Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
8 bedrooms7+ bathroomsSleeps 20557.4 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Rooms & beds
8 bedrooms (sleeps 20)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed
7 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Bathroom 3
Bathroom 4
Bathroom 5
Bathroom 6
Bathroom 7
Bathroom 8
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna
Historical, spacious place for families to bunker up in a natural setting.
Stay at this private, sprawling & historic country home just 5 mins from Belleayre Ski Resort! This is a generously spacious home situated on 23 acres of woodlands. There is a barn and a rare keystone bridge on the property with a meandering stream that runs throughout. Perfect place to host memorable family reunions, friends gatherings & all season getaways! :) Please inquire for use of the barn.
This is a historical home with tons of original features. Dr Henry Morton (first President of Stevens Institute) and his descendants called this estate home for over 4 generations. The Mortons were benefactors to the local area, including the Pine Hill Library. Since acquiring the house, I have done my best to maintain the integrity of the home while continuing to embrace some modern touches for comfort.
License #2024-STR-AO-027P
The house has 8 comfy bedrooms and most have their own personal bathrooms! Two working fireplaces and large eat-in kitchen with a commercial Garland range and a covered, outdoor hot tub. Come get toasty by the firepit or soak in the hot tub after a long day or skiing, hiking, boating, swimming, antiquing and exploring!
Firewood and Propane for BBQ will be on site gratis and plentiful for your stay!
During your stay, you will have access to entire main house and wraparound deck, along with surrounding grounds and parking. Please inquire for use of the barn in advance.
I have a local property manager who is readily available for any potential needs that may arise. I will always be respectful of your privacy and space. I will also be available by phone for any requests, needs or questions that you may have! There is a guide in the house with suggestions to eat, drink, see & do.
The house is set up to comfortably accommodate 16 adults maximum. Any add'l guests visiting the home beyond booking agreement must be discussed in advance.
Loud music must be turned down outside past 10pm with respect to the local neighbors and surrounding forest.
I love dogs! So, well-behaved dogs are welcome. 2 dogs max. The add'l fee will be $25 per dog, per night booked.
This house was built in late 1890's and is reflective of that style of home. If you are expecting a modern, fine-lined and updated property, this may not be most ideal fit for your needs. The house is in a rural setting. Please anticipate rusticity and old fashioned character. The home is thoroughly cleaned and cared for between guests though not void of imperfections. There are general updates which I am constantly working on with my maintenance team in between guest stays. If you notice something specifically broken upon arrival or in need of repair, please message me about this upon/during your arrival so that I may address appropriately.
The home is located in the woods on a secluded property; potential for wildlife sighting is quite possible!
In inclement weather, 4WD or AWD is recommended.
There is an exterior camera system ONLY that oversees the parking area and front and back entrances.
This a very large, older home so temps can vary throughout. During colder weather, small areas of the of home stay warmer (bedrooms, kitchen) than larger open areas (formal dining room), so sweaters and comfy slippers may be needed for some folks. There are supplemental heating sources for your comfort: fireplaces, floor heaters, wall heaters and throws.
Check-out is 11am SHARP and Check-in is between 4pm - 10pm. Please understand that the house requires the entire time in between to clean & prepare for the next set of guests. If you would like to arrange an early check-in or late check-out please let me know beforehand so I can try and make arrangements ahead of time, if possible.
There is so much to do in this part of the Catskills in every season! Pine Hill is a Hamlet in Shandaken in the heart of the Catskills, approx 2.5hr drive from midtown NYC. We are 5 mins away from Belleayre Ski Resort and about 30 mins from Hunter, Plattekill & Windham. Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a 3 min drive with swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and more. There are endless hiking trails in the area.
Getting around by car is recommended.
No car? Trailways of NY Bus Line drops you off to nearby Fleishmanns, a 5 min drive from house (.08 miles). The bus takes 3 hrs & 15 min to and from Port Authority.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn off all wall and floor heaters, window ac's.
