Hollow Sky — Catskill mountain views at dusk

Preston Hollow, New York

Private land.
Modern shelter.
Catskill silence.

A contemporary 2-bedroom retreat on 110 private acres in Preston Hollow, New York — with panoramic Catskill views, koi ponds, a hot tub, and the kind of privacy that makes a few days away feel like real distance.

Not a cabin. Not a compromise.

Hollow Sky was built to disappear into the landscape — and to be everything you need once you do. The architecture is clean and contemporary: wide open mountain views from every direction, radiant floors, and materials that age with the site rather than against it.

Two bedrooms, two full baths. A kitchen that's actually stocked. A living room with a gas fireplace and a 75-inch television you'll probably turn on once. There's no aesthetic straining for effect. It's a house that makes sense.

The hot tub sits above the tree line. The soaking tub is in the primary bath. Both have views. The showers have multiple heads. These are the things that matter after a day of doing very little, or a lot.

The property sleeps up to five. It's not designed for groups looking for a party venue — it's designed for people who know the difference between being away and actually being somewhere.

110 Private Acres
2 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
5 Max Guests

Built for a certain kind of guest.

Hollow Sky works best for couples or small groups of close friends — two, three, maybe four people who came here to actually be together, not to coordinate. People who will notice the light at 6am and not need anyone to tell them what to do with it.

Families with children are welcome. The land is safe and open; there's room to roam. Families with young kids who need total quiet for sleep should know the property has its own sounds — wind, birds, the occasional creek — and that's not something we'd want to change.

Hollow Sky hot tub overlooking the Catskills at night
Aerial view of Hollow Sky and surrounding 110 acres

The point of the stay.

One hundred and ten acres. The house is part of it — not the whole of it. Fields open into forest. The koi ponds sit still in the morning. The ridge gives you a view that stretches across the valley with nothing built in the way.

The ponds and the home's drinking water are spring fed — naturally filtered, clean, and cold. The kind of water most people have never actually tasted.

The land is yours during your stay. Walk the edges. Find the places where the elevation drops and the valley opens up. Apple trees dot the property — pick one on your way back in. Bring a dog if you have one. There are no fences that matter.

The entrance to Rensselaerville hiking trails are walking distance from the home and are very much worth the views. Windham Mountain is 25 minutes for skiers and boarders. Hunter Mountain is just an additional 10 minutes. The town of Catskill, which offers unique shops and restaurants, is just 25 minutes away.

Hudson is under an hour. Albany is close if you need it. New York City is 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and how honestly you calculate it — far enough that you'll stop checking your phone by the end of the first day.

Preston Hollow isn't famous. That's the point.

Fully appointed. Nothing excessive.

Hot Tub

Elevated above the tree line with unobstructed Catskill views. Seats six comfortably.

Gas Fireplace

Statement fireplace in the living room. Instant on, no maintenance — just heat and light.

Soaking Tub

Deep freestanding soaking tub in the primary bath with amazing views of the mountains. Natural light and quiet included.

Multi-Head Showers

Rain head and hand shower in both bathrooms. Thermostatic controls, zero guesswork.

Radiant Heated Floors

Hydronic radiant heat throughout both bathrooms and kitchen.

Smart TVs

Smart 75-inch 4K in the living room and smart TVs in both bedrooms. Log in to your own streaming accounts and watch on a screen worth watching on.

EV Charger

Tesla Universal Charger on site. Arrive with a low battery; leave fully charged in every way.

Updated Kitchen

Full kitchen with professional-grade appliances, induction range, and everything you need to cook seriously.

Automated Shades

Motorized shades throughout. Let the light in or close it out — from the couch.

Mini-Split Climate

Zoned mini-split heating and cooling in every room. Quiet, efficient, precise.

Koi Ponds

Two ornamental koi ponds on the grounds. Still, reflective, and worth sitting beside.

Mountain Views

Panoramic Catskill ridge views from the living room, primary bedroom, hot tub, and both decks.

