Brown Harris Stevens

Escape to Birchwood Estate: The Catskill Mountains' Crown Jewel Prepare to be awestruck by Birchwood Estate, a 78-acre paradise that redefines mountain luxury in New York State. Nestled amidst the seven mightiest peaks of the Catskills, this secluded haven boasts jaw-dropping vistas of iconic Indian Head, Sugarloaf, Twin, Plateau, and Hunter Mountains, with close to a mile of thrilling rapids along the Schoharie Creek as your personal soundtrack. Forget Wyoming or Colorado—this breathtaking retreat is just 20 minutes from Woodstock and a swift two-hour jaunt from midtown Manhattan. The star of the show? A 6,000-square-foot Adirondack masterpiece, reborn from an 18th-century Canadian barn, meticulously reconstructed beam-by-beam. Step inside to soaring 25-foot vaulted ceilings clad in rare mushroom wood, reclaimed floors that whisper history, and custom French doors that fling open to wraparound mountain panoramas through floor-to-ceiling glass. This is architectural perfection—think Hamptons-level opulence with Catskills soul—crafted with exquisite restraint. Unique touches dazzle with stucco walls plastered by Jean-Michel Basquiat's assistant and hand-forged hardware that's pure artistry. Wander the grounds, where birch forests, wildflower meadows, and vibrant gardens paint a scene so stunning it stands alone as one of New York States most spectacular properties. Then, descend to a second world: a cherry-and-mahogany Japanese tea house cantilevered over the roaring Schoharie Creek. Slide open the glass walls to drink in Plateau Mountain downstream and a symphony of rock-strewn rapids upstream. A ¾-mile private trail unfurls along the trout-rich creek—your own slice of wilderness where solitude reigns supreme. The estate doesn't stop there. A charming horse barn hides sleek solar panels, while a bountiful vegetable garden flaunts raised beds, hinged greenhouse tops, and self-watering wizardry. Guests will clamor for the tower hideaway with its valley-wide views, or its stunning observation deck with twenty-mile views. Dive into a 12-foot swimming pond, find Zen in the yoga pavilion perched above a 20-foot waterfall, or cozy up by the grand stone fireplace in the main house—radiant heat and thick walls make every season special. This isn't just a property; it's a love letter to nature and craftsmanship, poured into every detail since 2005. Five distinct structures dot the landscape, from the glass-walled main house on its regal knoll to the streamside stunner with its rapids-and-mountain drama. Add in two palatial master suites, two guest-house gems, and three more bedrooms—all wrapped in high-end rustic elegance and custom glass that blurs the line between indoors and out. Gardens, forests, a waterfall-fed pond, and relentless peak views make every moment a masterpiece. Minutes from Woodstock, Saugerties, and Hunter Mountain skiing, Birchwood Estate is a rare chance to own the Catskills' most unforgettable retreat. The sellers are ready to pass the torch this year and will entertain the best offer—but only for qualified buyers who can prove they're worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime escape. Seeing is believing. Are you ready?