Ensure all oven knobs are turned to off position.
If you used BBQ grill clean and turn off,
Return grill tools and put cover on (when cool to touch).
Empty bathroom/bedroom/kitchen waste bins. Dispose of in the dumpster located at the bottom of the hill.
Misc: Restore any furniture moved. Check outdoors for misc items left or garbage on premise
Hot tub: Secure Hot Tub cover.
Doors: Ensure back door (by hot tub) is closed & secure. Ensure utility room door is closed and secure. Ensure front door is locked and secure.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No Children in Hot tub. Do not remove floating filter from hot tub. Doing so will incur a $250 fee! Un-amplified, low key music outdoors off by 10pm.
Please ensure all garbage is collected before check-out and placed in the dumpster on the property. Any garbage bag left will be charged $25 p/bag.
Any add'l guests visiting beyond the booking reservation must be requested for permission in advance. 8 vehicles is the max vehicles on the property.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please inquire for permission for special events!
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 2024-STR-AO-027P
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Highmount
Located in Highmount, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Catskill Mountains and Catskill State Park, while Empire State Railway Museum and Zadock Pratt Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Pine Hill Community Center and Delaware & Ulster Railroad. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Pine Hill Community Center - 1 min drive - 1.8 km
Catskill Mountains - 5 min drive - 8.5 km
Hunter Mountain - 33 min drive - 53.2 km
Restaurants
Waffle Cabin - 3 min drive
Sunset Lodge
Oakley's Place - 8 min drive
Peekamoose Restaurant - 4 min drive
East Coast Street Tacos - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna on 13 Apr 2026 start from AU$1,299, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Birch Creek Retreat ~ 8br, 8ba, New Hot Tub + Sauna located?
This family-friendly Highmount holiday home is located in a rural location, within 1 mi (2 km) of Catskill State Park and Pine Hill Community Center. Belleayre Beach is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Incredible home, incredible host! We enjoyed a weekend at Pine Hill to snowboard at nearby Belleayre. Coming back to this home, we enjoyed the sauna, hot tub and lovely fireplace(s). Comfortable for groups.
Jillian I.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Mar 2026
Im looking forward to having you return. :)
Thank you for your review!
Stayed in house with 3 families total and felt like there was enough space for everyone to have privacy but still enjoy common areas together. Host was very responsive.
Douglas H.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the 5 tar review! I hope to have you stay again. :)
We had another amazing stay. Mella was an amazing host from the moment we booked to the moment we checked out. We are already looking forward to 2026's weekend family getaway and being able to once again enjoy this one of kind property!
Ricardo C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2025
It was such a pleasure having your family stay again! Looking forward to having you back next year for your annual getaway. :)
This house was outstanding! Plenty of space for our large family Thanksgiving gathering; a well-equipped kitchen, giant dining table, and multiple hang-out spots. Bedrooms spacious and beds comfortable; plenty of bathrooms also. No complaints from any of us. The house is so charming. We have been renting houses for the Thanksgiving extended weekend for over thirty years so we are quite familiar with what’s out there.Another important mention: Mella, the host, was available for questions throughout our stay and responded very quickly.
Susan W.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov 2025
Thank you for staying at my property for your holiday gathering! I hope to have you stay again next year. :)
Mella’s property was incredibly spacious and comfortable. The historic nature of the building was appreciated by everyone, and our group felt like we were staying in our own private in tucked away in the country. All the extra perks of a hot tub, sauna, fire pit,…added to the experience. This would be the place we’d stay if we returned to the Catskills.
Stephen D.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct 2025
I look forward to having you stay again if you return to the area! Thank you for being a fantastic guest.
I brought a group of 12 friends here for my 40th birthday celebration, and we really enjoyed this home and property! Common spaces are large and have lots of comfortable seating. My group really enjoyed the hot tub and sauna on premises. We had a small dishwasher issue while we were there and it was fixed in short order by a friendly and pleasant handyman. Great communication with the host as well! Strongly recommend staying here with a large group.
