New York State boasts some of the most idyllic natural landscapes in the country, and set within these scenic backdrops are vacation rentals as unique as the destinations themselves. Whether you’re dreaming of staying at a peaceful lakefront cottage in the Catskills, a breezy ocean-view beach house on Fire Island, an off-the-grid A-frame cabin in the Hudson Valley, or a sleek and stylish penthouse in the heart of downtown Saratoga, the Empire State offers epic escapes for every type of traveler.
Settle Into a Storybook Setting at The Hobbit House (Capital-Saratoga)
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Step into the pages of the Lord of the Rings with a stay at the Hobbit House at June Farms in West Sand Lake. Nestled into the hillside of a 120-acre working farm, this Shire-inspired one-bedroom retreat places you just steps from away from horses, Scottish Highland cows, Nigerian dwarf goats, and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. Explore scenic nature trails or enjoy seasonal activities like guided ATV tours, sheep walking, morning animal feedings, live music, and wellness events. Also on-site is The Pony Barn, a lively dining and drinking venue, open seasonally. The Hobbit House offers an Insta-worthy excursion both inside and outside! For something scenic on your way out, stop by Barberville Falls for a short hike down to a 92-foot roaring waterfall.
Reconnect with Nature at the North Tree House Retreat (Adirondacks)
Perched among the towering trees and lush greenery of Lake George, the Treehouse immerses you in rustic Adirondack wonder. Wander through wildflower fields and an apple orchard, play with friendly goats and chickens, indulge in fresh honey from the beehives, farm-fresh eggs, and local maple syrup. The Treehouse itself is made up of three lodge-style buildings connected by rope bridges. Accommodating up to four guests, it features two cozy bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Relax in the outdoor pool or wood-fired hot tubs, take in the views from your private patio or balcony, swing in the hammock, or gather around the fire pit under the stars. A stay here puts you just five minutes from attractions like Million Dollar Beach, the Lake George Steamboat Company, and Fort William Henry.
Lose Yourself at Loose Moose Lodge (Adirondacks)
Credit: Mary Jane Photography
Escape to Loose Moose Lodge, a year-round Adirondack retreat set on five secluded acres just minutes from Schroon Lake and Gore Mountain. This alluring ski chalet sleeps up to 12 guests with five bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and all-season amenities like a hot tub, fire pit, outdoor seating, bikes, a kayak, fishing gear, and more. Winter adventurers will love that this property sits directly on an Adirondack snowmobile trail, offering immediate access to hundreds of miles of scenic riding. Inside, play the day away in the game room which has ping pong, pool, and board games. The lodge even features a getaway within a getaway! Set just outside the main house, the mini cabin is a perfect hideaway featuring two beds and a smart TV. Whether blanketed in snow, soaking in summer sun, or colored by fall foliage, this rustic retreat transforms with the seasons. Enhance your stay by checking out a performance at the nearby Seagle Music Festival, the premier opera and musical theater organization in the Adirondacks.
Stay Small but Dream Big at The Micro (Adirondacks)
Tucked between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake lies the region’s only Tiny House on Wheels (THOW). Ideal for solo travelers or up to two guests, The Micro is for anyone looking to unplug and experience minimalist living with style and comfort. At just 230 square feet, the space is thoughtfully designed to make the most of every inch so you have everything you need. Curl up by the indoor gas fireplace, soak in the garden views, and enjoy the serenity of this woodland hideaway. Outside, fire up the BBQ, roast marshmallows over the fire pit, and listen to the sounds of nature from the lounge chairs. Ten minutes down the road is the idyllic village of Lake Placid, where you’ll find the Olympic Legacy sites, Mirror Lake, and one of the country’s most charming Main Streets.
Find Whimsy and Wonder at Willow Treehouse (Catskills)
Perched among the treetops and overlooking a swimmable pond, the Willow Treehouse offers a one-of-a-kind off-grid escape just 15 minutes from Woodstock and nearby gems like the Emerson Resort & Spa, Woodstock Playhouse, and Overlook Mountain. Set on 34 private acres of forest, this modernist treehouse is elevated on stilts and framed by a wall-to-ceiling window that reveals sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. Inside, a ladder leads to a cozy sleeping loft, while the main living space features a wood-burning fireplace and modern-rustic furnishings. Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking to unplug, the treehouse is free of WiFi and cell service. Curl up in the reading nook, meditate by the pond, or enjoy the natural serenity by the fire pit. The Willow Treehouse was the most-saved property on AirBnb in 2021 and has garnered national attention with features in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful.
