Weekender Archives - Page 3 of 9

Dutchess County Homes Under $100k

October 28, 2011 RH

The upstate home deals are out there, kids! This week we’re looking at Dutchess County. Dutchess is on the east side of the Hudson, accessible via Metro North if you lack a vehicle.

A lake house for $55k? Yup, this 3 season 600 square foot cottage is located in Millerton, NY, near the border of CT. The house needs work but the lake looks perfect.

Nothing special about this 4 BR house in the city of Poughkeepsie. Nothing except the price. $45k will buy this handyperson special offered as an estate sale. Poughkeepsie isn’t exactly a second home destination, but it’s pretty close to some great hiking, boating and even skydiving. Poughkeepsie is a hit or miss place. Some areas are better than others.

Finally, here’s a Beacon single family for less than $100k (actually $99k). The house is right near Main Street. Take the train up and walk everywhere from here. You don’t even need a car! This house is listed with my broker, so if you decide to look at it, let me know. I’ll make him give you special treatment.

Upstate Homes for Under $100k

October 17, 2011 RH 2 Comments

Dreaming of a log cabin? This 1937 home seems to be pretty clean. Located in Bethel (the REAL Woodstock), it only sits on .17 acre. There is access to swimming, boating and tennis nearby though. The price? $54,900.

This is the one that made my jaw drop. It needs sooo much work drooooolll but it’s sooo worth it. Check out the pictures of the interior. OMG, I’m in love. A 3800 square foot grand center hall colonial in Catskill on 1.5 acres. It’s listed at $75k but the sale will be an auction.

Ok, so this Amenia home is very close to the road, but hear me out. Hello B&B potential! It needs work, but $79,900 the price reflects that. No, I did not make a mistake and forget to put the one in front of that number. 4.2 acres. Dreamy!

This 1790 cottage doesn’t resemble anything from a bygone era. The only detail left intact is the stone fireplace, otherwise it’s new reno. Not my thing. But for $100k on 7.3 acres, it could be your thing if you don’t want to give your weekends away to the Renovation Gods.

Catskills in Need

September 2, 2011 RH

If you grew up in NYC, chances are you spent many a summer getting to know The Catskills as a kid.

Upstate got slammed by Hurricane Irene. Monetary donations are needed as well as dry goods and non-perishable food. Ain’t got nuthin’? How about some blood? Over 2000 units were lost due to power outage and now there is a blood shortage.

Come on, time to pony up for your fellow New York Staters!

More info on Catskill relief at Watershed Post.

Donation Collection Sites

Manhattan:

Eastern Mountain Sports
530 Broadway (Spring & Broadway)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-8730
Monday – Friday 10 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday 11 am – 8 pm

Powell Communications
84 Wooster Street # 603 (between Spring and Broome)
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Greenwich Village Location
Ciao Stella Restaurant
206 Sullivan Street (between Bleecker and West 3rd)
ask for Stella
Tuesday-Saturday
5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Midtown Location
Decorum Consulting Group
295 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor (one block from Grand Central)
Ask for Jeannine Stryker-Triolo
Monday through Friday.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Brooklyn:

Boing Boing Maternity
Corner of 6th and Union
Ask for Karen or Kevin
Tuesday through Sunday
11:00 a.m.- 7:00 a.m.
(can also leave donations in the gated yard during off hours)
Red Shed Community Garden
266 Stillman Avenue
(at Kingsland)
THIS WEEK
Wednesday through Friday
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND
Tuesday and Thursday
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Suggested Donations List

In addition to bottled water and non-perishable foods, the following items are also urgently needed at present:

Cleaning Supplies
Laundry Soap
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Ajax/Clorox/etc.

Personal care products
Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Feminine care products
Shampoo/Conditioner (adult and for babies/children)
Diapers
Baby Wipes

Clothing
Underwear (adults and children, including boxers)
Socks (adults and children)
Pajamas (adults and children)
Shoes (especially children’s)
Any gently used clothing

Other
Charcoal and lighter fluid
Propane tanks
Formula and baby food
Bedding

Buying a Country Home. Or a Commune.

