Retreat East Co

The Hillside Sanctuary

You made it. The quiet here lands differently. Everything you need for the house is here, so you can settle in quickly and enjoy your time.

Light through forest trees Aerial view of The Hillside Sanctuary
Start Entry Details Systems Fire Outside Country Local Departure
Just arrived?

Start here.

The few things you’ll want right away. Then you can put the phone down and enjoy the land.

You’re here now.
No need to rush into anything.
WiFiRetreatEast Guest

Password: Guest123

Address96 Otens Road

Ellenville, NY 12428

SupportLianna

347-497-1679
lianna@retreateast.co

Arrival

Getting in.

Check-in is at 4pm unless otherwise arranged. Parking is available on any gravel surface in front of the lodge.

Actual entryway with orange door

The house opens easily. Once you’re in, everything settles quickly.

Front door keypad

  • Enter your 4-digit code on the orange front door keypad.
  • Press the bottom button once to unlock.
  • To lock, press the same bottom button. No code needed.
  • Please do not press the middle fingerprint button.
  • Please don’t turn the interior deadbolt — it can block keypad entry when you return.
  • The alarm system is not active during guest stays.
  • There is an emergency key available if needed.
Close-up of Ultraloq lock system
Thoughtful details

Everything here is designed for ease.

Everything here is meant to make the stay feel easy, comfortable, and a little slower.

Most things have already been thought through.
You shouldn’t need much.

Comfort + ease

  • High-speed Spectrum internet.
  • Cell service is generally good for major carriers.
  • Fresh quality linens and towels provided.
  • Washer and dryer on the lower walkout level.

Gathering + unwind

  • Wood-burning fireplace with firewood provided.
  • Outdoor fire pit on the side of the house.
  • Yoga mats and movement props available.
  • Two TVs and soundbars for movies and music.

Kitchen + cooking

  • Drip coffee maker and French press.
  • Dishwasher, stove, oven, and microwave.
  • Gas grill on the front porch.
  • Cookware, dishware, utensils, oil, salt, spices, paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.

A few ways we care for the house together.

  • Please remove shoes at the front entry. Bring slippers or use any provided in the front entry cabinet.
  • The home runs on a septic system. Please flush toilet paper only and place wipes or sanitary items in the trash.
  • Maximum number of guests: 8.
  • Please be aware of wildlife and enjoy deer, turkeys, bears, bees, and other animals from a respectful distance.
House systems

Settle in.

A few simple things to get the house feeling right.

Set it once, then forget about it.

WiFi

Network: RetreatEast Guest
Password: Guest123

Heating + cooling

  • Energy-efficient split units are located in each bedroom and main area.
  • Each room is controlled individually using wall or table touchscreen remotes.
  • Units are set to Auto, which should heat and cool automatically.
  • You can switch from Auto to Heat or Cool if needed.
  • Listen for the confirming beep after making a change.
  • Please use ceiling fans in the living areas to circulate warm air efficiently.
Heating and cooling control guide

TV streaming

  • Roku on the main level, controlled with the Roku remote.
  • Vizio Smart TV on the lower level, controlled with the Vizio remote.
  • Streaming apps include Retreat East profiles for Netflix, Disney+, Apple+, Peacock, ESPN+, and more.
  • Please contact us if there are login issues.

Entertainment + music

  • Main living room TV and entertainment are controlled via the Roku remote.
  • Lower level TV and entertainment are controlled via the Vizio remote.
  • Music can be played through the soundbars by connecting via Bluetooth on the top of the soundbar or through the remote.

Garbage + recycling

  • Please leave your garbage and recycling in the appropriate garbage cans in the garage.
  • Use the garage opener to open the garage door. This is located in the mud room in the left drawer of the red cabinet.

Kitchen sink

  • Motion activated faucet. Please turn on with lever and move your hand in front of the motion sensor to activate.
Fireplaces

Fires are part of the experience here.

Slow evenings. Warm light. Time that stretches a little longer. Please read the safety notes before use.

This is where the night tends to land.
Wood fireplace operating guide

Wood-burning fireplace

Located in the main cabin / dining / kitchen area. Wood is provided in a stack outside.

  • Open the flue on the upper right side of the stove. Push the lever up and to the left.
  • Load the fireplace with logs, kindling, and paper.
  • Recommended: light some paper separately and place it toward the top/back of the stove to warm the chimney and direct smoke upward.
  • Light the fire and use bellows to help get flames going. Bellows should be hanging on the wall.
  • Once the fire is going, use the fan to move warm air into the room. Turn it on with the knob on the lower right corner.

Fire safety

  • Never leave the fire unattended.
  • Do not remove ash. There may be hot embers and it is a fire hazard.
  • Do not use gas or accelerants to start a fire.
  • Please do not use the fireplace for cooking.
  • Turn off the fan before bed or before leaving the lodge.
  • Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen area.

Electric fireplace

Located on the lower level.

  • Open the grate in the top right corner and check that the main power switch is ON.
  • Use the control panel or remote to select no, low, or high heat.
  • You may also select flame color.
  • Please shut the fireplace off after use. There is no auto-off function.