Hiking Access

Trail access on the property plus proximity to Rensselaerville trails and Catskill state land.

Starlink Internet

High-speed satellite Wi-Fi throughout the property, even this far off the grid. Stream, work, or stay fully unplugged — your call.

Sonos Surround Sound

Wireless Sonos surround sound system throughout the home.

Apple Trees

The property has apple trees on the land. Pick one on your morning walk.

Grape Vines

Grape vines on the property produce their own fruit. A quiet, unexpected detail to wander past on a walk around the land.

Outdoor Shower

Private outdoor shower on the property. Hot water, open sky above.

Outdoor Fire Pit

Stone fire pit with Adirondack chairs facing the Catskill mountain panorama. Perfect for evening fires under the stars.

Washer & Dryer

Full-size in-unit washer and dryer. Pack light.

Two bedrooms. Up to five guests.

Primary Bedroom

King bed. Views of the Catskill ridge from large bubble window. Ensuite with soaking tub, rain shower, multiple body sprays and double vanity with a marble top. Smart TV included.

Guest Bedroom

Twin to king convertible daybed — flexes from a single twin to a full king depending on your group. Full bath access down the hall. Quiet side of the house. Good natural light in the mornings. Smart TV included.

Occupancy

Maximum 5 guests. The house is sized for two to five people at its best. A fifth guest can sleep on the comfortable large sectional in the living area.

A better fit for some than for others.

Hollow Sky is a self-check-in property. There's a detailed arrival guide, an equipment walkthrough document, and a contact number for any questions. You won't have a host managing your stay hour to hour — which is either a feature or a drawback depending on who you are.

The property is remote. The nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes. Cell service is spotty in the area — wifi calling recommended. The home is equipped with Starlink satellite internet: fast, low-latency, and reliable from the middle of 110 private acres. Stream in 4K, take video calls, or work remotely without compromise. You're far from the city — not far from connected.

No smoking in the home. Pets are welcome — please include all pets in your reservation. Minimum-stay requirements vary by date and will be displayed when you select your stay.

Koi pond reflecting the evening sky at Hollow Sky

The Story Behind Hollow Sky

Hollow Sky began with my Uncle Ed and the weekends we spent together in the Catskills. He taught me to respect the land, stay curious, and give something back. When the property came to me, I chose to preserve it and restore the house—so others could experience the quiet and perspective it has given me throughout my life.

Read Our Story
Read Guest Reviews

Our Booking Process

Our direct booking is handled through Hospitable.com, which syncs our calendar across platforms to avoid double bookings with Airbnb and other channels. Book directly here.

Guest Savings When Booking Direct

Booking direct saves you the platform service fees charged by Airbnb and VRBO. Please note: nightly rates shown on the calendar do not include your direct booking discount. Your discount will be reflected in the final booking window.

Security Deposit

Direct bookings require a refundable $500 security deposit. The deposit is handled through Hospitable: it is automatically charged approximately 2 days before check-in and refunded approximately 2 days after checkout, provided no charge request is submitted. Your card provider may take additional time to show the refund.

The security deposit is separate from the reservation payment and from the cancellation and refund policy. Airbnb reservations do not require a separate Hollow Sky security deposit through Hospitable.

Terms and Conditions

Our direct bookings are managed by Hospitable.com. When completing your reservation, please review the Hospitable Terms and Conditions — a link is also available at the bottom of any page during checkout.

All direct booking guests are required to review and complete our rental agreement within 48 hours of booking. The security deposit is collected separately, approximately 2 days before check-in. Failure to complete the required rental agreement may result in cancellation of the reservation.

Winter Access

Guests visiting in winter should be aware that the driveway is gravel and on an incline — all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is recommended. A plow service maintains the driveway during winter storms, but guests may need to park directly in front of the home during heavy snowfall, icy, or muddy conditions. We do not issue refunds related to weather or driveway conditions. Please ask any questions about access before booking.

