Why This Hudson Valley A-Frame Cabin Is the Ultimate NYC Escape

On a sweltering July weekend, one New Yorker ditched the city's packed sidewalks and heavy humidity for a nature-filled retreat in the Hudson Valley. The destination: “The Upstate A,” a recently renovated A-frame cabin in Pine Plains, just over two hours from Manhattan by car. For those without a vehicle, the Rhinecliff train station plus a rideshare works as an alternative.

The cabin, originally built in 1968 and redesigned in 2021, sits on a quiet acre surrounded by woods. Its glass-heavy facade and dark roof match its online photos. Inside, all three bedrooms and two full bathrooms are on the first floor, along with a washer and dryer. Upstairs, the living room features massive windows and a balcony overlooking the forest, plus a dining area and a modern kitchen with high-tech amenities. A spiral staircase leads to a loft that can serve as a fourth bedroom. The open layout, with floor-to-ceiling windows under a 20-foot ceiling, comfortably fits up to eight guests.

The hosts recommended nearby Chaseholm Farm, a five-minute drive away, selling local produce and treats like Alleyway Ice Cream from Saugerties. Dinner options included Stissing House, one of America's oldest taverns, now a buzzy spot with intimate dining rooms and fireside lounges. The primary bedroom had a sleek teal-tiled bathroom with eucalyptus shower spray, and coffee beans were provided for morning brews on the balcony. A hike up Stissing Mountain led to a fire tower with sweeping views of lakes and hills. The trip wrapped up with a meal at Oakhurst Diner, an old-school eatery.

The hosts also manage two newer properties in nearby Red Hook—a blue cabin and a green cabin—situated side by side on a creek. Both can be booked together for larger groups or events.