417 Abbey Rd, Woodstock, NY 12457

Breathe a sigh of relief and satisfaction crossing the George Washington Bridge and two hours later be surrounded by nature inside a house with a wonderful craftsman feel yet with all amenities. For the busy New Yorker who needs a country getaway yet the ability to be connected to the city, this home offers, in addition to the kind of relaxation that makes you never want to leave, plenty of work/office space. Surrounded by woods and enclosed in privacy, this is a terrific property for both entertaining and hosting, with expansive decking and generous bedrooms. The current owners collaborated with their architect to fuse antique wood, bluestone and stained glass with quality new materials. There is a gallery/loft area on the second floor, currently utilized as a music space, for very flexible use; a compact gym off the downstairs master bath; and a basement area that can be retrofitted to suit anyone's needs. Being at the top of Abbey Road, there are stunning mountain views, although the current owners have chosen not to trim and cut trees too much deeply but it can be easily opened up to a full panorama of the Catskills. (The view picture is from a neighbor's property at a slightly lower elevation but gives a good idea of the view that can be achieved.) Perhaps the highlight for some people might be a second-floor tree-house-like porch from which you can gaze at the mountains and all the natural beauty that surrounds you. The home, which has lots light flooding into it, has been scrupulously maintained, offers the busy, sophisticated buyer respite and relaxation, nature and nurturing, style and serenity, and quick and comfortable connection to the realities of the workplace whenever you need it. You may, indeed, never want -- or need -- to leave.