Lower level bedroom heater

  • The wall heater is set to 62 on the plug and will turn on if the temperature drops below 62.
  • If you need it warmer, turn the knob up to 68 on the plug dial.
  • Please keep the button and dial on top of the unit in their current position: button pressed in and dial on medium fan.
Electric fireplace and lower level heater guide
Outdoor systems

Outside, the pace shifts even more.

Step outside. Fire, food, fresh air. A few notes so everything works as it should.

The best moments out here are unplanned.
Fire pit with glowing logs

Fire pit

Best at dusk, when everything quiets down.

  • Located on the back side of the house.
  • The wood intended for the fire pit is different from the indoor firewood and will be clearly marked.
  • Outdoor fires are permitted if small and manageable.
  • Never leave the fire unattended.
  • Please do not use Firestarter or any other chemical fire tools.
  • Please do not discard coals or ash. They may still be hot and can start a fire if misplaced.
Close-up of grill grate with food over flame

Grill

Gas grill is located on the front porch, with access from the kitchen door.

  • Turn on the gas by opening the tank valve first.
  • Push in and turn the main burner knob to high, toward the flame icon.
  • Push the ignitor button. It should make a clicking noise.
  • Repeat as needed, waiting 5 seconds between attempts.
  • After cooking, clean the cooking surface with the grill brush while the grill is still warm.
  • The grill brush is located on a hanger on the shelf of the grill.
  • A spare propane tank is located in the shed by the wood pile. Please let us know if you use it so we can replace the empty tank.
  • Remember to turn off the control knobs and turn off the propane.
  • Allow the grill to cool completely before replacing the cover.

Anderson door locks

For the second-floor bedrooms and main-level sun porch.

  • Lift the Anderson door handle until it clicks.
  • Then turn the lock to fully close and lock the door.
  • This may take a little effort to lock completely.
Country living

A few things to know before heading upstate.

A few things to know so it stays easy.

Things move a little differently here.
That’s part of it.
Laundry
Washer and dryer are located on the lower level and available during your stay. While using the washer, please limit simultaneous showers as the older pipes are small and can take a while to drain.
Power outages
For isolated outages in a specific room, outlet, or utility, the breaker box is located on the lower level behind a door by the spiral staircase. If comfortable, find the labeled breaker and firmly flip it off and back on. Please contact the owner if you need help. For full-house outages, weather-related outages are usually brief. Check Central Hudson outages. This home currently does not have a generator.
Historic structures on the land
There are many stone walls and historic structures that are fun to explore, but some are not safe for climbing and may not be structurally sound. Down the hill from the house, there is an old barn with three stone walls standing. Because it is built into the side of the hill, please view it from a distance. Do not enter the area or climb the walls, and please guide children not to go very close.
Solar panels
Please be mindful of the solar structures and do not play in or around the panel area or near the inverters on the side of the home.
Septic
Please do not flush anything other than toilet paper. This includes personal hygiene products, baby wipes, bleaches, and strong chemical cleaners. We use single-ply paper for best septic practices.
Ticks + Lyme
Lyme disease is a serious concern in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Please wear long pants and sleeves while hiking or playing outdoors, use bug spray, and check yourself, kids, and pets daily for ticks. More information: http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/
Wildlife
We love our furry neighbors and give them space to be free. Please do not feed or approach wildlife, including deer, bears, foxes, snakes, black bears, wild turkeys, and more. Please keep pets on leash and nearby.
Soft light through a quiet forest
Explore nearby

The best days here are unplanned.

Start with a walk. Let the day unfold from there. Please check hours before heading out, especially in slower months.

Local rhythm

Wild nature, small towns, and enough ease to let the day unfold.

The magic of this location is the balance: big nature close by, creative small towns within minutes, and beautiful places to eat after a hike. Spend the morning at Minnewaska or Sam’s Point, drift toward Accord, Mountaindale, or Ellenville in the afternoon, then come back to the fire when the light changes.

You don’t need to do much for it to feel like a good day. A hike, a farm stand, a good meal, and the fire waiting back at the house.

Lake Minnewaska cliffs and forest
Minnewaska State Park landscape

Nature

Supply run image

Supply run

Ellenville image

Ellenville

Mountaindale image

Mountaindale

Worth the drive image

Worth the drive

Adventures + seasonal image

Adventures + seasonal

Before you head out

We hope you leave feeling a little different.

More rested. More connected. More like yourself.

No rush on the way out.
Quiet forest path in soft light

Check-out

Check-out is by 11am unless otherwise stated in writing. Our cleaning team will arrive shortly after to prepare for the next stay.

  • Leave the house in the general condition you found it.
  • Follow any temperature instructions provided.
  • Place garbage and recycling in the appropriate cans in the garage.
  • Cover the grill and close the propane.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors.
  • Turn off all lights.

Stay a little longer next time.

Many guests find that once they settle in, they wish they had just a little more time here. We would love to host you again.

Emergency + support

For urgent matters.

Always call 911 first in a true emergency. For urgent property support, please call or text Lianna.

Forest light
Property support

House help

If anything comes up during your stay.

347-497-1679lianna@retreateast.co
Medical

Nearby care

Ellenville Regional Hospital is about 10 minutes away.

845-647-6400
Emergency

Call 911

For fire, medical emergencies, or immediate safety concerns, call 911 first.

Call 911