$499,000

If your idea of an upstate escape involves a little more forest and a little less lawn, Highwoods may be the retreat you've been looking for. Architect-designed and custom built in 2005, this turnkey 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on nearly 3 private acres with deeded lake rights to pristine Washington Lake. Set into a forested hillside, Highwoods feels as though it is floating among the trees. A dramatic stone "porthole" entrance, cedar-shake siding, soaring ceilings, skylights, and expansive windows immediately announce that this is anything but a cookie-cutter country house. The upper level features three bedrooms and a generous shared bath. The vaulted primary suite enjoys multiple exposures and a spacious closet, while two additional bedrooms offer comfortable guest or office space. Downstairs, the home's main living spaces are designed around a dramatic double-sided gas fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling stone chimney. A dedicated dining room creates an inviting setting for long dinners, while the adjacent eat-in kitchen offers generous storage, a breakfast bar, and plenty of room for lazy Sunday mornings. Outside, a massive wraparound deck extends the living space into the surrounding woods. Dappled light filters through the mature trees, creating a peaceful, immersive setting in every season. A detached two-car garage provides ample room for lake gear, gardening equipment, and everything else that comes with country living. Washington Lake is just minutes away and available to homeowners through the Washington Lake HOA, with annual dues of $675. The glacial lake offers clear water for swimming, boating, and fishing, with public access located just down the road. Please note that the HOA prohibits short-term rentals. Despite its secluded setting, Highwoods is conveniently located just minutes from Eldred and Barryville and approximately 20 minutes from Narrowsburg. A rare combination of thoughtful architecture, wooded privacy, and lake access, Highwoods offers a distinctly different take on the Catskills country house.