*Living in New York City can feel like a lot at times, from the infamous rats the mayor has sworn to exterminate, to the neighbors’ windows very close to your own. I think mine actually purchased window shades because of my, ur, um… nude lifestyle. But that’s a story for a different time.
Sometimes getting out of the city is essential to surviving here and with all of New York State and its vast greenery as a backyard, where does one go to relax? How about A Tiny House Resort? Yes, a whole property dedicated to fully efficient homes is just under 400 square feet. I bet some of you reading this now have even considered purchasing one of your own, maybe for your backyard (those with yards) or as an investment, or because rent is too damn high. Whether you’re seeking an escape to the woods or just plain curious about something new, A Tiny House Resort, located in the Catskills in a hamlet called South Cairo, can be the place of adventure you need.
With just four homes, Think Big! A Tiny House Resort was established in 2017 by a family seeking to reinvest funds from a previous business and create something new and funky for the folks of NYC. Since then, this hot spot just two hours north of the city has expanded its accommodations to 15 homes ranging from 200-400 square feet. Each house has a unique feature, whether that’s the view, the setup, the name or the deck. Singles and couples or families can easily find comfort here.
I had the chance to stay at the resort for a night during this very mild winter in a waterfront home.
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The Homes: My tiny home, called the HideOut, features a waterfront view of Catskill Creek, perfect for one or two, but can sleep four. Not much different than a lot of New York City tiny apartments, this cute cabin can feel a little tight for two above-average-sized adults, but with its sprawling outdoor deck and fire pit, folks can have a good time basking in nature. The bedroom is just big enough for a queen bed, cozy for a cuddle, and fantastic for sunrises and morning light. I found that storage was cleverly placed both under the bed, above, and on the sides in cabinets.
The common or living space is cute with a little two-seater futon. The cabin’s dining setup is clever and comfy as the table tops are long and wide, but also collapse if you’re in need of a little more space. If you’re anything like me and enjoy a home-cooked meal while away, you’ll appreciate the tiny kitchen fully equipped with a three-burner stove, full fridge, and all the cooking equipment you might need.
My favorite feature, which I didn’t get to enjoy much due to the wet weather, is the deck. An easy-start fire pit is situated in the center to set the mood for an evening of storytelling. A wood fire pit adjacent to the cabin is also a great option for folks who are looking for more of a camping experience. Options.
Food, Services & Entertainment: If you’re not like me, be prepared to order food from local restaurants because the resort doesn’t accommodate regular meals or room service, per se. However, the property hosts a food truck for guests. It wasn’t open during my visit. If thinking ahead, guests can order charcuterie boards a few days in advance of their stay. Otherwise, food options are a bit sparse with few local restaurant varieties (but check out this local restaurant!). A grocery store is probably your best bet. But guests can grab some freshly laid chicken eggs each morning as a flock of chickens also roam the property.
Check out a Catskill Black-owned & woman-owned restaurantI discovered The Juice Branch on my way out from Think Big! A Tiny House Resort, craving a smoothie bowl. When I walked in, first, it was A Tribe Called Quest blessing my ears and a Black man blending things up behind the counter. I ordered a custom açai bowl and got to lookin’ around and discovered black seed soap and neem toothpaste. My spidey senses went off and I asked. George Salter, the brother behind the counter, is originally from Harlem and ended up in the Catskills, a town that is 85.5% white, after looking for a change. He wanted to bring healthy food and juice to his new community and opened up The Juice Branch with his co-owner Natasha Law. Since bringing vegan food to the area, the pair opened up a second location and they’re doing well. Menu items range from smoothies and juices to an apparently popular pizza. Check out the IG @thejuicebranch. |
So, being here can feel like a warm-up to glamping – you’re in the woods, it’s quiet, you can see stars, and the air is clean. But it’s never rugged. Guests can even reserve massages and special occasion packages to make their stay a bit more lux, but always several days in advance. A tiny gym on the property makes it easy to stay on top of a workout routine, too. Being in the woods, though, one might be inspired to take a hike to the nearby waterfall or walk along the creek (which I thought was a river).
During warm months, guests can expect local entertainment and social events. Children are welcome to enjoy play spaces and visit the livestock – yes girl, livestock – on the property. Get in touch with your wild side and pet the goats and sheep.
Check-in & Tech: Upon check-in, guests receive instructions, a map, and a cute gift – local jam and goat’s milk soap. Folks are friendly and give a full rundown of what to look for and what to do. It’s painless. Guests can also text staff for questions and requests up until 9pm and are encouraged to only use the number for emergencies after that.
Getting into the home is a breeze and getting set up on wifi and with the smart tv is pretty easy. But if you’re having difficulty, the staff have created instructional videos to get things set up and moving. Check ‘em out here.
I found the smart tv setup to be particularly helpful with resort information including hours for the pool, activities and events. Most of these, however, were not available at the time because of… weather.
Overall, the resort makes for a great, low-stakes escape to the woods. One can enjoy creature comforts while getting out of the city. Rates range from $200-500 a night depending on size of the tiny house and day of the week. Check out the resort here.
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