Hickory Hill House: a country retreat, lovely gardens, trails, boats & tennis.

This is the perfect place to get away, to be alone or with family and friends, to reflect, write, or simply regain your sanity. The house is at the end of a mile long dirt road, deep in the countryside, with high-speed internet and lots of privacy. Minutes from the Rensselaerville Falls and hiking trails of the E.N. Huyck Preserve. Dating from the early 19th century, Hickory Hill is country estate and working farm set in the rolling Catskills of upstate New York, 35 minutes west of Albany. There are sweeping lawns, walking trails over 250 acres of woodland, ponds for boating and swimming and a clay tennis court. And high-speed internet when you need to stay connected. Guests stay in the newer Guest Wing, also in traditional design, with four rooms, two with en suite bath, two with a large shared bath, with full use of a spacious live-in kitchen. There is also an additional South Bedroom Suite in the Family wing that sleeps up to four more. The gracious dining room easily seats 8-10 people, with 12 possible. Our "Base Price" for this listing is for the entire guest wing, with a private entrance. The space accommodates up to 8 adults plus two children (in a second old-fashioned double). Pets are welcome by special arrangement. Hosts are fluent in English, German and French. Guest access includes: Spacious country kitchen, dining room and terrace. Garden seating, hammock and outdoor grill. Spring fed swimming pond, second lake pond with kayaks and canoe, tennis court and miles of walking trails. We provide a self-service Continental breakfast. Other things to note: In addition to the Library, Conkling Hall, Kuhar's Farm Café and Grist Mill Museum, the famed Palmer House is set to reopen this summer as "Hamlet Provisions" Restaurant and Café. There is also a friendly tavern, The Shell Inn, just outside the village, and several other pleasant restaurants within 20-30 minutes drive (information available in house). Additional rules - Events or parties by arrangement - Dinners available by arrangement - Families with children are most welcome, and just need to come prepared, taking special care to treat the house with respect. There are plenty of toys, games and books you are welcome to use, as long as children put things away and clean up after themselves. Hickory Hill is a wonderful house for children, but it is neither padded nor bullet proof, so attention is in order. - We expect guests to be considerate about the amount of trash they leave behind.About pets:Pets allowed: limit 2 total.About checkOut:Check out before 11:00 AM.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About checkIn:Check in after 4:00 PM.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.About minBookingAge:Minimum age to rent: 21.About events:No events allowed.