Single Family House for Sale in Shandaken, Ulster, NY 12480 | Web ID: PH560198 | $749,000

Discover absolute tranquility at this thoughtfully and sympathetically restored, fully off-grid farmhouse. Situated in a prime location on a picturesque, town-maintained road, at the end of which you will find the largely undiscovered lower birch creek forest reserve, with its spring-fed pond for swimming and fishing and access to hiking trails. This welcoming, characterful, 3 bed, 2 bath period property with its expansive wrap-around porch and spacious living rooms, provides the perfect backdrop for large gatherings and a peaceful countryside retreat. The main floor features vaulted ceilings and there are solid wood floors throughout. The large, light-filled, recently renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops offers plenty of space for cooking, prep, gathering and informal meals, while the adjacent dining room provides the ideal setting for more formal, or large group dining. Leading from the kitchen are two separate living rooms, each with their own feature fireplace with jotul wood-burning stove, providing warm and inviting spaces for relaxation and people to gather. The primary bedroom, a full bathroom and two additional rooms, which can be used as offices, or additional guest accommodation, complete the main floor. Upstairs, are two more bedrooms, served by a second full bathroom. Outside, the enchanting terraced gardens with perennial planting, fenced-in vegetable garden, selection of fruit trees, stone-built pizza oven and fire pit have been designed to be enjoyed all year round, for entertainment, nourishment and quiet contemplation. Follow the winding path through the trees and over the meandering, babbling brook and you will come to the cedar-clad, wood-burning sauna; the perfect place to relax, after which a dip in the nearby natural plunge pool will leave you feeling fully rejuvenated. Continuing on the path leads you to the large, upper field, hidden from the house. Complete with stage, this provides the perfect arena for enjoying musical or theatrical performances, or for camping under the stars. A small, beautifully restored, two-story barn provides ample room for storage. The adjacent shed houses the lithium batteries for the solar power system, which provides the electricity for the whole property. Propane fuels the heating, stove and hot water. An ecogen generac back-up generator will top up the batteries should the energy reserves run low. Additional improvements, including a new roof in 2020, jeld-wen wooden mullion, double-paned windows and closed cell-foam insulation work together to create an energy efficient, environmentally friendly home. Only two hours from the city, minutes from belleayre ski center and beach, a short drive to pine hill's vibrant community center, tennis court and library and in easy reach of the thriving destination villages of phoenicia and margaretville, with their markets, shopping, restaurants, wine bars and caf s, this very special property has everything for the perfect catskills getaway.