131 Old Story Leeds, NY 12451

Tucked down a long driveway at the dead-end of a winding country road, Catnap Cottage is a hidden wonderland - a whimsical cottage set in the middle of 11.5 acres of meadows, ponds, streams and woodland. This is a rare combination of secluded land and a character rich home, all in a package that feels approachable and flexible for many uses.

The home itself - while compact - lives large. Vaulted ceilings, a fairytale bay window nook, an oversized bathroom - all lend to a feeling of space that matches the expansive grounds. The living room's wood paneling and brick fireplace give the home a coziness and texture that is hard to replicate. This is equal parts country cottage as it is a cabin in the woods; a place to retreat in all seasons. The main living space centers around the Woodstock Soapstone woodstove, an easy space to imagine spending the colder months. And yet - with the ceilings extended high above you, the room feels airy and light for the warmer months as well.

The kitchen is ample, with stainless appliances, a cleverly hidden laundry room, and a surprising amount of storage. The built-in banquette style dining space is perfectly charming (and quite functional to boot.) The bathroom, as previously mentioned, is generous. A vintage clawfoot tub sets the tone, while an oversized walk-in shower makes sure it's not just for show. Above the bathroom, and overlooking the kitchen, is a small loft space - currently configured with two beds for overflow guests. The one true bedroom attaches to the living room overlooking the woods beyond the home. It is compact yet functional with a large closet, and plenty of room for a queen bed and side-tables.

The outside of the home is a wonderland. The lily pad pond is a star - with a truly unique weeping willow island in the middle. Mature maples dot the rolling lawn and provide shade for outdoor hangs. There is so much potential in these grounds. The land is suited to so many different uses - whether that be a pool, gardens, sport courts, - or further development in the future. You could keep Catnap Cottage as a guest house and build a much larger home elsewhere on the property, after all you have 11.5 acres to play with.

If you need space more quickly, the property also features a large unfinished studio/shed that could be easily converted to more living space or a creative haven. The shed is already wired with electric and could be plumbed and connected to the existing septic with relative ease given the layout of the land.

Catnap Cottage may feels worlds away when you're there - but is located in a highly desirable corner of the Northern Catskills and Hudson Valley. The towns of Cairo and Leeds (Casa Susanna anybody?) are only 5 and 10 minutes away respectively, while a little further down the road is downtown Catskill with its myriad options, as well as Hudson - only 25 minutes away. Head west and find yourself at Windham and Hunter Mountains in just about 30 minutes. This is truly a best of both worlds kind of location - where the best of the upper Hudson Valley and the Catskills are quickly within reach.