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Taking a Break From Reality at This Wellness-Centric Upstate New York Airbnb
For me (and droves of Hallmark movie characters), winter is cozy cabin season. When the temperatures drop and snow falls, you can find me holed up somewhere with my pup—a hot toddy in one hand and a good book in the other. It’s also the perfect season for a staycation, where you can find a little solitude not too far from your real life. I’ve been cabin-hopping in my home base of upstate New York for more than a decade now, drawn to unique properties that offer more than just a place to slumber—and that’s how this spa-like Airbnb in the small town of Middleville, New York, came across my desk.
Rural Middleville is far from a bustling metropolis, best known for the Herkimer Diamond Mines, which are only open seasonally. But solitude is the allure in this town and at this Airbnb; it’s a place to unwind and relax with no agenda. Cohosted by For The Love of Upstate, a host with a collection of restored properties in the area, the listing promised a private in-home spa, thoughtful details with comfort at the helm, and stunning river views. The fact that it was less than an hour’s drive from my own home was the cherry on top.
Check-in was straightforward, with a keyless entry through the back deck. The outdoor space felt pulled straight from a boutique spa resort, with a hot tub, dual soaking tubs (perfect for cold plunges), and a cedar sauna, all overlooking the West Canada Creek. A Blackstone grill, picnic table, set of Adirondack chairs, firepit, and trail that led down to the river were also part of the lineup.
Inside, I was immediately struck by the relaxed, chic style: a happy mix of original historic elements like wood flooring, antique furnishings, and books, and modern amenities to keep you entertained and comfortable. I stayed at this spacious, two-story house alone with my dog Scout, but the property can sleep up to six across three bedrooms (two kings and a queen) and two-and-a-half baths. The centerpiece of the main bathroom was a clawfoot tub for soaking, lavender Epsom salts provided, and there’s also a spa treatment space with a massage table for those interested in booking a massage through Airbnb Services or the property. The space also comes stocked with various Therabody devices like recovery compression boots, a red light therapy mask, and a Theragun.
When not indulging in the plentiful spa-like amenities, I spent my time on the first floor, where there were several common areas for entertaining and resting, from the open-concept kitchen to the living room. It took about two seconds for Scout and me to find our preferred room on the floor: the sun room, with its massive windows. Bathed in natural light and decked out with dual chaise lounges, it was a hard space to leave, perfect for reading, working, drawing, curling up with a blanket to watch the snowfall, or, if you’re Scout, napping.
