Entire home

Mountaintop Library Getaway

Photo gallery for Mountaintop Library Getaway

A snow-covered porch with a wooden fence, a snow-covered chair, and a snow-covered table.
A cozy living room with a red sofa, a bookshelf filled with books, a desk with a computer, and a window with curtains.
A hallway with a wooden staircase, a hanging light fixture, and a wall with framed pictures and a large artwork.
A dining area with a round table set for four, surrounded by wooden chairs. There is a white sofa with a red throw blanket in the background.
A two-story house with a snow-covered roof and a wooden picket fence in front.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Minnewaska State Park
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Pine Bush, NY
  • Place, Minnewaska State Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Sam's Point Preserve
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Resorts World Catskills
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Newburgh, NY (SWF-Stewart Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Map Room

1 Double Futon

master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

2nd floor bath

Bathtub or shower

ground floor bathroom

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Mountaintop Library Getaway

An indoor and outdoor paradise. Some of the best hiking in the world starts right at your door. The entire ground floor is 'great room' with wood stove, bar, open kitchen, full bath. The radiant heated concrete floor of this space used to be where Cragsmoorians went to get their cars serviced. The walls are lined with the owner's extensive library. The front doors open onto a shaded patio with comfortable seating and a well-used barbecue. Upstairs the master bedroom has its own private deck. The second bedroom (we call it the Map Room) has a collection of atlases, hiking guides and maps.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1993742
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Cragsmoor

Located in Cragsmoor, this vacation home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Brimstone Hill Winery and Angry Orchard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Minnewaska State Park and Sam's Point Preserve. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding.
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Map
Pine Bush, NY

What's nearby

  • Minnewaska State Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Sam's Point Preserve - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • LEGOLAND® New York - 41 min drive - 46.6 km
  • Resorts World Catskills - 42 min drive - 45.1 km
  • Woodbury Common Premium Outlets - 55 min drive - 67.1 km

Getting around

  • Stewart Intl. Airport (SWF) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪D’oro Steakhouse - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The RDI Bar & Road Kill Grill - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mountaintop Library Getaway pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Mountaintop Library Getaway?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mountaintop Library Getaway?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mountaintop Library Getaway located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Minnewaska State Park and Sam's Point Preserve. VerKeerderkill Falls and Ellenville Fault Ice Caves are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 32 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An eclectic library in a charming area

This is an excellent deal on an interesting place. The location has fantastic views and hikes- it'll be amazing in the Fall! Colin was very helpful and communication was excellent. There are renovations ongoing, so the list of property attributes may not be available all at once. Colin was upfront about all of that.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

This property was amazing! The house was so unique (we loved all of the books) and so welcoming. We’re very much outdoors people and loved the trails so close to the home and how many other places there were to explore really close by. It really was a gem and Colin was a great host.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Interesting house in good location

Great location and the radiant floor was great for the springtime weather! Lots of interesting books and wall art too! Collin was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great hikes and comfy house

This is a quirky, interesting house with a wood stove and well stocked kitchen. The floor on main level has radiant heat which is quite lovely in winter. We hiked all 5 days and the rest of time hung out and played games. Colin was helpful, easy to communicate with, and provided all kinds of trail maps, area books, and local information.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Artist’s Retreat

Colin’s space is a truly thoughtful and relaxing manifestation of his own intellect and charm. We were two friends looking to get away for a long weekend of reading, painting, and relaxation. The space was truly inspiring— eclectic, unique, and offbeat filled to the brim with books and visual interest. It truly became a wonderful bungalow for us to nest and unwind. The surrounding area is rich in history and was fun to explore for brief moments we needed fresh air. I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Construction

Construction was in progress. Horrible smell through home. Exposed wires. Hole in one of the bedroom floors. Weights in windows were cut, if my son got them open they would’ve com crashing down. Overall the place was unkept. Definitely not suitable to rent out.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 3, 2022
My housekeeper sanitizes the house with a disinfectant just before check-in, and that sometimes gives off a "hospital odor" when you first walk in. This guest never stayed, and their money was cheerfully refunded. The windows are original "six over ones" -- quite charming, to my eyes. Where counterweights are missing, they are locked. Construction was ongoing in the studio, not in the rented portion of the house. And yes! -- this old house is constantly being upgraded.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good location

It was very clean
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Great location. Comfortable lodging

This house is a located just over a mile from Sam's Point Preserve and is a short drive to Lake Minnewaska and the Mohonk Preserve. The Shawangunks are spectacular during the Fall foliage season. There are plenty of beautiful vistas when hiking or biking. The house looks rundown and overgrown on the outside, but is very comfortable and clean inside. The owner has created an interesting space with an eclectic collection of books, movies, pictures and nick knacks which you could call an "organized clutter". Its fun to look around the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming house!

We loved our stay in this house! It’s cozy, warm and charming. The house was clean and the kitchen had everything we needed. Wifi worked great. The heated concrete floors were wonderful! The owner has created a really artsy, eclectic environment that we loved. It’s a beautiful area and the house is close to some gorgeous hiking trails. It’s a very pretty 10 or 15 min drive to a grocery store. We appreciated being able to bring our dogs as well and had some very relaxing morning walks looking at all the beautiful old houses in the neighborhood!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really enjoyed relaxing!

My husband and I really wanted to find a place to relax with our 6 year old daughter, and this was perfect! There was plenty of privacy, both in the front and back. She had enough space to play, and enjoyed the fun little paths in the front. Books, books & more books everywhere - I thought that was spectacular! Little balcony off the main bedroom was great for getting some evening air. Colin was very nice and easy to deal with as well. It was a very nice getaway from the busy city!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Surprisingly deficient

After reading reviews of this property I was surprised how dirty and dangerous it was. The outside grounds were horrible. There was garbage overflowing the pail onto the ground when we got there. We could not sit outside on the rusted furniture with a hatchet sitting outside. The inside had exposed electrical wires in the bedroom with a non working sink. The paneling on the wall by the stairs was falling off regularly. The downstairs bathroom clogged and was unusable for the trip. The second bedroom was a futon not an actual bed. There was a room upstairs that if I had children would have been very dangerous. Overall the house had all the basics for living in but was very dirty. I have stayed at other Vrbo properties that were nice and clean. I can not say that about this house. The location was great for what we wanted to do in the area but for anyone staying here understand the house has cleanliness and safety issues.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2021
I was very surprised by the issue of cleanliness in this review. For every guest, including this guest, this house is cleaned from top to bottom. My housekeeper spends 4 hours minimum, floors mopped, fresh linens and towels, bathrooms scrubbed. Sometimes the downstairs toilet will clog, but it can easily be cleared, and I have a plumber engaged to work on the house drain. Sometimes we've had nocturnal visitors to our garbage and recycling area at the side of the house, and that whole area is being redone. I'm sorry this guest didn't like the property -- its a country house and it has its faults, but cleanliness is not one of them!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway. Nice mix of things to do nearby and close enough to the city.

Bring your hiking shoes and camera.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Hiking Cabin in Small Town NY

We loved staying at Colin’s Cabin; it was unlike any upstate experience we’ve had. Say goodbye to bougie overpriced towns with no character; nearby Ellenville has great shops and surprisingly good food. The hiking from the cabin is astounding and truly world-class. It’s remote enough that you feel out of the clutches of city life, but close enough to other houses that it feels like a small town. The house itself has so much character. It’s an old place, to be sure; the floorboards squeak upstairs and there’s a large wooden beam going right through one of the bedrooms. To us, these qualities made us fall deeper in love with the place, like we were staying in a house whose walls themselves have stories. I highly recommend this listing for campers and hikers who want a place to act as a home base for outdoor excursions; or for creatives looking for an inspiring getaway to get some real work done; or for anyone who prefers a homey, intimate feel over perfunctory luxury.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Mountain Getaway

My wife and i were looking for a place to get away to for a few days to just relax with our dog and do some hiking. Colin's place turned out to be the perfect spot for us. The house is warm, clean and comfortable, and the book collection is AMAZING, especially if you love history, art, design, and architecture as we do. I can't imagine a better location for hiking. You can literally walk out the door and be on a trail in just a few minutes, and Sam's Point Preserve is a very short 1.4 mile drive down the road. Colin was very friendly and gave us some excellent suggestions and hiking directions. It was still a little too icy and slippery for us to do as much hiking as we would have liked, but we hope to come back in the summer and do much more. We really enjoyed our stay and are grateful for Colin sharing his place with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

