Tucked into the forest just outside the town of Catskill, Piaule is an architecturally ambitious retreat that redefines the idea of a nature hotel. Designed in collaboration with Garrison Architects and founded by two friends from the design world, the 50-acre property is a masterclass in quiet luxury — where clean lines, muted palettes, and intentional materials blur the boundary between indoors and out.
In 2024 the MICHELIN Guide introduced its hotel-award system — the Michelin Keys — to honor stays that excel in design, service, and sense of place. Across Upstate New York, ten properties have received this distinction, from Adirondack resorts to modern Hudson Valley retreats.
With the Catskills and Adirondacks both within five hours, it’s easy to the get to the slopes for day trips, weekends and extended holidays from NYC. Inside, find six Upstate ski getaways, including mountains paired with EB’s picks for coziest places to stay nearby.
Built in 1870 and located within the East End Historic District, this six-unit Victorian home pairs timeless architecture with modern performance. Once derelict, it has been reimagined by its current owner as both a neighborhood landmark and a fully stabilized income property, preserving historic character while embracing contemporary design and comfort. Behind its shingled façade and wraparound porch are six distinct apartments, each thoughtfully restored. Period millwork, leaded-glass windows, arched doorways, and tiled fireplaces recall the home’s 19th-century craftsmanship, while modern kitchens, updated baths, and custom finishes bring the building firmly into the present. Notable highlights include mirrored octagonal rooms with oversized windows, marble countertops and eat-in islands, French doors between living and sleeping areas, and a top-floor unit with a deep soaking tub and balcony with sprawling Hudson River views. Currently configured as five long-term rentals and one high-performing short-term unit, the property has a proven history of strong income and operational flexibility. A separately deeded, non-buildable lot across the street is included in the sale, preserving panoramic river views for the long term. With its combination of architectural integrity, financial strength, and prime positioning on one of Newburgh’s most picturesque bluff streets, this historic home presents the opportunity to own one of the city’s most distinctive riverfront properties.
As autumn settles over the Hudson Valley, it’s the perfect season to trade city streets for river views, crisp air, and a quiet cafe Upstate. Whether it’s a first foray north of the city or a return to a familiar haunt, these five destinations offer an easy escape — all reachable by train, no car required. From design-minded getaways in Cold Spring and Beacon to the storied charm of Sleepy Hollow, this guide highlights five effortless day trips from NYC.
Tarrytown and neighboring Sleepy Hollow make for one of the Hudson Valley’s most accessible escapes – less than an hour-long, scenic Metro-North ride from Grand Central. The villages sit side by side on the river, tied together by their literary history as the home of Washington Irving and his iconic Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Cold Spring, NY is one of our favorite day trips from NYC. An hour on the MetroNorth puts visitors right in the heart of town and its scenic, walkable Main Street. Though it’s only about half a mile long, Cold Spring’s Main Street packs a punch, with boutiques and restaurants nearly packed in a row — made even more appealing by its surrounding mountain backdrop. The area is also home to some of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic hikes and cultural landmarks. The combination makes it an ideal day trip: spend the morning in nature, then relax with lunch, shopping, and cultural exploration in one of the region’s most charming river towns.
New York-based design lovers don’t need to look far for inspiration beyond the city: in recent years, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Berkshires have become home to some of the most architecturally striking getaways in the Northeast. From minimalist cabins to reimagined industrial landmarks, these properties combine thoughtful design with unforgettable settings; you'll find each of them on Escape Club, our lodging directory/web app that specializes in memorable, design-forward hospitality.
Built in 1889, the Beacon Firehouse is a landmark of the city’s historic core, distinguished by its mansard roof, original bell tower, and arched windows. Once central to Beacon’s civic life, it retains much of its original craftsmanship – from ornamental plasterwork to finely crafted woodwork – alongside modern infrastructure. Today, its scale and adaptable layout position it for a new chapter, from cultural or community use to boutique hospitality, all within steps of Main Street’s shops, restaurants, and galleries in one of the Hudson Valley’s most active small cities.
Saugerties sits where Esopus Creek meets the Hudson River, offering a quiet village atmosphere framed by water and woods. Known for its blend of historic charm and creative energy, the town’s walkable center is filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes set into old brick buildings. Just beyond the village, forested trails and tidal marshes open into riverside views and sculpture parks, creating a balance between small-town ease and outdoor adventure. Today, Saugerties quietly draws artists, makers, and independent businesses – a community that honors its past while shaping a thoughtful, design-minded identity. Read on for our guide to Saugerties, with recommendations on where to hike, eat, shop, and stay.