Inside, I was immediately struck by the relaxed, chic style: a happy mix of original historic elements like wood flooring, antique furnishings, and books, and modern amenities to keep you entertained and comfortable. I stayed at this spacious, two-story house alone with my dog Scout, but the property can sleep up to six across three bedrooms (two kings and a queen) and two-and-a-half baths. The centerpiece of the main bathroom was a clawfoot tub for soaking, lavender Epsom salts provided, and there’s also a spa treatment space with a massage table for those interested in booking a massage through Airbnb Services or the property. The space also comes stocked with various Therabody devices like recovery compression boots, a red light therapy mask, and a Theragun.
When not indulging in the plentiful spa-like amenities, I spent my time on the first floor, where there were several common areas for entertaining and resting, from the open-concept kitchen to the living room. It took about two seconds for Scout and me to find our preferred room on the floor: the sun room, with its massive windows. Bathed in natural light and decked out with dual chaise lounges, it was a hard space to leave, perfect for reading, working, drawing, curling up with a blanket to watch the snowfall, or, if you’re Scout, napping.
When I did manage to pull myself away from the Airbnb’s plentiful amenities and unparalleled sense of calm, Scout and I popped out for dinner down the road at The Alamo Bar & Grill, where they serve up fantastic wings and burgers. Herkimer, Little Falls, and Utica can all also be reached in under half an hour if you’re interested in returning to society, where more restaurants can be found, as well as shops, breweries, and local historic sites.
As a dog owner, one thing I wish I had known about this Airbnb is how often you’ll hear horse-drawn buggies go by, due to the Amish population in the area. Since the home is located on the main road, my pup did a fair amount of barking when they trotted past.
If you need a wellness getaway in nature, this is the place—and be sure to book a private in-home massage or a private chef if you really want to live luxuriously. I spent the weekend rotating between hot tub dips and sauna steams, taking in the idyllic views of the surrounding trees and river, as well as relaxing inside with my latest read. It was a much-needed reset during the frigid winter season.
