4 Summer Escapes: a Private Lake Vacation Rental + 3 Dream Homes
(6/20) Dive Into Summer at Glasco BLCK Creek + 3 New Real Estate Gems
Happy Summer Solstice, ya’ll!
The longest day of the year is here, along with our first real heatwave, which we’ll be handling the best way we know how: in the water. I’m heading to Cape Cod for vacation, and plan to spend most of it in the bay side shallows. Erin’s staying local, cooling off in Catskills swimming holes so secret, she’d sooner give up her air conditioning than drop a pin! 😉
If you’re craving a similar setup, don’t miss this week’s featured short-term rental: Glasco BLCK Creek, a group-ready estate in Highland with four houses, a private lake, and all the makings of a dream summer weekend. Think dockside swims, hammock naps, outdoor showers, and hot tub stargazing, all on a sprawling 164-acre property.
We’re also spotlighting three standout real estate listings across the region: a character-rich Greek Revival in the heart of Hillsdale, a historic lakefront estate with 275 private acres in Franklin, and a renovated Catskills cottage in Livingston Manor, complete with its own tiny house. Each one is primed for outdoor living — with shady porches, wraparound decks, and plenty of space to settle in for the season.
Stay cool out there, and enjoy the long days ahead.
— Hannah + the EB team
Private Lakefront Escape: Glasco BLCK Creek in Highland, NY
Set on 164 acres in the hills of Highland, Glasco BLCK Creek is built around the kind of landscape that’s hard to come by — with a 37-acre private lake at its center, framed by mountain ridgelines, wooded trails, and wide-open skies. Four design-forward homes are tucked into the terrain, offering a private, all-seasons basecamp for nature-forward gatherings.
Swim, paddle, or lounge lakeside with two docks, two kayaks, and two canoes at the ready — then rinse off in the open-air shower before settling in by the grill. Trails lead to a secluded waterfall, while hammocks dot the property for midday naps and slow mornings. Waterside dining areas turn every meal into a picnic, and a hot tub by the lake sets the stage for long soaks under the stars.
With select weekends still available through the summer, Glasco BLCK Creek offers a rare chance to experience Upstate at its most immersive. Ideal for celebrations, family getaways, or relaxed weekends with friends, the estate’s outdoor spaces invite gathering, unwinding, and making the most of long days in the sun.
Current availability is showing: Friday, July 11 through Monday, July 14; Wednesday, July 23 through Monday, August 10; Sunday, August 17 through Monday, September 1 and Labor Day Weekend and into September. Check their calendar, rates, etc. by following this link.
EB’s Newest Listing: 1840s Greek Revival Home in Hillsdale, NY
Built circa 1848, this five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath Greek Revival sits on a spacious village lot, pairing Empire-era architecture with lived-in comfort. Pilastered corners, a gabled roof, and a full-width front porch framed by Doric columns mark the home’s classic facade, while interiors offer tall windows, wood-burning stoves, and a warm, lived-in sensibility. The layout reflects a thoughtful blend of formality and ease, with dual parlors, a chef’s kitchen, and preserved 19th-century detailing throughout.
The kitchen—anchored by a Viking range and deep farmhouse sink—opens to a sunroom warmed by a gas fireplace and views of the backyard. Upstairs, five bedrooms encircle a wide landing, with the primary suite offering its own bath and a flexible bonus room. Outside, greenery and established stonework shape a private backyard ideal for entertaining. An oversized barn offers added potential, complete with a hot tub, workshop, and storage space for tools or creative use.
Property Overview:
Five bedroom, three and a half bathroom 1840s Greek Revival | 2,834 square foot home on 0.67 acres | Wood burning stoves | Dual parlors | Oversized casement windows | Chef’s kitchen with Viking range, double-bowl farmhouse sink, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances | Wet bar with dining nook | Historic details | Clawfoot bathtubs | Oversized bay window with built-in seating area | Covered front porch | Pea gravel patio | Oversized barn with enclosed hot tub | Asking $1,195,000
In + Around Hillsdale, NY:
Located in Hillsdale’s historic hamlet, the home offers a peaceful foothold with a strong sense of place. The weekend farmers market, just around the corner, draws locals for fresh produce and handmade goods. Twisted Sisters Coffee House and Roe Jan Brewing Co. round out the walkable town center with cozy, low-key charm. Nearby hikes like Bash Bish Falls and Sunset Rock thread through the Taconic Range, while a short drive west leads to Hudson’s design-forward shops and restaurants – Café Mutton, Red Chair and The Maker among them – making Hillsdale an ideal balance of country quiet and cultural access.
