get away to the Catskills. Will definitely return to see the sights in another season. No complaints whatsoever.
5.0
This cottage is rich is history and Woodstock lore, and just perfect in every way. I'm a winter person and often visit in the deep of winter. Looking out the many large windows, it is a snowy and sparkling landscape: a romantic scene from Dr. Zhivago. Inside, you are toasty and warm. It's a tight house with no drafts at all. I have never had to set the thermostat above 63 degrees. Remarkable.
I was there again for a 2013 New Year's holiday. After an awesome hike along the reservoir and while considering our other options, my husband and I agreed: "let's go home, light a fire, and enjoy the space". We looked at each other and did a double take. Yes. It feels like home to us and we treat it as such.
It's a privilege to be able to access such a magical location.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in West Hurley?
The average price for a rental in West Hurley is R 5,235 per night. This rental is R 1,504 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Romantic + historic artist cottage with storybook charm in private woods!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Romantic + historic artist cottage with storybook charm in private woods! pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Romantic + historic artist cottage with storybook charm in private woods!?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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