Dominique H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2025
Thank you for this review! You and your group were a pleasure to host. Happy Birthday!
We had a great time during 4th of July weekend. We were a large family but fit comfortably with 8 rooms , each room was nicely organized and the outside area of the house is unreal. If you like nature then this is the place for you. We loved it!
Heidy A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2025
Thank you for choosing my home for your family gathering, Heidy! :)
Large, multiple spaces for informal gathering of folks, huge deck, large kitchen and full equipment for cooking, nice hot tub, responsive manager, beautiful woodsy setting and grounds. Perfect accommodation for a large family gathering with multiple generations, or any group. Mella was very accommodating and helpful from the original booking through changes in dates to the ultimate stay. She responded to questions quickly and communicated clearly. Easy check in with a lockbox. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Nancy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept 2025
Thank you for the fantastic review of my place! You are always welcome to return. :)
We just got back from a great stay with a few other families and their kids and had the best time. This is our second time staying here and it’s exactly as we remembered which was great, but it’s even better now with the new sauna - which was AMAZING! I would recommend this home to anyone and cannot wait to book it again next year!
Host was very easy to communicate with. The house is very large and comfortable. Ac units all over the house, plenty of seating and lots of different areas to hang out with large groups of family or friends. All the bedrooms had they're own bathroom attached which is wonderful. The whole group I was with were happy with the stay. If you're looking to book a place that can accommodate a large group this place should be considered.
Ken W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2025
Thank you so much, Ken! It was lovely to have you and your group stay at the house this summer.
We had an amazing time Labor Day weekend! The weather was great. We went to Caterskills waterfalls which was amazing. A must see and the nearby beach was also very nice. The house was very clean & well kept with all the amenities. Made it a great stay!
Yessenia C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2024
Thank you Yessenia! I'm so glad you had an amazing stay. Agreed - the Kaaterskill Falls hike is fantastic! You are always welcome to return. :)
The house is the perfect size for a large family gathering! Communication was responsive and helpful. My family had a wonderful time bringing in the new year!! Would stay here again!
Deborah O.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2024
Thank you so much, Deborah! It was a pleasure to host you and your family. Thanks for choosing my place to ring in the New Year!
This large home comfortably accommodated 16 guests ages 21 to 87. Ample bedrooms and bathrooms for a group this large are hard to find but this home has plenty. The large and well stocked kitchen was a great gathering space after a day on the slopes with plenty of space for chefs and sous-chefs to work while the rest watched while enjoying apres-ski activities. The dining room was great for evening board games and led easily to the living room for evening movies. We look forward to returning.
tanya h.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jan 2025
Hi Tanya! Thank you for this review! I'm so glad there was something for everyone to enjoy and ample space for the family. Looking forward to having you return in the future. :)
This was a great property for a large get together with kids. The house was very big, with good common areas and a giant deck. Everything went smoothly.
This place has everything you need for a gateway, very spacious, perfect size kitchen, rooms are cozy and large and the location is perfect. will definitely recommend and will return for sure, thank you for making my bday trip memorable.
ANoop T.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2023
Thank you for staying, Anoop! Im happy to hear how much you enjoyed the house for your celebration.
Once again our stay at this property was amazing! It’s a perfect home for large groups. Almost every bedroom has a private bathroom. Mella is available for any questions.
Kelly M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Feb 2024
Kelly! I appreciate you taking the time to review. Glad to hear the property worked so well for your group. You and your friends are always welcome to return. :)
About the host
Hosted by Mella
Hi! I split my time between Catskills and Brooklyn. I love good eats, good wine, traveling, yoga, cooking, hiking, design and gardening. I am a Wine & Spirits Sales Consultant. I love using VRBO to book my trips and to host others!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests