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Home For Sale In Woodstock NY With Amazing Views

April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Woodstock NY Real Estate;  Home For Sale

263 California Quarry Road, Woodstock NY

This Woodstock mountaintop home for sale is the perfect choice for those looking for privacy and seclusion, yet minutes to everything! Located only minutes to the Village of Woodstock, you can enjoy unobstructed year round panoramic views from the three levels of this private and serene contemporary home. Breathtaking views extends beyond the Berkshires over to the Hudson River, across the valley to the Mohonk Mountain and the Shawankgunks, and the Ashokan Reservoir. Comfort and easy living describes the feel of this mountain top home with the convenience to the Village of Woodstock. A wall of windows in the dining area take advantage of the amazing views and sun light. Also recessed lighting and hardwood flooring which flows into the living area with its beamed ceiling and cozy fireplace w/ woodstove insert. Relaxing family room has an abundance of windows, porcelain tile flooring, with entrance leading to new composite and cherry stained decking w/electric awning.

Tastefully remodeled galley kitchen which opens to living/dining area offers stainless steel appliances with gas range, quartz countertops w/ custom grooves for dish drain, an under mount stainless steel sink imported from Italy, and pantry w/ rollout drawers. A dumbwaiter from first floor to kitchen level makes carrying groceries and other items easy. A utility room off the kitchen with radiant heat and beautiful slate flooring, a full wall of pantry cabinets w/pullout drawers, and laundry area w/stackable washer and dryer. Each bedroom is on a different level, with bathrooms on each floor, California closets and a wall with windows to see the mesmerizing views. The master bath has its own sauna & Jacuzzi tub. The main level bedroom has its own outdoor deck for relaxing. The first level bedroom has an office area with  built in shelving and a walkout to the front yard and gardens. Two car garage w/electric door openers, backup generator, newer vinyl siding and architectural shingle roof, asphalt drive, stone walls, road maintenance association are just one of many pluses this home has to offer.

This home is a must see!! Click here to view the full listing details.

Ulster County Real Estate: Catskills Real Estate, Hudson Valley Real Estate, Upstate NY Real Estate, New York Real Estate, Ulster County Homes For Sale

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A Slice of Persia in Upstate NY

March 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Celebrated landscape artist of the Hudson River School, Frederic Church settled in Upstate NY in the late 1800′s and named his castle Olana. Perhaps best known by the way his paintings created a sense of calmness and a glimmer of hope. He chose the piece of land high on a hill overlooking the valley and the Hudson River to build his palace. Frederic was a world traveler going to places like the Arctic all the way to the Middle East and Mexico, the design and furnishings that Olana boasts come from all over the world. The name Olana is old Latin for a place in Persia. Frederic loved and cherished this home and called it “the center of the world.”

Seeing this beauty in the distance is impressive, but the true artistry of his masterpiece is best experienced up close. The exterior is covered in intricate stencils, brick, stone and tile work, all designed by Church and all in vibrant colors. Sadly, Olana became Church’s last masterpiece. During the first few years of it’s creation, Church became afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, making it almost impossible to paint, so instead he turned his attention to the ever evolving design of Olana. As the years went on, he had to add a wing to accomodate  his growing family and of course his growing collection of world art.

This is just another gem that Upstate NY holds. Plan a trip and experience the beauty of the area, you will not be disappointed!

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Views, Views, Views!

March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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The address is 263 California Quarry Road in Woodstock and the views are incredible, unobstructed, year round, panoramic views! You can see beyond the Berkshires, over to the Hudson River, over to the Mohonk Mountain House, the Shawankgunks and even the Ashokan Reservoir. This home is on a mountain top, but has all the conveniences to  the Village of Woodstock. This home boasts three levels with a wall of windows to enjoy the scenery and allow sunlight in.

The home has been tastefully remodeled with wood floors and a beamed ceiling. The kitchen has quartz counters and stainless appliances, even a sink that was imported from Italy. There are too many features to list, the pictures below help to describe the beauty of this contemporary, but perhaps the best way is to see it for yourself!

For details on this beautiful home and other homes in the Woodstock area, please visit here, or call 845.338.5252!

 

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Creative in Woodstock

March 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Strolling through the thirty eight acres of this you would not be surprised to know that this property is listed on the National and New York State  Registers of Historic Places. This school, sponsored by the Art Students League of New York opened in 1906, attracting artists of all types with the mountains, meadows, woods and streams of the Woodstock region. In 1981, the Woodstock School of Art, a non-profit organization of local artists took over the buildings and land.

The Woodstock School of Art has a unique program with no entrance requirements and no set curriculum’s. The classes are an open, creative forum of communication to allow for creativity to flow. Students choose from more than twenty professional instructors and from classes that suit their specific needs and from special lecture and workshop programs.

The buildings have big, well-lit studios with lots of natural light. With the artists that attend and have attended, some very famous, it’s no wonder that the still and quiet spirit of the school creates a creative energy unlike anything you would ever imagine.

There are many art exhibits throughout the year, by both the students and instructors. View the calendar here for a closer look!