August 23, 2011 RH 5 Comments

Here we go again! It’s a vicious cycle for me. City home. Country home. City home. Country home. After losing my shirt on the Beacon home during the market downshift, I vowed never to invest anywhere other than the 5 boroughs again. I also vowed that would be my last renovation.

But I am an addict. I’m itching for a renovation even though I know it’s bad for my physical, mental and financial health. And right now, upstate New York is one big bargain basement!

Good thing I don’t even have the savings for a bargain right now.

But…

Now is the time to buy. There are plenty of second homes on the market. The economy is depressed. Towns are even more depressed. Interest rates are as low as they get. Passing through Stone Ridge last week, it looked as if every other house was for sale. In once completely unaffordable Rhinebeck, there were actually a few places under $200k. People are nervous and can’t do the second mortgage and high taxes. They are purging.

Ah, we didn’t get to see that Millbrook property I wanted to look at. Decided not to schlep to Millbrook when we saw that there’s already an accepted offer. Somebody is making a good move.

What *I really want is an entire bungalow colony. A house? Been there. Done that. Borrring. I need more of a challenge. I’m bringing back the Catskills, baby! (*Notice I say “I”, not “we”.)

We looked at two abandoned colonies in Ellenville (see below for listings). The town didn’t seem as run down as it did a couple of years ago, but maybe that was my rose colored glasses. There were some active colonies that had been taken over by Hasidic Jews. It was nice to see some life up there even though those people wouldn’t play with me. My idea is to make a colony for the oughts. I hate to say it, but a hipster colony.

The reason the Catskills faded was that people were able to fly to distant destinations. Although that still remains true, the staycation has become more popular since flying is a pain in the ass now. Less money, less time, more responsibilities means staying closer to home looks better.

The idea is exciting. Probably a helluvalot more exciting than actually restoring an entire colony. I have some peeps who may be interested in doing this with me and we’ll probably look into it more seriously come September. A cooperative thing would be easier than going it alone.

Ping me if you want in. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll learn to renovate and have a place to go for the summer.

Camp Road. 21 units on 7 acres. $284,999.

Katzman Road. 13 units on 35 acres. $218k.

Diamond in the Rough, Millbrook

August 10, 2011 RH 8 Comments

This had me at hello. I was perusing the Dutchess County MLS yesterday, just because, when I found this beauty. Call it what you will: Diamond in the Rough, Handy Man Special, Fixer Upper. But I’m in love.

The abandoned home sits on nearly 2 acres in chichi Millbrook. It was built in 1976. Yeah, 1976! Doesn’t it look like an old farm house? I know!

There were other houses up in that neck of the woods that have been better taken care of, but I’m always attracted to the underdog. Is there something wrong with me? I mean, I look at it and want to save it. I look at it and see an awesome friggin bargain. But then I wonder if my elevator doesn’t go to the top floor.

So, here’s the thing…For $159k (Oh yeah, did I mention that?) you’re not buying the house as much as that incredible property. Have a look at the photos below so you know what I’m talking about. Huh? Huh?

Seriously, I’m up there all next week and I’m gonna have myself a look at it. Wanna come with? Contact me. I might need help fighting off the family of raccoons living in the bathroom. (Just kidding! Maybe.)

Buy The Red Apple Rest Stop

August 3, 2011 RH

Me and The Moms took a trip upstate for a couple of days last week. We drove the Old 17 Route so we could pass the Red Apple Rest Stop. The Red Apple was THE place to stop before the NY Thruway was built. Back when it took 5 hours to get to Sullivan County. It was still open up until 2007 when it became condemned.

While we stopped to get pictures, there was someone else swinging by to have a look, remembering the place from his childhood. I wonder how many people go out of their way to check out the old rest stop. Could be a great restoration project and business venture.

The number is on the “For Sale” sign below. Just sayin’.