Planning a ski trip? See our Catskills ski getaway guide for drive times to Windham and Hunter, a sample two-night itinerary, and winter-specific travel tips.

Cancellation & Refunds

The following policy applies to direct bookings. The qualifying 24-hour grace period takes precedence over the deadlines below.

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel within 24 hours after booking acceptance, provided the cancellation is requested at least 7 days before check-in Full Refund
After the 24-hour grace period, 50% of the applicable refundable reservation amount is refundable up to 14 days before check-in 50% Refund
Inside 14 days of check-in, unless the qualifying 24-hour grace period applies No Refund

We can sometimes accommodate date changes with advance notice — please contact us if your plans change. Airbnb and Vrbo reservations are subject to the cancellation terms shown on the applicable booking platform.

The $500 security deposit for direct bookings is separate from this cancellation policy — see Security Deposit for details.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen incidents that may require you to cancel your planned stay.

Common questions.

How do I book? Is it available on Airbnb and VRBO?

Yes — the property is listed on both Airbnb and VRBO. You can also inquire directly through this site for direct bookings, which often come with more flexibility on dates and a lower total cost (no platform fees). Calendar rates do not include your direct booking discount — your discount will be reflected in the final booking window. Use the form below or email todd@hollowskyhouse.com.

What is the minimum stay?

Weekends require a 2-night minimum. Weekday stays require a 3-night minimum. Minimum-stay requirements can vary by date and will be displayed when you select your stay on the booking calendar.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are welcome. Please include all pets in your reservation.

What's the check-in and check-out process?

Self-check-in via keypad. Check-in is at 4pm, check-out at 11am. You'll receive detailed arrival instructions a few days before your stay, including a full property guide, equipment notes, and local recommendations. There's a contact number for anything that comes up during your stay.

How far is it from New York City?

Preston Hollow is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Manhattan depending on traffic and your route. We recommend the Taconic to Route 23 West, then south on local roads. Friday evening departures can add 30-45 minutes. Saturday morning is almost always clear.

Is there reliable internet and cell service?

Yes. The property has fast satellite internet (Starlink) that handles streaming, video calls, and remote work comfortably. Cell service is strong throughout the main house and grounds — Verizon and AT&T both work well. T-Mobile has coverage; it's lighter in spots.

What's nearby for activities and dining?

Most guests spend their stay enjoying Hollow Sky itself — the trails, the ponds, the hot tub, and the privacy of 110 acres. For anyone who wants to venture out, here's what's nearby, organized by restaurants and activities. Drive times are approximate and will vary with traffic, weather, and season — please confirm hours, pricing, and availability directly with each destination before making the trip, especially for anything requiring advance tickets, parking reservations, or with seasonal closures.

Restaurants

Hamlet at Union Hall at 1462 Main Street in Rensselaerville serves a seasonal, locally sourced dinner menu. Open Thursday and Sunday, 5–9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5–9:30 p.m.; check its website for reservations and current information. Prominence Restaurant in Windham (about 25 minutes) is our favorite spot for dinner — Italian and steakhouse classics. The Tasting Lab in Greenville (about 20 minutes) for great tasting burgers in a relaxed setting. Catskill Mountain Country Store in Windham (about 25 minutes) is our favorite place for breakfast (served all day), and a good lunch stop too. Tap House Grille in Windham (about 25 minutes) for pub fare and a good beer list. Schoharie Valley Farms — The Carrot Barn in Schoharie (about 30 minutes) for great sandwiches, fresh meats, and a market worth stocking up at. For ice cream, The Ice-Burgh in Middleburgh (about 20 minutes) is the local favorite — it's seasonal, so check their hours before heading out.