Host was helpful and kind, great wood burning stove and incredible surroundings, specially Sam s point, planning to go back this summer
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter Wonderland

This house really had a unique character and charm. Even though we could’ve stayed indoors the whole time and watched the snow outside, we were literally 5 minutes from Sam’s Point, which was a short and fun hike. The house is also very close to a beautiful stone church and Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park. Colin is a very kind and friendly host!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter getaway

My wife and I had a great stay at 5 Sam's Point Rd. I'm not sure I could have conjured a better house - eclectic furnishing, a roaring wood stove and a library that could keep you reading for the rest of your life! We hiked great trails that were literally minutes from the front door. Would come back in any season.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Christmas

Very cute and quaint location for a winter stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The place was great. Cozy, nearby to great trails with a homey wood stove. Colin was super helpful, pointing out nearby attractions. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy place

The house was warm and cozy in December. We liked the wood-burning stove, the warm floor, the open floor plan, and the way the sun filled the rooms. The house is old and a little creaky. The mice are still a problem, but we were ok with it. Colin is trying to solve it. The house is also historical, full of books and interesting maps and posters. The town is tiny and quiet, with no stores right there. It's just a five-minute drive to Sam's point and 10 minutes down the mountain to a bigger town. The Bear Hill Reserve, which is a 15 minute walk away, was officially closed, but we saw tracks from snowshoes and cross-country skis, so locals still use it. Overall, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful area

Overall a lovely stay- the area is gorgeous and it’s walking distance to lots of great hiking! I also really enjoyed the wood burning stove. The house has a lot of interesting stuff- which is cool, but also feels a little cluttered. There was also a fair amount of mouse activity while I was there!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication

Not too bad

House was very charming the grounds could use some cleaning up but otherwise it served its purpose
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway

We enjoyed our stay at this getaway with plenty of amenities. Relaxing and fun. Loved the fire burning stove, books and furnishings.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Unique House in Great Location

This property is located near scenic byways and within walking distance of popular hiking trails and overlooks. We enjoyed strolling the surrounding roads and the brilliant fall foliage. The Owner provides guides and personally-drawn maps to the best nearby attractions. He promptly responded to all our questions, and was friendly and easy to work with. The house is quite unique. The open plan first floor is full of light and books, and the kitchen is very well equipped. It took a few tries to figure out the many light switches throughout the house. The sofa was uncomfortably worn out. Dealing with the diagonal beam in the bedroom was a challenge; it's directly over the bed as well as a tripping hazard (be careful if you have to get up in the middle of the night!) The two second floor decks were under construction, and the yard was cluttered with debris.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Perfect for October

This is such a fun quirky little house with all the amenities you could ask for. The location is perfect for a spooky Halloween stay—with the heavy fog in the mornings, bright red and orange trees and the graveyard behind the property, my friends and I were able to escape the worries of COVID and ran around pretending to be witches—it was pretty spectacular. Colin is a very responsive and understanding host, and I appreciate him letting us take a weekend to open our circles and see some friends after isolation. Thank you!

About the host

Hosted by Colin

Host profile image
I'm an Architect, Professor, Writer, and Cartographer. I'm divorced, with two grown children. Most of my family live in Toronto -- we are Canadians. I lived in Tribeca in the 80s and 90s, Williamsburg in the 00's, and in Bushwick in the 10's.

Why they chose this property

This mountain reminds me of the Niagara Escarpment that runs through Ontario, near where my parents had a farm from the 1970s until recently. Mostly, it's the community in this mountaintop hamlet that most attracted me. There are no commercial services, no shopping, no gas stations; but we have a library, firehall, post office, nature conservancy, community association, stone church and historical society to keep us all busy.

What makes this property unique

We are the only community on top of 'The Gunks' as we nickname the Shawangunk Mountains. Surrounded by preserves and state forests, many nature trails start at my doorstep. This place is just as much fun in winter as in summer. And we have very fast wifi, so you can go to school, attend meetings, or watch movies from here, if you want.

Languages:

English
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