A firepit, a garden and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the hot tub. In addition to a gym, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices).
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
8 bedrooms8 bathroomsSleeps 206000 sq ft
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna
Historical, spacious place for families to bunker up in a natural setting.
Stay at this private, sprawling & historic country home just 5 mins from Belleayre Ski Resort! This is a generously spacious home situated on 23 acres of woodlands. There is a barn and a rare keystone bridge on the property with a meandering stream that runs throughout. Perfect place to host memorable family reunions, friends gatherings & all season getaways! :) Please inquire for use of the barn.
This is a historical home with tons of original features. Dr Henry Morton (first President of Stevens Institute) and his descendants called this estate home for over 4 generations. The Mortons were benefactors to the local area, including the Pine Hill Library. Since acquiring the house, I have done my best to maintain the integrity of the home while continuing to embrace some modern touches for comfort.
License #2024-STR-AO-027P
The house has 8 comfy bedrooms and most have their own personal bathrooms! Two working fireplaces and large eat-in kitchen with a commercial Garland range and a covered, outdoor hot tub. Come get toasty by the firepit or soak in the hot tub after a long day or skiing, hiking, boating, swimming, antiquing and exploring!
Firewood and Propane for BBQ will be on site gratis and plentiful for your stay!
During your stay, you will have access to entire main house and wraparound deck, along with surrounding grounds and parking. Please inquire for use of the barn in advance.
I have a local property manager who is readily available for any potential needs that may arise. I will always be respectful of your privacy and space. I will also be available by phone for any requests, needs or questions that you may have! There is a guide in the house with suggestions to eat, drink, see & do.
The house is set up to comfortably accommodate 16 adults maximum. Any add'l guests visiting the home beyond booking agreement must be discussed in advance.
Loud music must be turned down outside past 9pm with respect to the local neighbors and surrounding forest.
I love dogs! So, well-behaved dogs are welcome. 2 dogs max. The add'l fee will be $25 per dog, per night booked.
This house was built in late 1890's and is reflective of that style of home. If you are expecting a modern, fine-lined and updated property, this may not be most ideal fit for your needs. The house is in a rural setting. Please anticipate rusticity and old fashioned character. The home is thoroughly cleaned and cared for between guests though not void of imperfections. There are general updates which I am constantly working on with my maintenance team in between guest stays. If you notice something specifically broken upon arrival or in need of repair, please message me about this upon/during your arrival so that I may address appropriately.
The home is located in the woods on a secluded property; potential for wildlife sighting is quite possible!
In inclement weather, 4WD or AWD is recommended.
There is an exterior camera system ONLY that oversees the parking area and front and back entrances.
This a very large, older home so temps can vary throughout. During colder weather, small areas of the of home stay warmer (bedrooms, kitchen) than larger open areas (formal dining room), so sweaters and comfy slippers may be needed for some folks. There are supplemental heating sources for your comfort: fireplaces, floor heaters, wall heaters and throws.
Check-out is 11am SHARP and Check-in is between 4pm - 10pm. Please understand that the house requires the entire time in between to clean & prepare for the next set of guests. If you would like to arrange an early check-in or late check-out please let me know beforehand so I can try and make arrangements ahead of time, if possible.
There is so much to do in this part of the Catskills in every season! Pine Hill is a Hamlet in Shandaken in the heart of the Catskills, approx 2.5hr drive from midtown NYC. We are 5 mins away from Belleayre Ski Resort and about 30 mins from Hunter, Plattekill & Windham. Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a 3 min drive with swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and more. There are endless hiking trails in the area.
Getting around by car is recommended.
No car? Trailways of NY Bus Line drops you off to nearby Fleishmanns, a 5 min drive from house (.08 miles). The bus takes 3 hrs & 15 min to and from Port Authority.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Optional ski privileges
Snowboarding nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Sauna
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
8 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
7.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 453 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Safe
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Things to do
Gym
Optional ski privileges
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn off all wall and floor heaters, window ac's.
Ensure all oven knobs are turned to off position.
If you used BBQ grill clean and turn off,
Return grill tools and put cover on (when cool to touch).
Empty bathroom/bedroom/kitchen waste bins. Dispose of in the dumpster located at the bottom of the hill.
Misc: Restore any furniture moved. Check outdoors for misc items left or garbage on premise
Hot tub: Secure Hot Tub cover.
