The Shawangunk mountain range rises dramatically behind this cedar-shingle farmhouse set on 135 acres of meadows in Walkill, a small hamlet about 20 mm-utes from New Paltz. With the “gunks” in its backyard, the activity quotient here is high. Owners Audrey and Don Leff have been hosting rock climbers, hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers in their home for more than nine years. But ifyou’re interested inless challenging feats, you can take a dip in the pool or hot tub. In summei the yard is a great spot forlounging (try and snagthe ham-mock if you can). There’s also plenty of antiquing in nearby New Paltz.
The interior of the farmhouse is warm and inviting, with thickly plastered walls and dried flowers and baskets hanging from hand-hewn beams that cross the ceiling. In the smaller sitting room, you can see remnants of the original light blue milk paint that once decorated the floor.
The downstairs guest room has a magnificent view and a massive log bed (which dominates the small room) facing a window—it’s just you, the bed, and the mountains. There’s a private bath across the hall. The rooms upstairs are larger, especially the lofty Cathedral room, which has an angular beamed ceiling. Each room has a comfy down comforter, which is tied with ribbon and placed at the end of the bed.
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