Good Vibes Only: A Contemporary Upstate Home – Airbnb Review by Photographer Maxwell Alexander

Not every Airbnb location has to be in New York City or on the coast. Sometimes, it’s great to get away from it all and find some peace and quiet in the country. That’s what photographer Maxwell Alexander did recently when he visited a recently renovated contemporary home upstate New York, just two hours from NYC. Here are his thoughts about the experience...

If you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot. You'll find this listing in Kingston, NY, near hikes, wineries, orchards, rustic Hudson Valley towns, and farmer markets. There's something for everyone, no matter what your interests are. If you're a photographer like me, you'll be in heaven with all the amazing scenery.

My recommendation is to visit Forsyth Nature Center, which has 24 animal exhibits and a dozen gardens that have a variety of native plants and animals, Clover Brooke Farm, where you'll see goats, alpacas, and other animals, and the Kiwanis Ice Arena for ice skating as well as Hunter Ski Resort and Burger Hill for sledding during the winter season. Also, don't forget about the city of Kingston where you can find amazing fine dining establishments.

This 5 bedroom contemporary home is surrounded by state forest and is close to all the action while offering peace and quiet. 

Two stories make up the house, with the kitchen and dining room upstairs and the secondary area downstairs.

A large butcher block island with two barstools allows you to get a first-hand view of the chef's action in the modern kitchen. The long farm table with seating for up to 10 people is sure to be the center of memories.

The living space on the main floor has a propane fireplace and two large picture windows that overlook the forest.

In the master bedroom, there is a king-sized bed with wood-paneled walls and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. One bedroom on the main floor has a queen bed, and the other has a king bed (which can be converted into two twins/bunk beds). A fully renovated bathroom with a tub/shower is shared by both rooms.

The lower level includes a self-sufficient living space with a colorful and whimsical hand-painted palm mural in the living room. Get comfortable in front of the smart picture frame TV. You can prepare an easy meal or brew coffee without going upstairs by using the scaled-down kitchenette with seating for up to ten people.

Additionally, there are two queen-sized bedrooms on the lower level. Their bathroom has a dark tiled walk-in shower that has been completely renovated.

A large deck off the upper floor features a long wood dining table, chaise lounges, and a gas BBQ grill, all overlooking the backyard and out toward the woods. There is a picnic table near an unfinished playhouse and garden on the ground level. You can create authentic Catskills s'mores around a Solo stove campfire on the side of the house.

Kingston and its lovely shops and eateries are just 10 minutes away, so you have plenty to do right on your doorstep. Woodstock's arts and music scene is also less than 15 minutes away. Ashokan Reservoir with its amazing rail trail is only 12 minutes away as well. In terms of location, there's no better place to explore the Hudson Valley and Catskills than here.