Doors: Ensure back door (by hot tub) is closed & secure. Ensure utility room door is closed and secure. Ensure front door is locked and secure.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
No Children in Hot tub. Do not remove floating filter from hot tub. Doing so will incur a $250 fee! Un-amplified, low key music outdoors off by 9pm.
Please ensure all garbage is collected before check-out and placed in the dumpster on the property. Any garbage bag left will be charged $25 p/bag.
Any add'l guests visiting beyond the booking reservation must be requested for permission in advance. 8 vehicles is the max vehicles on the property.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 453 kg per pet)
Note from host: 2 dogs max. $25 per night booked, per dog.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Please inquire for permission for special events!
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please inquire for permission for special events!
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 2024-STR-AO-027P
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Highmount, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Catskill State Park and Plattekill State Forest, while Empire State Railway Museum and Zadock Pratt Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Pine Hill Community Center and Delaware & Ulster Railroad. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging. Visit our Highmount travel guide
Is Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna located?
This family-friendly Highmount holiday home is located in a rural location, within 1 mi (2 km) of Catskill State Park and Pine Hill Community Center. Belleayre Beach is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away.
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Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Incredible home, incredible host! We enjoyed a weekend at Pine Hill to snowboard at nearby Belleayre. Coming back to this home, we enjoyed the sauna, hot tub and lovely fireplace(s). Comfortable for groups.
We just got back from a great stay with a few other families and their kids and had the best time. This is our second time staying here and it’s exactly as we remembered which was great, but it’s even better now with the new sauna - which was AMAZING! I would recommend this home to anyone and cannot wait to book it again next year!
Mella’s property was incredibly spacious and comfortable. The historic nature of the building was appreciated by everyone, and our group felt like we were staying in our own private in tucked away in the country. All the extra perks of a hot tub, sauna, fire pit,…added to the experience. This would be the place we’d stay if we returned to the Catskills.
We had a great time during 4th of July weekend. We were a large family but fit comfortably with 8 rooms , each room was nicely organized and the outside area of the house is unreal. If you like nature then this is the place for you. We loved it!
We had an amazing time Labor Day weekend! The weather was great. We went to Caterskills waterfalls which was amazing. A must see and the nearby beach was also very nice. The house was very clean & well kept with all the amenities. Made it a great stay!
This house was outstanding! Plenty of space for our large family Thanksgiving gathering; a well-equipped kitchen, giant dining table, and multiple hang-out spots. Bedrooms spacious and beds comfortable; plenty of bathrooms also. No complaints from any of us. The house is so charming. We have been renting houses for the Thanksgiving extended weekend for over thirty years so we are quite familiar with what’s out there.Another important mention: Mella, the host, was available for questions throughout our stay and responded very quickly.
I brought a group of 12 friends here for my 40th birthday celebration, and we really enjoyed this home and property! Common spaces are large and have lots of comfortable seating. My group really enjoyed the hot tub and sauna on premises. We had a small dishwasher issue while we were there and it was fixed in short order by a friendly and pleasant handyman. Great communication with the host as well! Strongly recommend staying here with a large group.
The house is the perfect size for a large family gathering! Communication was responsive and helpful. My family had a wonderful time bringing in the new year!! Would stay here again!
This was a great property for a large get together with kids. The house was very big, with good common areas and a giant deck. Everything went smoothly.
Large, multiple spaces for informal gathering of folks, huge deck, large kitchen and full equipment for cooking, nice hot tub, responsive manager, beautiful woodsy setting and grounds. Perfect accommodation for a large family gathering with multiple generations, or any group. Mella was very accommodating and helpful from the original booking through changes in dates to the ultimate stay. She responded to questions quickly and communicated clearly. Easy check in with a lockbox. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Mella’s house is the perfect space for a big group to escape to nature. Amazing property, large house, lots of bathrooms, and tons of amenities. Plus Mella is great with communication. Highly recommend!