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Beautiful Home in Woodstock, NY

February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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One of my favorite places in Ulster County, NY is without a doubt, Woodstock, NY. The charm and characteristics of this small town are unique and colorful. Do NOT miss out on a chance to own a home in this wonderful town, full time or even as a weekend home. Newly listed, this home has been beautifully maintained on a cul-de-sac, and is minutes to the village of Woodstock.

This particular home offers four bedrooms and three full baths, a designer kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. The home has a great floorplan, it is perfect for entertaining! It offers a wood burning stone fire place, tiger maple floors, an attached two car garage, mudroom, office, finished basement with generator hook up.

Pride of ownership has never been more evident from the landscaped grounds, complete with beautiful rock outcroppings, heated above ground pool, manicured for the discriminating buyer even with trails behind the home for hiking, walking or running.

If you are looking for a great home in a great location, look no further! Click here to view the full listing details, or browse all available homes for sale in Woodstock

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Whatever You’re In The Mood To Eat In Woodstock

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Woodstock New York

If you are looking for a place to eat or dine in Woodstock, there are a variety of delicious places, whatever you’re in the mood for.

Cafes in Woodstock: The Garden Cafe a vegan restaurant, Oriole 9 a Continental-themed cafe and Joshua’s Cafe a Mediterranean style.

For Italian try Cucina, they serve a delicious Italian cuisine and offer Sunday brunch. For more Italian try Catskill Mountain Pizza Company or Havana Club Bar and Grille, serves Italian and Cuban fare with a South American twist.

For American Style cuisine you can try Landau Grill and Pub At The Club at the Woodstock Golf Course.

Delis in Woodstock: The Corner Cupboard opens early for breakfast, Maria’s Bazaar a delicatessen cafe and Bread Alone serves there own baked breads, soups and sandwiches.

The Little Bear, in Bearsville, offers Chinese fare, Wok ‘n’ Roll  features Chinese cuisine and sushi.

The Gypsy Wolf Cantina, on Route 212 between Woodstock and Bearsville, offers Mexican cuisine. Taco Juan’s, which offers take-out style Mexican dishes and ice cream.

The Mountain Gate offers Indian cuisine and Violette, a Country French and Continental restaurant.
Lori’s Creative Cafe & Jabelli’s Bakery, eat in or take out as well as homemade baked goods.

Take a drive up north from New York City to Woodstock, take the NYS Thruway to Exit 19, head West on Route 28 to Route 375 in Hurley which takes you into the Village of Woodstock. While you’re in the area, take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside and if you see any Woodstock Homes For Sale, give us a call, we can get you in!

For more information and to browse available listings in Woodstock and surrounding areas, visit our website and start your search for Ulster County Real Estate

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First Quarter 2011 Woodstock Real Estate Market Report

April 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Woodstock Home Front PorchWoodstock is one of only a few municipalities in Ulster County that has produced a year-to-date increase in homes sold during the first quarter of 2011.  From January through the end of March 2011, 18 single-family homes have been sold in Woodstock compared to 17 homes sold during the same period of time in 2010.  The median price has decreased from $260,000 in 2010 to $242,500 this year during the first quarter.  There are 163 homes currently on the market in Woodstock, representing an 8% increase in inventory from last year.  Thus far, all signs are pointing to Woodstock having one of the most robust markets in Ulster County in 2011.

Another encouraging sign for the area market is that home sales in Saugerties (town & village) have also increased from 20 in 2010 to 27 in 2011.

It will be interesting to see how the local market fares as we enter the busy season of spring.

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Straw Bale Homes

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Woodstock NY Straw Bale House

Woodstock NY Straw Bale House For Sale

Clarifying Misconceptions About Straw Bale Houses

When many people may hear the words “Straw Bale House” they immediately think of the “three little pigs”. Actually, a straw bale house can be efficient, secure, healthy and attractive. A straw bale homes use renewable resources and are extremely energy efficient. It can have an R-value (insulation value) of up to R55. Most houses have an R-value of up to R21, (which is standard building code). Because of it’s insinuative value, a straw bale house stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Therefore, you need no central air. As a result, it costs very little to heat and almost nothing to cool. In addition, some may think of straw as a fire hazard, yet the opposite is true. Straw bale homes often conform to strict wild fire safety codes.

What are Straw Bale Houses Made Of?

Interior of a straw bale house

Interior of a Straw Bale House

People often confuse hay with straw. The difference between the two is that hay is grass and a food, while straw is a by-product (the stalks). Hay gives off methane gasses as it decomposes, which eventually become self combustible. When hay decomposes in a confined space, it will eventually become self combustible. When straw decomposes it is inert. It is incapable of self combustion. It will never become self combustible in the absence of oxygen.

The straw bales are entombed with lime plaster and concrete. This is the reason that straw bale houses are resistant to fire.  The lime plaster wicks the moisture out of the bales and keeps the humidity low within the house. Moisture is constantly drawn out of the house and therefore mold is minimized. Lime is an excellent mold prevention agent and as a result, a straw bale house is ideal for someone who has mold allergies.  The outside of the house is coated with lime and concrete. It keeps out drafts, pests of all kinds and moisture.

