One of the best reasons to live in NYC: leaving it every Friday from May to September.
Temporarily, of course. In service of that:
The InsideHook Summer Rental Guide, our annual collection of the most desirable summer rentals for your dog-day pursuits.
Book now. Fortune favors the prepared.
The Oceanfront Beach House
Westhampton Beach, NY
Bright, brand new digs on Dune Road with panoramic ocean views, including two master bedrooms facing the sultry salt waters. There’s a fireplace for chilling on those chilly nights, and a heated pool for taking a dip. Plus: the mahogany deck leads to a private boardwalk that in turn leads to a private beach. It’ll have you forgetting about your coop board in no time.
Floating Farmhouse
Catskills, NY
It’s no surprise this storybook destination was featured in Dwell magazine. The 1820 manor has been given a tasteful modern update, with a wood-fired oven, two-story windows and polished concrete throughout the interior. Outside the French doors, it’s babbling brooks, waterfalls and apple trees. There’s plenty to do nearby with farmers’ markets, river rafting and concerts in abundance, but chances are you’ll never want to leave.
Converted Barn
Southhold, NY
T-minus two hours till you could be relaxing in this refurbished rustic number. A lofty conversion with all the comtemporary amenities one could need. Two bikes on property are good for tooling around to a historic lighthouse, scenic pebble beach, local vineyards or the proper sand-meets-sun beach a NYer’s pale body craves.
The Oak Residence
Bridgehampton, NY
A bright beachy cottage good for the family. Fireplaces inside and out for warming things up. Just three hours from NYC and a two-mile jaunt to the nearest beach. Did we mention there’s a tree swing? There’s a tree swing.
Concrete House
Sugarbush Mountain, VT
A bit farther than the other recommends here, but this place is worth it. Awarded the 2010 American Institute of Architects VT award, the concrete house is nicknamed “Archie Bunker.” The full structure is custom designed with sliding living room walls for quickly accessing the pool or letting in the fresh mountain air. Step outside for a game of 9-hole Pitch-and-Putt golf on the lawn (clubs and balls included) or head down to Mad River Valley, known for its arts and excellent eats. We like the Pitcher Inn.
Lakefront Mansion
Blythewood, NY
Have you an army? Then this is the spot for you. With 11 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, this locale can sleep up to 21 of your nearest and dearest. Located on the northeast basin of Lake George on its own private peninsula, and there’s a pool, billiard room, ping-pong table, and a boathouse outfitted for up to four vessels.
The 1930s Residence
Accord, NY
A getaway for the fashionable and family-oriented alike. A 1930s cottage surrounded by a wraparound lawn complete with tire swing, baby swing and hammock. There’s a telescope onsite for stargazers and an electronic drum kit for toying around. City feel, rustic appeal.
The Acra Residence
Catskills, NY
A 150-year-old farmhouse decorated by a former interior magazine editor on 16 acres of preserved mountain oasis complete with apple orchard. Great for exploring, local activities include biking, hiking and fishing. Ten minutes away: good eats, movies and shopping. But it’s best for just relaxing and watching the day go by.
The Tivoli Barn
Tivoli, NY
We saved the best for last because we think we’re in love. For the Kinfolk set, this renovated barn is a five-minute walk from charming Tivoli. Lofty yet cozy, the property includes a furnished back deck, picnic table by the pond, a yoga deck by a stream, hammock, grill, piano and three fire pits. And a wood-burning stove inside will warm you after you’ve rinsed in the outdoor shower for maximum back-to-nature-ness. There are indoor showers, too, but don’t be modest.
This article was featured in the InsideHook NY newsletter. Sign up now for more from all five boroughs.