Party at the Penthouse (Capital-Saratoga)
Put yourself in the center of bustling downtown Saratoga Springs when you stay at the Penthouse. This stylish, spacious spot features upscale amenities, a private rooftop patio, and room to comfortably host up to 14 guests. Inside, you’ll find a chic bar and lounge area, a spacious living room ideal for gatherings, and a contemporary, colorful design throughout. Step outside for the city’s best lively bars like Lucy’s and Druthers, renowned restaurants such as 15 Church and Hamlet & Ghost, charming boutiques, and the picturesque Congress Park. On weekends, the unit is a 21+ escape, while weekdays offer a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Bask in the Beauty of The Woodstock Barn House (Catskills)
Featured in Travel & Leisure and House Beautiful, the Woodstock Barn House is an unforgettable property in an eccentric 1869 post-and-beam dairy barn. Crafted from hand-hewn hemlock and now fully transformed into a one-of-a-kind vacation rental, a stay here perfectly places you just two miles from downtown Woodstock, brimming with farm-to-table restaurants, quirky boutiques, and ample music and culture. The barn house features distinctive touches like a custom wood stove for tea, luxurious John Robshaw linens, a light fixture salvaged from a Victoria’s Secret store, and stained glass from a church in St. Louis. Set on eight scenic acres, the property is carefully designed for both relaxation and entertainment, showcasing a year-round hot tub, gym, sauna, fire pit, pizza ovens, projector TV, and a cabana kitchen. Guests are pampered with cozy robes, pajamas, slippers, and rain boots, and the space welcomes large groups (10+ guests) and furry friends. Just steps from a locally adored swimming hole “Little Deep” and minutes from waterfalls, hiking, and charming Catskills towns, this historic home sits at the center of it all.
Fall into a Fairytale at The Shire: Two Cottages (Catskills)
A storybook stay awaits at The Shire, an imaginative, two-cabin property secluded in the hamlet of Kenoza Lake, just 10 minutes from the lake itself, where you can paddle in the provided canoe or kayak. If you’re catching a summer show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, The Shire is only 10 minutes from the venue. Enjoy exclusive access to two beautifully handcrafted hobbit homes (all for the price of one), where centuries-old shingling meets modern craftsmanship and cozy comfort. Soak in the wood-fired hot tub or sauna, fire up the propane BBQs for al fresco dining, and gather around the campfire under the stars. With scenic nature trails right on the property, four bed arrangements and two bathrooms, this pet-friendly place is perfect for up to eight people.
Bathe in Bliss at the Bali House (Hudson Valley)
You don’t need to travel to Indonesia to experience the beauty of Bali. Book a stay at the Bali House, set on 7.5 alluring acres in Rosendale. This handcrafted retreat was transported piece by piece from Bali and meticulously reconstructed beside a spring-fed pond, surrounded by lush woodlands, grassy pastures, and a private bird sanctuary. Accommodating up to eight guests with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, the home invites you to unwind in a tub by the fireplace, the outdoor hot tub, take a refreshing dip in the pond, or cook rejuvenating meals in a fully equipped chef’s kitchen. Find tranquility year-round at the Bali House, just minutes from the Shawangunk Mountain range, Mohonk Preserve, and Mohonk Mountain House.
Lounge at a Lakefront Home (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Gather your friends and family for the ultimate lakeside retreat at this Chautauqua Lake home, ready to accommodate up to 16 guests. With 300 feet of serene lakefront, a private pool, expansive yard, and a dock for easy boat access, this luxurious getaway balances relaxation and recreation. Enjoy lake views from nearly every room, six bedrooms, five bathrooms, multiple entertainment areas, and cozy touches like a fire pit and large porch. This home is just five minutes from downtown Mayville’s charming restaurants like Andriaccio’s and She Sings® Cafe, and a short drive to the Chautauqua Golf Club and Chautauqua Institution.
Cozy into the Catskills Agrihood Properties (Catskills)
Credit: Anna Pakman
Searching for a unique and accessible rental? Discover the Catskills Agrihood, a modern, sustainable collection of properties that blends comfort, accessibility, and a connection to nature. Rooted in a farm-to-table philosophy, guests are invited to enjoy seasonal gardens and farm fresh eggs from free-roaming chickens and ducks. At the heart of the Agrihood is 26 Hope St, a beautifully renovated, universally-accessible home designed with thoughtful enhancements to support individuals and families of all needs. The home features radiant floor heating, spa-inspired bathrooms, a private deck, and a gas fireplace that adds to its country charm. Wake up to serene sunrise views of a private pond and the Hurleyville Rail Trail. The Agrihood is located within close proximity to the accessible hamlet of Hurleyville, as well as nearby attractions including Kartrite Indoor Waterpark, Legoland, and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Revel in a Riverside Retreat (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Escape to Ellicottville, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region’s mountainous hub for outdoor adventure, skiing, and year-round festivals. This secluded three-bedroom, three-bath vacation home offers stunning escarpment views, a six-person luxury hot tub, fire pit, and a retro game room. This retreat offers the ideal blend of fun, scenery, and proximity to top attractions like Ellicottville Brewing Company, Holiday Valley, and HoliMont.
