What’s it like to stay in one of Airbnb‘s top 1% of homes? If you’re imagining a spacious lobby, on-site massage, or valet parking, stop now. This is a 125 year-old farmhouse we’re talking about, after all. No, it’s about comfort, tranquility, and calm. It’s about walking through the front door into a clean welcoming space that already feels like home. It’s about discovering lots of comfy chairs and sofas to sink into, and beds with soft sheets, down comforters and pillows. Wander through the gardens to see what’s in bloom this week or snatch up the fresh herbs, and maybe find some ripe raspberries. Sprawl on the Adirondack chairs on the terrace and catch up with the people you haven’t seen in— well, forever. Winter? Warm your toes in front of the fire, study the hoarfrost patterns on the windows, hope for snow so that you can go tubing in the backyard. Wake up to the smell of coffee brewed by whoever made it down to the kitchen first. Maybe you’ll decide whether to set up the croquet set on the lawn— but that may be too much work. Just lounge in the hammock or lawn swing instead.
The top 1% experience could be about picking your own bouquet in the enclosed flower garden, counting how many species of birds you can spot in the backyard, or poring over the Hudson Valley guide books to decide which hike to take, which winery to explore, or how to find the best cider donuts or swimming hole. Maybe you’ll plan the next day’s expeditions around the fire pit over s’mores, or giggle about who decides not to wear a swimsuit into the hot tub. Maybe you’ll find out if eight people can finish a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle on a rainy afternoon, or pull together a lobster feast with corn on the cob, or organize a cornhole tournament without running out of beer. How about the conscience clearing you get from staying in a place with solar power, a Tesla power wall, all organic gardens maintained for the native pollinators, a compost bin and an EV charger? A part of the experience is, well— me, your host, a real person and not a management company, always on the other end of the message app, happy to help you with extra towels, to let you know where the artisanal sausages or best birthday cakes can be found, letting you in on the local restaurant secrets. I love this place, and it shows. Go on, see what you come up with that I haven’t thought of. Enjoy being part of the top 1%.
