This content originally appeared on our Weekend Inspiration newsletter, mailed on 12/13/24. Want to get news like this, straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Escape Club, where upgraded paid membership also gets you exclusive discounts on Upstate getaways you won’t find anywhere else.

Howdy, and happy Friday!

If it feels like things have been quiet over here: they have! Shooting/travel season for EB winds down for a bit in December as the holidays roll in – then picks up again in January as our friends from the city visit Upstate for their scenic winter trips – for skiing, crashing in a cozy cabin for a weekend, or otherwise.

I usually take this downtime to get some personal travel in, and the last few weeks have been really fun – plus the snow makes it so magical. I got in two memorable trips: one to Kingston for a honky tonk, and one to Bearsville, one of my all-time fav cabins. Next week, I’m booking a block of rooms out at Kingston Carriage House for my birthday – more to come on them!

Happy holidays from Upstate! Photo from an all-time EB fav cabin, Bearsville, last week.

This week on Escape Club, we’re sharing an inspirational NYC-based design studio that works extensively in the Hudson Valley, a seasonal winter rental in Livingston Manor, and for those of you thinking about a west coast trip this season, a super cool Spyglass-shaped home in Sebastopol that puts you in the heart of Sonoma wine country.

For those of you visiting the region – and especially our fellow locals – reminder to check out last week’s Upstate Holiday Market List to finish up your holiday shopping! Last, check out our December promos to plan a (discounted) trip.

Happy Friday, and stay warm!
– Erin + The EB Team

The Up Studio: Modern Architecture in the Hudson Valley

The courtyard at Twisted Ridge – shared between the main house and the guest house – has a large sun patio, pool, and stunning mountain views. Photo: Julian Bracero

Based in New York City, The Up Studio‘s team of architects and designers have been hard at work — mostly within the three hour radius of their NYC headquarters. Now just shy of fifteen years old, The Up Studio has taken on multiple national projects – though they are most passionate about projects in their home state of New York.

You may recognize their Sag Harbor build, Harbor Hideaway, from ArchDaily as a Building of the Year nominee – or from its AIA (ARCHI Award), or its position as a Gray Awards finalist. In the Hudson Valley village of Irvington, the gravity-defying Flying Bend is only halfway complete, but has already landed a spot on CBS’ America ByDesign.

Check out Escape Brooklyn for the full feature on Twisted Ridge in Hudson, NY. Photos by Julian Bracero and Noah Kalina.

Their newest project — sure to turn heads of many, and earn its own awards — is Twisted Ridge is near Hudson, NY.

Twisted Ridge is named for its unique roofline that dances up and down, mimicking the mountains. The client, a self-described “recovering interior designer,” worked on the interiors and used the home as a capstone project of her design career. Other key features include its beautiful guesthouse, a shared courtyard and pool, and loads of west facing rooms and windows to frame sunsets over the Catskills.

To learn more about this unique home – and to see some tools The Up Studio created for anyone thinking about building their own dream house – check out full feature on Escape Brooklyn.

Follow the link here: The Up Studio: Modern Architecture in the Hudson Valley.

Winter Rental: Shandelee Mountaintop Cottage in Livingston Manor, NY

This cozy cottage is available by month, or for the full term of winter. Photo: Escape Brooklyn

120 miles from NYC in Livingston Manor, find the Shandelee Mountaintop Cottage. This very cute two bedroom house rents exclusively in the winter when the owner is away for the season – meaning this rental is equipped with all the comforts of home.

Inside, there are two bedrooms, a totally renovated bathroom and kitchen, a living room anchored by a fireplace (firewood included), a home gym, office space, and a washer/dryer. Outside, there is a hot tub with scenic views of the Catskills, and an outdoor shower for springtime rinses in the great outdoors. This charming stay is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families. Well-behaved, fully-trained furry friends are welcome!

Despite its mountaintop location, the home is just five minutes from Main Street Livingston Manor – making great restaurants, bars, breweries, and boutique shops easily accessible. This also puts world-class art gallery Catskill Art Space (which has work by James Turrell and Sol LeWitt) just a short drive away for those needing artistic inspiration. Finally, it’s two minutes to Arnold House, whose cozy tavern with a wood stove also has a jukebox and pool table, is perfect for local mountain hangs.

Pricing is $3,500/monthly or $3,200/month for seasonal renters (full term Feb-May). Dates are flexible, roughly February 1 to May 1, 2025.

Inquiries can be sent to shandeleemountaincottage@gmail.com

Sonoma Spyglass in Sebastopol, CA

Sonoma Spyglass in Sebastopol, CA. Photos: Escape Brooklyn/Escape LA

For readers planning a trip out west soon, this one’s for you: Sonoma Spyglass, an elevated retreat just an hour and a half from San Fransisco. (And by elevated, we mean it in the figurative and literal sense!) Tucked into the heart of Sonoma wine country, this Airbnb features some pretty luxurious spa amenities, such as an outdoor soaking tub, an outdoor shower, and a cedar barrel sauna.

This 600 square foot elevated Spyglass has a full kitchen, bathroom, and even an outdoor spa area with a cedar barrel sauna and outdoor shower. There’s also a soaking tub on its porch, overlooking Sonoma’s landscape.

Designed and built by Artistree Homes, Sonoma Spyglass blends sustainability, design, and connectivity to nature, creating a unique getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in wine country. Within fifteen minutes, there are four wineries – Iron Horse Vineyards, Boheme Winery, Occidental, Paul Mathew Vineyards, and Reichwage Winery (which is just two blocks away from the Airbnb).

Nearby, the Jenner Headlands Preserve serves as a beautiful backdrop for coastal hikes – and for a more laid-back day on the water, head to Dillon Beach or Doran Beach. To see Sonoma Spyglass’ winter availability and to book your stay, check out the Airbnb’s listing here. For more California and west coast inspiration, check out our sister site, Escape LA.

That’s all for this week – enjoy your weekend!