Sullivan County Homes Under $30k

June 22, 2011 RH

Think you can’t afford a second home? What if I told you you can grab one for as low as $15k? Yup. I’m not saying it’s the most desirable house in the most desirable area, but you can make it a sweet getaway.

Don’t even THINK of grabbing that house above for $15,000. I want that one. Looks like an old farm house but it was actually built in 1970. This could be a plus, as it sits on 2.31 acres and old farm houses are almost always right on the road. So it’s possible this house is set back a bit. It’s located in Monticello. Last time I was in Monticello, I was about 12. No kidding. It was kind of crappy back then, although it’s a beautiful landscape. Anyway, who cares about any of this? The. house. is. $15k.

This listing doesn’t give much detail. I guess the agent couldn’t be bothered to even take a picture for her commission on the $29,900 list price. Looks good from that angle. It’s a 2594 square foot four bedroom in Hurleyville, NY. I think I have an idea of where that is. Nice hikes and all, but not much going on culturally. In fact, I do believe that if you’re not an orthodox Jew, you may feel a bit out of place. On the other hand, if this is a flip, a 4BR would be a selling point.

Yeah, I know. It looks like a trailer. But hear me out. It’s actually a 1950 ranch on 4.9 acres. divided into 2 parcels. Still with me? Good. Take a look at the interior shots. There’s something to work with here. Can you see your mid century fab getaway? Are you seeing the fifties kitchen? Oh, I didn’t mention that it’s in Neversink and includes lake rights and three outdoor sheds.

**When you’re looking at distressed properties, please keep in mind that you may encounter wildlife living INSIDE of the house. Try not to freak out. Where boots and bring a flashlight (although, if the realtor doesn’t have a flashlight for abandoned homes, they should be fed to the wildlife).

Red Hook and Rhinebeck for Under $210k

May 25, 2011 RH 1 Comment

$189k. Village of Red Hook. It may not be an ideal country home because of the lack of property, but it’s perfect if you want to go out and get drunk and not have to worry about driving home. This is right in town! You can always take a drive to the nearest hike. Who needs to maintain property anyway?

Rhinebeck. $149k. Ok, so it’s a 1042 square foot vinyl sided POS. Try to find something in Rhinebeck on 1 acre for anything close to that price. I dare ya. Location, location, location! Right near the Performing Arts Center. Never underestimate the value of being able to walk to your destination in the country. I don’t want to hit a coyote at night. Do you?

$209k. Rhinebeck 1910 farmhouse. The drawback of old farmhouses is that they sit right near the road. The interior of this baby is not to be overlooked, though. It sits on half an acre. If you have dogs, you can always fence in the back yard. Um, have you realized yet that I’m looking at these for myself?

Click on the pics for more info or twist my arm to drive up and show you myself.

Country Homes Under $100k

May 18, 2011 RH

Want a weekend house but think you can’t afford it? Let’s see how low we can go. These homes need TLC, but I chose only desirable areas. What’s the mortgage on a $100k house? Like a dollar per month? Come on, you can do it!

The wreck above is located in Highland, NY within the New Paltz school district. Yes, it’s just short of being a tear down, but it’s $74,900. The home is less than 1000 square feet but sits on 1.7 acres. Interior shots here.

A small cabin in the woods of Kerhonkson, NY has access to the stream in the above photo. The 594 square foot home is quaint, but not much to look at. It sits on one acre. Price? $69k.

Ok, so this house isn’t too impressive. The 600 square foot vinyl sided POS has been renovated in Home Depot style. Here’s the thing….For $99,500 you got yourself a house in Milan near Red Hook, NY. 2.26 acres with access to a stream at the edge of the property. Suh-weet.

Country Homes Under $200k!

May 4, 2011 RH 2 Comments

Oh, this is bad. I just got agent’s access to Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan County MLS. My renovations are nearly finished in Brooklyn, summer is near and I don’t have a weekend place. I shouldn’t look. I’m not in the market. But it’s so tempting. Must stop looking…. (But if you want to look at them, maybe I wouldn’t mind taking a drive up with you.)