More Info + Contact:
Listed by Matthew Carey at Rouse + Co. Real Estate. For showings or inquiries, email matt@rouseco.com or call/text (203) 763-9599.
Just Hit the Market: The Lakehouse, a Historic Lakefront Estate on 275 Acres in Franklin, NY
Set high above a spring-fed, 10-acre lake in the northern Catskills, The Lake House is a cedar-shingled farmhouse that pairs historic charm with unmatched acreage. Built circa 1900 and sited on 275 acres of rolling fields and forest, the three-bedroom home opens to bucolic views from nearly every angle — with a private dock, twin piers, and sun-soaked interiors oriented toward the water. Hardwood floors, original woodwork, and a window-lined sunroom add to the home’s quiet warmth and sense of place.
The main level centers on an open living and dining area, with a country kitchen wrapped in deep blue tile and vintage cabinetry. A sunroom and adjacent sitting room offer seamless flow outdoors, where a raised back deck overlooks the lake. Upstairs, two secondary bedrooms share wide views of the land, while the primary suite includes an ensuite bath with tiled shower, vintage vanity, and brass fixtures. Beyond the house, a restored 1825 barn anchors the equestrian setup — complete with eight stalls, tack and wash rooms, and 11 acres of fenced pasture bordered by wooded trails and panoramic mountaintop views.
Property Overview:
Three bedroom, two bathroom farmhouse | 1,510 square foot home on 275 acres | Classic wood shingle exterior | Hardwood floors | Country kitchen with tiled countertops and farmhouse sink | Primary bedroom with ensuite bathroom | Covered front porch | Spacious back deck with bucolic views | Private 10-acre lake with swimming docks | Equestrian barn | 11-acre pasture enclosed by three-rail wood fencing | Mountaintop open pasture with panoramic views | Hiking and horseback riding trails | Asking $1,750,000
In + Around Franklin, NY:
A few miles from the village of Franklin, The Lake House offers a rare balance of privacy and access. Franklin’s walkable main street is home to design-forward shops like Blue Farm and Kabinet & Kammer, alongside The Tulip and the Rose Café — a local favorite for its globally-inspired menu. Just east, Delhi expands the scene with standouts like Hollow, a stylish café-bar hybrid, and This & That, a trove of antique and vintage finds. Whether lakeside or town-bound, the area rewards those drawn to stillness, style, and quiet adventure.
More Info + Contact:
Listed by Douglas Clarke and Camille Ross at Jewett and Jewett. For showings or inquiries, email Douglas at douglas@jewettandjewett.com / (347) 325-2698 or Camille at camille@jewettandjewett.com / (917) 310-8604.
Price Improvement: Black Bear Cottage in Livingston Manor, NY
Located just five minutes from downtown Livingston Manor, Black Bear Cottage is a thoughtfully renovated 1902 retreat set on just over three wooded acres. The three-bedroom, two-bath home blends Catskills charm with modern updates—think shiplap paneling, hardwood floors, and porthole windows paired with an open layout and wood-burning stove on a mosaic hearth. A chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar flows into the dining and living areas, while upstairs, the nautical-inspired primary suite sits alongside a bonus den. A separate tiny house with a sleeping loft, kitchenette, and bath adds flexible guest space.
Out back, the wraparound deck connects to a hot tub and stone fire pit, all set against gently sloped land that backs up to the local Rail Trail. Mature trees offer privacy, while the layout invites connection to the outdoors—whether grilling, stargazing, or heading out for a morning hike. Check the Escape Brooklyn Guide to Livingston Manor to get a feel for the area.
More Info + Contact:
Asking $580,000. Listed by Robin Jones at Anatole House. For showings or inquiries, email robin@anatolehouse.com or call/text 845-943-4177.
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