Chug Along to the Caboose (Central NY)
All aboard for a one-of-a-kind stay in a vintage train caboose, set on 50 serene acres of farmland in Canajoharie. This renovated caboose and adjoining train station can accommodate up to six guests. Explore the working farm with friendly animals like roosters, turkeys, sheep, a pony and horse, or relax in the sun on comfortable lounge chairs overlooking the mountains. Warm up by the cozy electric fireplace indoors or gather around the outdoor fire pit to roast s’mores under the stars. In the winter, the grounds are perfect for snowmobiling and connect to nearby public trails. Don’t miss the nearby hidden gem, Secret Caverns, where you can descend 100 feet underground to see waterfalls and incredible rock formations. For an artsy attraction, swing by the Arkell Museum.
Elevate your Experience at the Chez Tree Rest Treehouse (Finger Lakes)
Credit: @thecheztreeresttreehouse on Instagram
Stay among the treetops on 20 private acres of hardwood forest in the Finger Lakes region. The Chez Tree Rest Treehouse in LaFayette is a two-story treehouse perfectly perched under a heavily canopied scenic hillside, 35 feet above the forest floor ideal for a solo nature escape or romantic getaway for two. Feel light and carefree as you walk across the 60-foot cable bridge to your elevated hideaway featuring cozy accommodations, a spacious lower deck with a fire pit, outdoor shower with on-demand hot water, and BBQ grill, plus an additional octagon deck linked by a second cable bridge. Just 20 minutes away, the lakeside village of Skaneateles awaits you. A crystal-clear lake, picturesque pier and park sit against a vibrant downtown filled with unique shops and eclectic eateries.
Pursue the Pinnacle of the Pyramid House (Long Island)
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Arrive via the Sayville Ferry into a luxurious stay at The Legendary Pyramid House on Fire Island. This architectural masterpiece sits at the edge of the Fire Island National Seashore, offering unobstructed views of dunes, ocean, and bay through a soaring triangular wall of glass. The soaring great room features open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces, all centered around a double-sided wood-burning fireplace. Accommodating up to six guests, the property showcases an 800-square-foot master suite with a California king bed, gas fireplace, dressing room, bathroom with an oversized shower, and a private office overlooking the pool deck. Two guest cabana bedrooms and a shared bath are located across the deck in their own smaller pyramids. Outdoors, enjoy a private heated saltwater pool, 6-person hot tub, lounge chairs, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
Live Large at a Luxury Cabin (Central NY)
Set deep in the picturesque Schoharie Valley, The Oasis Cabin is a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern luxury in the town of Cobleskill. Designed to accommodate up to eight guests across four stylish bedrooms, this retreat is perfect for families, friends, or get-togethers of any kind. Soak in the starlit hot tub, decompress in the sauna, swing in the hammock, or sip your morning coffee on the private deck. At night, gather around the fire pit or head downstairs to the entertainment area, complete with a home theater, mega couch, ping pong table, and even a drum set. Get stellar summit views of the entire valley as you hike up Vroman’s Nose, or explore the labyrinth of twisty, turny rock corridors 156 feet below the earth’s surface at Howe Caverns.
Sip and Stay at The Walnut Grove Yurt (Finger Lakes)
Ever dreamed of staying in a cozy hobbit-like hideaway, complete with a babbling brook and surrounded by natural beauty and sweeping views? The Walnut Grove Yurt in Interlaken, part of the grounds of the Finger Lakes Cider House, is calling your name. This handcrafted, all-season round cabin nestled creekside in a peaceful walnut grove is perfect for two guests. Built by the Cider House crew, the rustic yurt sits on 70 acres of organic, regenerative farmland featuring forest trails, strawberry patches, peach and apple orchards, and open pastures shared with the farm’s grass-fed turkeys, chickens, pigs, sheep, and White Angus cattle. Whether you’re sipping cider under the stars or relaxing to the sound of the stream, this Cayuga Lake retreat offers a grounding getaway.