The house above is a “handyman special”. Those words are music to my ears. For $159k, you can be located right in the Village of Rhinebeck on 2.8 acres. Hello! It’s not a small house either: 2575 total square feet. 1000 of that is unfinished, but the place needs a total rehab anyway.

Hyde Park short sale for $179,925. An 1850 Colonial on 3.46 acres. The house is 2300 square feet and has a barn! Doesn’t look to be in bad condition.

Village of Millbrook. A 1940 stucco 824 square foot home on hardly any property. Listing price is $180k and the agent says bring in all offers. Ooh, this looks like a nice fixture upper! What better way to spend your weekends in the country than working on your house. I kid, I kid.

This one actually brought tears to my eyes. This house wants some lovin’. Located in The Gunks near the town of Pine Bush, famous for it’s UFO Festival and my mom’s siting of the KKK way back in the early 70’s. (True story. They’re probably long gone by now.) This deliciously scary looking 1820 fixer upper is $198k and sits on 2 acres. Heeerrre’s Johnny!

Weekender:Have You Booked Your Vacation Rental Yet?

April 8, 2011 RH

Our first year since 1999 without a country home. Don’t get me wrong, it feels great not to have the extra headache! “We could go anywhere we want now. Not stuck with just one place.” Said I. Overseas? Cross country?

Yeah, right. Who am I kidding? It’s all about the kids. Dogs, of course, in this instance. They ain’t Four Seasons material. Nor are we for that matter.

So, a few months ago we decided to do what we do every year….go upstate. It was early enough to book the house of our dreams. Secluded large home on lots of acres, hot tub, close to a great town.

And then we got distracted.

Fast forward to this week. Oops, better book that perfect vacation rental. Summer is just around the corner!

Let me tell you, it was tough. Lots of places are already booking up. If you’re thinking of staying fairly local for a weekend, week or monthly getaway, you better get crackin’ and book that shit.

In the end, I think we did find a great place. It’s got the hot tub! The house is near Red Hook and sits on 4 private acres.

And the best part about it? It’s not our house.

Looking for vacation rentals? I found Vacation Rental By Owner to be the easiest search for pet friendly homes. There’s a little paw print icon indicating which homes welcome dogs.

Other places to find rentals:

Cyberrentals

Home Away

Craigslist. You’ll have to search the area you want to stay, not NYC. Is that obvious? I thought listings should be posted under NYC for people wanting to get out of NYC, since this is the center of the universe.

NYC Weekend Getaways

February 18, 2011 RH 6 Comments

For the first time in over 10 years, I don’t have a country escape from NYC. Now that the weather is showing signs of improvement, it’s all about my summer vacay. I’m assuming it’s wise to book a rental like asap, right? No, I don’t want to go to the same place for the entire season. A week or a few weekends breaking from the Big A will suffice.

Now, I’m usually an upstate gal, but maybe I want to try something new? Below is a list of lovely weekend getaways from NYC. Any thoughts for a secluded place in the woods where our dogs can run free? Must be close enough to restaurants and culture or we’ll die.

1. Catskills. Better the devil you know. Been going to the Catskills since birth. There’s something nice about knowing where you’re going without having to explore. Especially since this will be our “relaxing” vacation with the dogs. I’m including the before-you-hit-the-Catskill-area too…New Paltz, High Falls, etc.

2. Hudson Valley. See Catskills. I’m talking the other side of the river, even though HV encompasses both sides all the way up to Albany. Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Tivoli.

3. Finger Lakes. Never been. I’m eying it as a possibility as it looks beautiful and it will probably have everything we’re looking for. Plus, my friend Scott who went to Ithaca says I’ll love it. Moosewood Restaurant and very pet friendly because of the veterinarian school. Added bonus: Seneca Falls aka “The Real Bedford Falls“! Best to hit that during Christmas season when the “It’s a Wonderful Life” festival is on.

