It may see fewer tourists than the Big Apple, but upstate New York is a beautiful place to visit. Dotted with farmland, forests and charming small towns, it provides a welcome break from the big city, where you can relax and experience a slower pace of life. And what better place to do so than from a luxury home? Here at Plum Guide, we know the best places to stay, so we’ve selected some of the very best Airbnb alternatives with private pools in upstate New York. Expect to find everything from grand country homes and rustic farmhouses to cosy cabins in the forest, all boasting their very own swimming spots.
Upstate Escape
Upstate Escape, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
Sleeping up to ten people, this sprawling home is ideal for a large group of friends or extended family looking for a relaxing getaway in the Hudson Valley. With a choice of two lounges, it's made for entertaining. Spend lazy days in the bright, open-plan kitchen and living area with its L-shaped sofa and huge windows, or head to the second lounge with its cabin-like wood-panelled walls, grand piano and stone fireplace for a cosy chill-out session. There's even a playroom, jungle gym and gaming area for younger visitors. After a day of hiking in the nearby Catskill Mountains, you're faced with the tough decision of choosing where to relax those tired muscles – will it be in the heated swimming pool, the hot tub or a bubble bath in the tiled, spa-like tub? All three are correct answers. Long summer evenings call for barbecues in the alfresco dining area – plenty of lawn space for ball games, so you can cook without the kids being under your feet.
Secret Glade
Secret Glade, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
With four bedrooms (including a dedicated kid's room with a teepee tent), extensive lawns and an outdoor pool, this home is a great choice for families with little ones. Surrounded by lush trees, you'll feel like you're in an enchanted forest glade. Make the most of the outdoors on the deck's shaded seating area, where you can curl up with a book and listen to the breeze through the trees. Spend warm summer days in the pool and work on your tan on the sun loungers, or lace up your hiking boots and discover the many trails in the area. Inside, you have a choice of three lounges complete with Spanish-style fireplaces and plush sofas. There's plenty of space for board games, watching TV and catching up with your loved ones, and even a desk should you need to do some work (although we'll be honest, it'll be pretty difficult to find the motivation while you're here). When night falls, gather around the fire pit for marshmallows and a spot of stargazing.
Every Season
Every Season, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
Dating back over 300 years, this beautiful home has retained many of its period features, from the wood-beamed ceilings to the stone walls. Keen cooks will love the kitchen's huge fireplace (think medieval kitchen style) and 6-burner Viking range – and meals can be enjoyed in the elegant dining room or the more casual conservatory. Visiting during the summer months? You'll find an outdoor dining area and barbecue for alfresco dinners. When it comes to R&R, you'll have more than enough room in the lounge – and a home cinema setup has movie nights covered. Make sure to have first dibs on the main bedroom, where you can indulge in long soaks in the freestanding bath overlooking the garden. And what a garden it is, with 6 acres of land complete with a creek you can kayak down and, of course, a generously-sized saltwater pool. Don't say we never spoil you.
Aquarian Exposition
Aquarian Exposition, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
Round up your nearest and dearest for an unforgettable holiday, as this home has space for up to fourteen people. It's certainly one of the larger options on our list of Airbnb alternatives with private pools in upstate New York, boasting tons of space inside and out. The open-plan kitchen and lounge is the heart of the home, a cathedral-like space with high ceilings and large windows which let the sunlight pour in. Whether you're gathered around the breakfast bar or snuggled up on the sofa, this area is perfect for socialising. Even the little ones don't have to miss out on the fun, with a dedicated play area complete with toys and books. Set in gorgeous wooded surroundings, there are plenty of hikes nearby if you fancy stretching those legs. And don't worry if you get too hot and sweaty – jumping into the private pool at the end is the best part of the hike.
Sweetwater Hideaway
Sweetwater Hideaway, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
Nestled amongst the trees in the Woodstock area, this luxurious cabin is the ultimate hideaway. Warm and inviting, you'll find timber vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and parquet floors. We love that there’s a lounge for every occasion, whether it’s big family gatherings in the open-plan living space or more intimate evenings in the TV/reading room. The toughest choice, though, is choosing which bedroom you want – each is as cosy as the next. In the summer months, days are best spent outside, sipping cold drinks on the porch. Kids will love how spacious the garden is, with lots of nooks and crannies for hide and seek. When you need to cool off, take a plunge into the private pool. Complete with sun loungers, this is our favourite spot to relax to the sound of birdsong in the background.
Jewel On The Hudson
Jewel on the Hudson, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
If we had to describe our dream home, we'd show you pictures of this stunning lakehouse. Set on the banks of the Hudson River, this handsome five-bedroom estate is one of the most spectacular Airbnb alternatives with private pools in upstate New York. We love that there's no shortage of living spaces, from the more formal lounge set around the fireplace to the more casual living room perfect for afternoon teas. There's even a home cinema setup and a cosy den where you can watch TV or play a game of pool. Our favourite room, however, is the light-filled conservatory looking out onto the garden. With its high ceilings, rattan furniture and potted palms, it has quite a tropical feel to it and provides a lovely escape. Outside, the grounds stretch for as far as the eye can see. There's ample space for kids to run around and play ball games, while adults can chat on the outdoor seating by the infinity pool. Looking out across the river – in fact, the swimming pool feels like it extends straight into the Hudson – the views don't get better than this.
Kodama
Kodama, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
If you're looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature, there's no better place for it than this home. Surrounded by the forest, it makes the most of its location with floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll feel outdoors even when you're curled up on the comfy sofas inside. We love how the home doesn't detract from the views – the decor is minimalistic, with a sleek grey colour scheme. For couples who value their privacy, you can place dibs on the garden cabin, a fully self-contained studio enclosed by the pines. Enjoy alfresco meals out on the wrap-around deck, using ingredients picked from the home's vegetable garden out the back. It may be one with nature, but it doesn't skip out on modern comforts like a boxing gym, games room, infinity pool and hot tub. Although the home has everything you need to stay in, we recommend venturing out and taking on the various hiking trails which lead into the impressive Catskill Mountains.
Old Macdonald
Old Macdonald, Plum Guide home in Upstate New York
Last but not least on our list of Airbnb alternatives with private pools in upstate New York, this former 1890s carriage house has been lovingly transformed into a delightful home where families can come and enjoy a taste of rural life. Set on a farm at the foot of the Catskills, the home is an ideal base for getting out and about in nature, whether you want to take on the hiking and biking trails or unwind in the farm's private pool. Exposed wooden beams, original barn doors and antique furniture give the whole place a rustic feel, although it's not skimping on 21st-century updates. Adults can enjoy the large main bedroom (complete with a reading area and L-shaped sofa), while kids will love the secret coop-up in the loft. The open plan kitchen and living room is a great spot for families to gather around and spend quality time together – we love how the huge windows let the sunlight in during the day, while the wood-burning stove keeps it nice and snug in the evenings.
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