Live Large at this Lakefront Oasis (Greater Niagara)
Dive into the Lakefront Oasis in Wilson on Lake Ontario, a haven offering panoramic water views and open-concept living for up to 12 guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the expansive living room frame scenes of the Great Lake from sunrise to sunset. This modern getaway features four sleek bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a private patio, fire pit, and direct lake access. Explore nearby attractions like Victorianbourg Wine Estate, the Wilson Boat House, and Wilson-Tuscarora State Park.
Keep Calm and Rock On at Rock ‘n’ House (Hudson Valley)
You won’t be caught between a rock and a hard place when choosing to book this uncommon home. In the charming town of Saugerties, you’ll find Rock ‘n’ House, featured in Architectural Digest and Upstate Diary. This architectural gem is set on a private 14-acre estate and built around a massive boulder atop a bluestone ledge. The light-filled home offers various vistas of the Hudson Valley, but the interior is a spectacle all on its own. The main floor level features an open-concept layout with a sunken lounge, a sleek kitchen island, and a dining area framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and a floating staircase. With four carefully curated bedrooms, including a separate guest suite ideal for multiple families or couples, the property can host up to eight guests. Outside, gather around the firepit or enjoy al fresco dining on the porch while soaking in the serene mountain views. Set your sights on more standout scenery in Saugerties with visits to Opus 40 and the Saugerties Lighthouse.
Entertain Yourself at a Home in Elmwood Village (Greater Niagara)
Located in the charming and walkable Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, this chic and spacious home fits up to eight and is perfect for any occasion. With four vibrant bedrooms and two full bathrooms, you’ll have plenty of room to relax. One highlight of the home is “The Velvet Oasis”, an entertainment space featuring a retro game room with arcade machines, foosball, a VIP-style lounge, and a vintage record player. Toast to a great stay in the Cocktail Lounge or the plant-filled Jungle Room. Outside, you’ll enjoy a fully fenced backyard with a stylish patio. You’re just minutes from Elmwood’s popular bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as Delaware Park, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the Buffalo Zoo. Immerse yourself in even more fun with a visit to Niagara Falls, just 25 minutes from your doorstep.
Step into Serenity at the A Frame (Hudson Valley)
Escape to “The Step”, an off-grid A-Frame cabin located on a family farm just minutes from the quaint village of Montgomery. Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for respite, this thoughtfully designed space offers catch-and-release fishing in the pond, scenic trails along the Wallkill River, evenings under the stars by the spacious fire pit, and a brand-new outdoor shower. Seasonal splendor like flower-cutting fields, a 7-acre corn maze, and farm animals including goats, rabbits, sheep, and chickens adds to the experience. The Step has been featured by Forbes, A&E’s Living Smaller, and Timeout, and is close to the City Winery and Orange County Arboretum.
Soak up Good Vibez (Long Island)
It’s all fun and games at the Good Vibez House in Commack, where smart-home convenience meets tropical resort vibes, right in the heart of Long Island. This vibrant Insta-worthy retreat sleeps up to seven guests and offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Step into the only Airbnb on Long Island featuring a custom-built 9-hole miniature golf course, right in the backyard. The outdoor oasis also boasts a heated pool, hot tub with a smart TV view, lounge seating under glowing lights and palm trees, a fire pit, and a grill. Inside, enjoy voice-controlled smart-home tech, TVs in every room, and a game-packed arcade room with cornhole, darts, and classic arcade favorites. For even more good vibes, this spot is just minutes from Sunken Meadow, Northport, and Callahan’s Beaches.
Splash into The Ledges Resort and Marina, Lighthouse (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Credit: @ledgesresortandmarina on Instagram
Wake up to glowing sunrises, unwind with serene sunsets, and take in majestic views of Boldt Castle from your stay at The Lighthouse, a charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom floating cottage on the St. Lawrence River. This idyllic getaway features a wraparound porch, the convenience of docking your own boat or renting one on-site, a resort pool, beautiful gardens and grounds, and firepits. Watch ships glide by on the river as you bask in the beauty of Alexandria Bay and Clayton, showing spots like Wellesley Island State Park, Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, and the Antique Boat Museum.
Hone in on History at The 1833 Candlelight Guest House (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Tucked away on the scenic waterfront in the historic village of Sackets Harbor, The Candlelight Guest House is a beautifully restored red brick home dating back to 1833. Located next to the storied 1812 Battlefield, this residence offers 19th-century character complemented by 21st-century comfort. Up to six guests can enjoy four bedrooms, each with a private bath, along with a beautiful garden, patio, and lake views. Just a two-minute walk from Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Park and the Pickering Beach Museum, this waterfront gem is an ideal retreat for history enthusiasts seeking a picturesque trip.
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