4. Berkshires. It’s got the hikes, culture and restaurants. There’s something…goofy about the Berks. Like chainsaw-bear goofy. I like the Berks. They just don’t excite me.

5. Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket. Never been. Whaddya think? As you can see, I’m more of a woodsy person than a beach person. I do like a laid back atmosphere. Hamptons not for me! Would I hate it here? I dunno.

6. Jersey Shore. Hanging out with Snooky and the Situation! Actually, Cape May kind of intrigues me. My senile grandmother used to talk about her childhood summers there all the time. And you know, I love me some Victorians! We can also hang with The Queen of Jersey Shore.

7. Shelter or Fire Island. Yeah, I’m grouping them together. Maybe for a weekend, but I’d get claustrophobic if I had to spend more than 3 days. How are they with dogs anyway?

Vanishing Catskills

October 29, 2010 RH 2 Comments

A friend turned me on to this fabulous Vanishing Catskills site. Visual artist Raymon Elozua photographed the abandoned bungalow colonies and hotels around Sullivan and Ulster Counties. The site is easily navigated by type of structure or map.

From the site: “The desire for a new improved lifestyle, assimilation into the American melting pot, and the aging of an older immigrant population were underlying factors coupled with a time when air travel became cheaper and newer chic resorts and communities were springing up elsewhere spelled the end of the Catskills by the 70’s.”

That’s when my family started going there. From the mid 70’s to early 80’s, my parents rented a bungalow in a colony where all the other cousins stayed. The destinations changed every few years…there was Greenview in Spring Glen, Jan’s in Ellenville and Rosenblum’s in Spring Glen from what I recall. Some of the places (like Greenview) had already started to decay. But we had fun anyway.

My fascination with abandoned dwellings coupled with my history in the area has put Vanishing Catskills near the top of my obsession list this week. And the memories these photos triggered! OMG, I recognize that Homowack bowling alley! OMG, I helped my Grandma cook in kitchens exactly like that! (And see that pink and white chair? I have that set in yucky brown!)

Too bad my Grandma is rolling over in her grave whenever she sees me “cook” now.

Catskills Past

Borscht Belt. Then and Now

Weekender: Greek Revival Under $200k

October 27, 2010 RH 3 Comments

This fabulous Coxsackie, NY house belongs to a friend of mine. Sadly, I’ve never been invited up to see it in person. (How subtle was that hint?)

The Greek Revival was built circa 1839 and has been lovingly restored by said friend. I know that “lovingly restored” is a ridiculous real estate term, but it’s true…she did the restoration with love. And a bit of good taste didn’t hurt either. Before photos on Flickr.

$199,900 will get you 3 bedrooms in a 1969 square foot home on 1/3 acre bordering a state park.

So, where is this funny sounding town of Coxsackie? It’s upstate in Greene County. That’s west of Hudson (both the town and the river) and close to the other quaint towns of Athens and Catskill. It’s most famous for (in my mind) the kick ass Coxsackie Antique Center.

Check out the house! If you buy it, maybe you’ll invite me up.

Beacon Heats Up Just As We Leave

September 14, 2010 RH

It seems like the best thing that could have happened to Beacon was our move back to the city. Every time I go back up to sort things out with the house, a new place has popped up on Main Street.

Ah, but there are two huge projects in the works that have everyone in Beacon stoked.

The Beacon Theater went dark in the 1960’s and has remained that way ever since. Finally! 4th Wall Productions has purchased the 800-seat performance hall and has plans to restore it back to it’s original 1934 glory. It will be used as a performance space as well as a movie house.

The theater is raising funds to help with the restoration. There’s a concert coming up on September 18th featuring who-else-none-other-than-Pete Seeger. He probably played the original venue.

The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls sits on the east side of town overlooking the water fall. The cluster of factory buildings has been abandoned for years. Finally! Restoration of the land and buildings have begun. The Roundhouse will evolve into hotels, artist live/work spaces and a catering/event venue. All green development!

reclaimedhome.com

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