Idyllic Catskill Retreat-Historic 3 BR 3 Bath Farmhouse, Private Pond, AC, WiFi

Our lovingly restored historic farmhouse in the beautiful rural northwest Catskills combines respect for the past with modern comforts such as central AC and high speed wifi. Come for the fresh air. Wildflowers. Birdsong. Rolling hills. A hanging bed in a screened-in porch. And a spring-fed swimming pond.

We are 10 miles to Delhi, 13 miles to Oneonta, 17 miles to Cooperstown All-Stars Village, 25 miles to Cooperstown Dreams Park, and a stone's throw to the West Kortright Centre.

One of the oldest houses in the township, the 1823 Catskill Turnpike House is located on the border of Delhi and East Meredith, close to Bloomville and Bovina Center. The house and outdoor spaces have stunning views of the ponds and the surrounding rolling farmland. Two acres of groomed, park-like land are yours to roam, and include a crystalline swimming pond fed by a natural waterfall. Modern comforts include central air conditioning, a washer/dryer on the main floor, fast 75/75 fiberoptic wifi, and a landline.

Turnpike House is 17 miles away from the Cooperstown All-Stars Baseball Village, 25 miles from the Cooperstown Dreams Park, 11 miles from the SUNY Delhi and Oneonta college campuses, and walking distance from the West Kortright Centre.

Filled with antiques, books, and art, the house has three bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry/laundry room, and a screened-in porch adjacent to an open-air deck. All mattresses, toiletries, bedding and linens are of excellent quality.

The sizable main bedroom has a full en suite bath with an antique cast iron soaking tub, a large, down-filled linen sofa, a soapstone wood-burning stove (and unlimited firewood), a closet and dresser for storage, a table and chairs for eating and working, and a bed with a natural latex mattress.

The second, "children's" bedroom can also accommodate two adults, as its its two extra-long twin beds can convert to a single king-size bed. It features vintage Sanderson wallpaper.

The third bedroom features an antique handpainted Eastlake bedroom suite with a double bed. A daybed can also function as a single bed for youngsters. This bedroom has a full en suite bathroom, which can be shared by the adjacent bedroom if wanted. A third full bath off the dining room has a shower for rinsing off after a swim.

The living room has a working wood-burning fireplace, bookcases, comfortable seating, and a desk for working. An armoire stores a flat screen video monitor (preset to our Netflix account) and a Bose SoundLink bluetooth speaker.

The American Sheraton table in the dining room seats 8 on Hitchcock chairs and an antique Transylvanian bench. An oak Arts and Crafts sideboard holds vintage china. A sitting area with rocking chairs and bookcases has stunning valley views.

Opening directly from the dining room, the kitchen features a flagstone floor, Italian Ilve duel-fuel range, Miele dishwasher, vintage soapstone countertops and sink, and an antique oak work table. A full batterie de cuisine includes a Kitchen Aid standing mixer, immersion blender, excellent knives, copper and cast iron pots, baking pans, espresso and coffee makers, and everything else you might need to create a feast.

Between the dining and living rooms, the pantry houses a full-size LG washer/dryer and a cabinet for storage.

The upstairs hallway offers a reading area with pillows and a bookcase full of classic children's literature.

The living room opens onto a screened-in porch with a full-size hanging bed (perfect for warm nights), wicker seating, jute carpeting, and a drop-leaf table for eating out-of-doors. In addition to the hanging bed on the porch, two antique campaign beds (with mosquito nets) are available for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.

The screened-in porch connects to to an open air deck, which is also accessible from the dining room. A market umbrella provides shade for a table that seats 8 and 2 chaise lounges. The deck features a Weber grill and charcoal for barbecuing.

The two spring-fed ponds--one small, and one large--are connected by a natural waterfall, a magnet for children (and adults). You can swim in the larger pond, shaded by weeping birches. Campfires can be built in a fire pit located next to the smaller pond.

There are some excellent farm-to-table restaurants within easy distance: Hollow and Eighty Main in Delhi, and Brushland Eating House in Bovina Center. Delhi lunch spots include Blue Bee, Hollow Coffee Shop, and the Delhi Diner. Don't miss the Bovina Fermentory, which offers exceptional farm-to-table fare and artisanal beers and ales. Also in Delhi, you can't beat the fresh artisanal bread, pastries, and rolls made at Baker's Grimm (ask for the crocodile bread). A bit past Delhi, the Hamden Inn has great burgers and a lively bar scene. Finally, the Hobart Book Village Inn and Bar offers casual food in a beautiful restored farmhouse with outdoor stream-side seating under tall trees.

You can pick up provisions in Delhi--we recommend Good Cheap Food, a wonderful organic and health food store with terrific produce. On Wednesdays, local produce is available at the Delhi farmers market. Foodies will want to visit Alison Roman's upscale grocery store, First Bloom, minutes away in Bloomville, where the Catskill Rail Trail begins. A former railway bed, the Rail Trail stretches from Bloomville all the way to Roxbury, and is ideal for hiking and biking. Just up the road and within walking distance, Skyhold Ranch offers horseback trail rides through breathtaking scenery.

Also recommended is the Hanford Mills Museum, routes 10 and 12 in nearby East Meredith (tel. 800/295-4992). This restored farmstead of 16 historic buildings features a spectacular working water-powered sawmill. Catskill Turnpike House was built from wood milled at Hanford Mills 200 years ago.

Downhill skiing is available 40" away at Plattekill Mountain, and 60" away at Belleayre and Hunter Mountains. With enough snow, our local gravel roads are great for cross country skiing. The property also has a terrific sledding hill.

Guest access

The entire property is yours to enjoy. You may also hike more extensive, stunning acreage on our own private property, practically adjacent to Turnpike House.

Other things to note

My husband and I live in the next house down the road and are available to answer any questions and address any issues that may arise. We can also spot you a cup of sugar, or fresh eggs from our laying hens.

Firewood and charcoal are provided.

A portable crib and mattress is available--please ask.

1-2 dogs are allowed, but please ask permission first. A pet fee of $100 will be charged. Cats and other animals are not allowed.