This particular straw bale house (the first & only straw bale house constructed in Woodstock) we have listed for sale is unique in the fact that the outside front of the house has been stone faced. It has the charm of an old stone house without the cold of an old stone house. By using concrete, the rest of the house is sided with a unique, hand sculpted style to resemble clapboard and fish scale siding.

Finally, the house is then lime washed which gives the house a clean white finish. Most straw bale houses resemble an adobe house and are just stuccoed. “Little pig, little pig!, I’ll blow your house in!!” Straw bale houses built over 200 years ago still are standing today. These houses are built using either post and beam or are stick built. The walls are then infilled using straw bales and lashed together with baling twine. Bracing is involved. The house is then secured with concrete and lime inside and out. This House Ain’t Going nowhere!   The structure is extremely secure and would never blow down.

Please call us to find out about our unique Woodstock NY straw bale house for sale!

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Buying a Weekend Home in Woodstock New York

March 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Woods in Woodstock NYDue to the economic downturn, it is now possible to snap up a nice weekend home in Woodstock, NY for far less than an apartment in Manhattan.  With time and the expectation of economic recovery, it could be a great investment idea.  However, one has to consider the future: If personal conditions change, how difficult would it be to sell the property? Could it be rented if there was no immediate market for it? Every asset purchase needs an exit strategy, and a weekend home is no different.

Investment value aside, the lifestyle value is the real motivation for buying a Pied-à-terre.

Lifestyle value typically falls into the category of either “running to” or “running from” when making a value assessment. The first group wants a weekend home they can run to, a place that offers something special that their ordinary home does not. These buyers tend to have specific criteria in mind for their getaway, and it has to offer something special to make it worthwhile. Their emotional need is for an escape to something special.

In contrast is the segment of buyers who are “running from.” For this group, the specific amenities or details of their purchase are perhaps not as important with respect to what it has, but rather what it does not have. They tend to be people who want an escape from stress, discomfort, or the familiar in their normal world, or perhaps acquire an anonymity unavailable where they live and work. Their emotional need is for escape from a specific spot, not to get to a specific spot.

The difference between these two points of view is profound in terms of financial investment. It is much more difficult for the “running to” buyer to locate a good financial investment and still meeting their specific needs. The “running from” buyer tends to have a more open set of criteria and acceptable locations, and is thus able to purchase an acceptable place that offers better investment value. A careful evaluation of needs and desires will help the buyer make a much more considered and better investment decision.

Finally, consider the issues of distance and transportation. The ideal weekend home is close enough for ease of commute, yet distant enough to insulate and provide a sense of change. A home too far away runs the risk of neglect due to distance and travel time, while the place too close might not provide enough of an escape. Whether running to or running from, an investment like this deserves to be used and enjoyed, so choose wisely.

Regardless of what motivates one to consider purchasing a weekend home,  Woodstock offers options to satisfy even the most discerning home buyer.  With all that Woodstock has to offer, it’s no surprise that it remains one of the most popular weekend home destinations in the Catskills and Hudson Valley.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, a second home, weekender, or a country retreat….. start your search for Woodstock NY Real Estate here!

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Onteora Schools Offer Great Value to Homeowners with Students

March 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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A recent report furnished by the Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency revealed some interesting observations about which school districts are putting the highest monetary investment into students based on the amount of school taxes paid.   The data suggests that the Onteora School District, which covers Woodstock NY and surrounding areas, could offer the best educational value of all Ulster County school districts.

The first graph illustrates the average school tax bill for a home with a market value of $250,000 for each school district in Ulster County.

Average School Tax Bill By District in Ulster County

From this graph, it is evident that the typical resident that lives within the Onteora School Districts pays less school taxes than other Ulster County school districts.  An Onteora School District resident would only pay approximately $2620 per year if his/her home had a market value of $250,000.  That figure is nearly doubled within the Wallkill School District.

Now a reasonable person would think that if a district is receiving more school taxes from the typical resident, that the investment into each pupil would be higher, right?  The data reveals that actually almost the exact opposite is true.

Per Pupil Expenditure By District in Ulster County

Again, Onteora came out on top with an average per pupil expenditure of $31,264.  Wallkill came in last with a per pupil expenditure of $17,867.

In order to illustrate which school districts are spending the most per student while keeping property taxes low, I created a figure called an ‘Educational Value Index’.  The higher the index number, the better the educational value provided a given school district.

Educational Value Index for Ulster County

As one would expect from examining the prior graphs and then this one, Onteora is far and away the best educational value based on this measure.  The school districts are ranked as follows based on the Educational Value Index (in descending order):

  1. Onteora
  2. Rondout Valley
  3. Ellenville
  4. New Paltz
  5. Kingston
  6. Marlboro
  7. Saugerties
  8. Highland
  9. Wallkill

Although there are plenty of other data points that one would consider to quantify the best overall school district (like test scores), these figures certainly show that Woodstock is an excellent option if paying the least for the best educational value is an important consideration.

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