Activities

Hiking: The Rensselaerville Forest trailhead is within walking distance of the house — maintained paths through old-growth hardwood and creek-cut terrain, no drive required. Vroman's Nose in Middleburgh (about 24 minutes) is a short, moderately steep hike to a rock outcrop with sweeping views of the Schoharie Valley — under two miles round trip, with a grassy lot at the trailhead. Free, no facilities on site; a small section of trail near the summit closes February–July for peregrine falcon nesting season, though the rest of the trail stays open.

Skiing: Windham Mountain is 25 minutes away with consistent snow and less crowding than Hunter on weekends. Hunter Mountain is 35 minutes and has the largest vertical drop in the Catskills.

Scenic chairlift: The Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride (about 40 minutes) is an 11-minute chairlift ride to the 3,200-foot summit, with views across the Catskills into the Berkshires and Vermont — especially striking during fall foliage. Runs weekends only in fall (roughly early September through mid-October), 10am–4pm, weather permitting; tickets are sold at the lodge, so confirm current dates, hours, and pricing before visiting.

Shopping & culture: The town of Catskill (25 minutes) has independent shops, restaurants, and galleries. Hudson (under an hour) has world-class restaurants, antique dealers along Warren Street, and art galleries — easily a full day. Olana State Historic Site and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site are both nearby as well.

Nature & fishing: Catskill Creek and surrounding state forests offer fishing, swimming, and hiking, much of it uncrowded even in peak season. The creek is known for some of the best trout fishing in New York State. Natural swimming holes — cold, clear, spring fed — are a short drive away.

Waterfalls & swimming: Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter (about 50 minutes, past Hunter Mountain) is a 260-foot, two-tiered waterfall — one of the tallest in New York — with an easy walk to the viewing platform from the Laurel House Road lot. Parking is limited and strictly enforced nearby, so go early or on a weekday and confirm current parking-area status before heading out. Mine Kill Falls in Mine Kill State Park (about 34 minutes) is a series of falls with a viewing platform reached by a short, easy trail — free admission, open year-round dawn to dusk, best visited spring through fall, with a swimming hole and pool complex at the park.

Farms & local produce: Barber's Farm in Middleburgh (about 26 minutes) is Todd's local pick — a family farm and roadside stand in the Schoharie Valley since 1857, selling homegrown produce hand-harvested from the fields you'll drive past to get there; farm stand hours vary by season, so confirm before visiting. Stanton's Feura Farm in Feura Bush (about 32 minutes) offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries in season (typically September–October) along with a hay maze and farm activities for kids — check their website or call ahead, as U-Pick availability wasn't confirmed open at the time of writing. Broome Animal Sanctuary is just up the road from Hollow Sky (about 7 minutes), giving shelter to rescued and at-risk farm animals; Todd tells us it also runs a produce stand on weekends, though this isn't listed on the sanctuary's own site, so confirm days and hours directly.

Movie night: The Greenville Drive-In (about 20 minutes) is a classic drive-in theater with screenings from dusk, seasonally — check their schedule before you go.

Stargazing: Preston Hollow has virtually no light pollution — the Milky Way is visible from the property on clear nights. The hot tub and open fields make for great late-night views; bring a blanket.

Is the house suitable for remote work?

Yes, and a lot of guests use it that way. The internet is fast and reliable. There's a dedicated desk space with good light. The overall environment — quiet, no distractions, enough room to think — is genuinely conducive to focused work. If you're coming with a partner who wants to hike while you take calls, it's a natural setup.

What is your cancellation policy?

For direct bookings: receive a 100% refund if you cancel within 24 hours after booking acceptance, provided the cancellation is requested at least 7 days before check-in. After the 24-hour grace period, 50% of the applicable refundable reservation amount is refundable up to 14 days before check-in. Inside 14 days of check-in, the reservation is non-refundable unless the qualifying 24-hour grace period applies. We can sometimes accommodate date changes with advance notice — just reach out. Airbnb and Vrbo reservations are subject to the cancellation terms shown on the applicable booking platform. Note: the $500 direct-booking security deposit is separate from this cancellation policy — see the Security Deposit section for details.