My cousins and siblings had a great time from start to finish. The house was very comfortable with multiple places to relax. We had a large group and never felt short for space. All bedrooms were well furnished. The amazing kitchen was perfect for making our large family dinners. The area around the house offered beautiful scenery and nice options for when we wanted to go out. Highly recommend this property and host (Mella)
This large home comfortably accommodated 16 guests ages 21 to 87. Ample bedrooms and bathrooms for a group this large are hard to find but this home has plenty. The large and well stocked kitchen was a great gathering space after a day on the slopes with plenty of space for chefs and sous-chefs to work while the rest watched while enjoying apres-ski activities. The dining room was great for evening board games and led easily to the living room for evening movies. We look forward to returning.
Huge, fascinating old house with a great kitchen and spectacular grounds. Bedrooms are large and spread apart which makes it great for sharing across friend and extended family groups. Excellent TV and WiFi, but honestly the outdoors were the highlight. The brook that runs through the property lends a truly magical feeling of peace and tranquility. We spent most of our time on the huge deck and had an epic fire pit experience.
Our family stayed for five days surrounding my daughter’s wedding in the area. The kitchen is absolutely fabulous and each room has its own personality and convenient bathroom. The surroundings were gorgeous and relaxing on the porch helped us to wind down from all the wedding stress. The owner quickly responded to all our questions and we felt very spoiled! I highly recommend Birch Creek Retreat. 😀
We held a reunion weekend for a close group of friends. We loved the fact that there were plenty of bedrooms (without bunk beds) and plenty of bathrooms to accommodate us.My friends enjoyed the hot tub and barrel sauna. We had a great time cooking and hanging out in the kitchen chatting til the wee hours. Mella was a fantastic host, easy to communicate with and very responsive. Everyone had a great time. I wouldn't be surprised if we tried to do another reunion gathering next year at this place!
Just had our second Christmas at this house with a large family group. There’s so much space for big groups, with lots of different places to hang out and a dining table that can easily fit 15+. We also love that everyone gets their own bathroom and plenty of bedroom space. The kitchen is well-stocked and great for cooking large meals and spending time together. The house is old, with some of the things that come along with that (eg some rooms are cold, which the owner notes in the listing), but overall I’d recommend it for a big gathering!
This was a return winter visit for our family. We love this property with its walking trails and other outside amenities. Plus the house is large enough for our family of ten to not get in each others hair.
The kitchen is great and well stocked with glasses, dishes, pots and pans as we cook dinner as a family every night.
We explored some towns this time and enjoyed the area. And of course, I need to include, that gem of a ski mountain, Belleayre. just down the street.. Other than wanting more snow it was a great winter getaway!
We had a wonderful trip to Pine Hill, and Mella's house was the icing on the cake! The house is very large and offers plenty of space for all of us. There are six bedrooms on the second floor and two on the third. The first-floor living room, dining room, lounge, and kitchen are large and wonderful for a group gathering. However, the real highlight of the house is the outside area - the sauna and hot tub are wonderful, and the deck is very large and provides plenty of space for us to sunbathe on a warm day or to eat dinner outside. Mella communicated effectively, and the house guide provided all the information you need to live in the house responsibly. I would highly recommend staying at this property for a large group!
We stayed at Mella’s property for our extended family gathering. It was wonderfully private and relaxing. We loved being able to all fit at one table for meals, but we also ate on the back deck and spent time around the campfire. The children spent a lot of time in the stream and the older ones enjoyed the hot tub. The house is much more spacious than the pictures can show. This was great for napping children to be away from the noise in the main part of the house, or for grandparents who went to bed early. We also particularly appreciated how most bedrooms have a private bathroom! There are also multiple sitting areas to relax and visit. We took a walk down the road (barely any traffic) and had a pleasant chat with a friendly neighbor. We like the homey character of this lovely old house and hope to come back for our next gathering.
The house is a beautiful old homestead snuggled back in the trees with a babbling brook running through the back of the property. The house is old but full of history and character. We loved that every room kept it’s antique charm. There was a bathroom in every bedroom. They had AC units and heaters in each room for your climate preferences. The kitchen was huge and allowed ample space for the adults to gather while the children played in one of the great rooms. We all loved being able to sit on the porch and drink coffee, listen to the rain falling, and watch the kids playing in the creek. We felt like we were in our own little world. There was a quaint little town about 15 minutes away for our grocery needs and many trails to hike nearby, suitable for those who were pregnant, carrying babies, tiny tots, and young adults. The area is just gorgeous. The host was very quick to respond to any questions I had and really seemed vested in our stay being comfortable
and enjoyable.