The Stone House Bed & Breakfast

The Girl with the Pearl Earring

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" was painted just 30 years before this house was built. The 2003 film of the same name starred Scarlett Johansson and explored the erotic overtones of this work. If you are familiar with the film, you will have a good idea of the differing lifestyles of those who came to America to found the 'New Netherlands'. King size four poster canopy bed, antique armoire, en-suite bathroom with whirlpool. Relax in our largest and most luxurious room. The king sized four poster canopy bed has checked silk drapery that echoes the simplicity of the original eighteenth century bed canopies. The down-filled pillows and duvet are covered with the highest quality Frette sheets. This spacious room also contains a magnificent mahogany New York armoire from circa 1840. The cozy sitting area has a sofa, a small desk and two large windows overlooking the front lawn and woodland beyond. A large flatscreen TV/DVD with digital cable is provided, as well as individually controllable air-conditioning. The in-room bathroom features the original stone knee-high wall, exposed beams and a glorious wide plank floor. The vessel sink echoes wash bowls of the past and the tile surround to the tub contains facsimile blue Delft tiles of Dutch landscapes, still made in the same way they were 300 years ago. The whirlpool tub and shower make this altogether our most desirable room.

The Geographer

The Geographer was painted by Vermeer in Delft circa 1669 - which is about the same time that the first settlement was established here, and named "Nieuw Dorp" or "New Village" (now Hurley). The developing sciences of Geography and Cartography where vitally important to the Dutch at this time, as they expanded their influence out into the world. Four poster canopy bed, original beams, en-suite bathroom with whirlpool.

Connect with the past in this historic yet luxurious room. The original beams, low ceiling and painted wide plank floor dating from the 1700s make this corner room one of the most historic in New York State! One of the two windows pierces the stone gable end of the house and neatly demonstrates how the early Dutch settlers "flared" their window frames to allow more light through the thick fieldstone walls. Both windows have views of the surrounding lawns and woodland beyond. The authentic four poster queen canopy bed is richly encased in silk checked fabric, and down- filled pillows and a duvet are covered in the highest quality Frette sheets. The room includes an antique chest-of-drawers and Shaker style peg-rack to offer storage space, as well as antique chairs and a table. The en-suite bathroom features the original stone knee-high wall, exposed beams and a glorious wide plank floor. The vessel sink echoes wash bowls of the past and the tile surround to the whirlpool tub and shower contains facsimile blue Delft tiles. A far cry from the days when this room was used to store grain!

Mistress And Maid

Mistress and Maid is one of several paintings on the subject of letters by Vermeer. Who is the letter from? The glances of the women seem to imply surprise, and invite us to speculate as to its cause. Vermeer painted proportionally many more women than men compared to his European contemporaries. This painting dates from 1667, about 30 years before this house was built.

This bedroom partly takes its inspiration from Scandinavian country houses, whose painted wooden floors and furniture merge well with a colonial Dutch style. The full size double bed has a decorative canopy and high quality Egyptian cotton sheets, and is covered by a beautiful handmade quilt. The nightstands and armoire are painted in muted blues and white. The window cuts through the thick stone gable end of the house and has views of the surrounding lawns and woodlands. The large, light private bathroom dates from the turn of the last century and has been tastefully restored, with vibrant color, antique furniture and some antique tiles. A modern shower has been added to the restored original cast-iron bathtub.

The Art of Painting

A meditation on the role of the artist in history and his relationship with fame, this complex allegorical painting by Vermeer is the only one of his works where the title has come down to us from the artist. Many believe that this painting and others were created with the aid of the camera obscura, a precursor of the modern photographic camera. It was painted circa 1662-1668. King-size four poster bed, classical empire philadelphia armoire, venetian plaster walls, spa shower. Relax in our largest bed with its luxurious Frette sheets, and let the atmosphere of this room inspire your imagination. From the beautifully plastered walls to the large Persian rug, every object has been carefully chosen to help you meditate on the beauty of art. Symbolism in art is a theme reflected both in Vermeer's painting and in the wall tapestry that depicts the mysterious "Lady and the Unicorn", a famous 15th century design orginally woven in Flanders, which is held in the "Museum of the Middle Ages" in Cluny, Paris. Further, original, works of art can be found hanging in the corridor outside. The in-room bathroom has a luxurious extra wide shower featuring a Hansgrohe Raindance Showerpipe and hand painted Delft tiles for a relaxing spa-like experience. A separate seating area in the bedroom includes two Queen Anne chairs and an Empire mahogany drop-leaf table. As well as the armoire, there is also a Sheraton chest of drawers. Individually controllable air-conditioning is provided.

The Lacemaker

Johannes Vermeer painted "The Lacemaker" in 1669-1671. The girl's lowered head, fingers and threads all focus on one single point and lead us to concentrate on her complete absorption and patience with her task. Behind her is a lime-washed wall, which reminds us that the 17th century Dutch were known for their obsessive cleanliness. It is believed that the lime in the paint ensured the highest standards of hygiene in environments where beer and cheese were produced.

Our earliest room, with an antique queen sized canopy bed, ensuite bathroom with original clawfoot tub and separate shower, and great views across the esopus creek to the catskill state park.

Step back in time and stay in possibly the oldest guest room in New York State! This room is likely to have been built shortly after 1700. Visitors can see evidence left by earlier dwellers here, such as candle burn marks and even a signature on one of the beams. The original wide plank floor has a gorgeous dark patina and the knee high stone walls have been authentically lime-plastered and lime-washed. The queen sized Hepplewhite bed dates from circa 1710. A small Hepplewhite reed legged drop leaf table and a pair of Queen Anne chairs make a useful desk or reading area. The view from the double early sash windows looks across the gardens to the Esopus Creek and the surrounding woods. Beyond this the famous sweet corn fields of Hurley can be seen, and behind them, "Hurley Mountain", which is at the southern edge of the Catskill State Park. The in-room bathroom includes a newly refinished antique cast iron clawfoot tub, original to the house. The bathroom also includes mosaic work made by Nadia out of Italian tesserae tiles, which continues around the walls into the large shower enclosure. Individually controllable air-conditioning is provided.

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The majestic, myth-inspiring Hudson river valley is home to 2.2 million people, and abundant plant and animal life. It is the cradle of European settlement in the northeastern United States, and this year, 2009, is the 400th anniversarry of Henry Hudson's historic voyage up the Hudson River. Information on the 400th aniversary celebrations can be found at www.hudson400.com

The Catskills, originally named the "Katskil" by the 17th Century Dutch settlers, were also known as the Blue Mountains by the locals. They begin dramatically at the eastern end with the Catskill Escarpment rising up steeply from the river, just to the north of us. There are many great hikes through mountain and forest terrain and more information can be found at http://www.visitthecatskills.com

The Shawangunk Mountains, or Gunks for short, are just 10 miles to the south west and are known as a haven for climbers and mountain bikers. There are many fine hikes, and the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve are magnificent. See http://www.mohonkpreserve.org and http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=78

In HURLEY don't miss Stone House Day or the Fall pumpkin canon and other events at Gill's Farm Stand, just around the corner from our house, every weekend in October. In 2008 this included a free concert by Levon Helm! Be sure to visit Hurley main street and take a look at the museum. Take your children to the Hurley Country Store for a great selection of toys and see the model train sets in action! The Bevier House Museum is also recommended, and is only a two minute drive away.

KINGSTON's stockade area is only 10 minutes away, and is rich in history, with a great farmers' market every Saturday morning May through November. A good way to explore this area is to join a guided walking tour. The Ulster Performing Arts Center is just as close, and hosts internationally famous stars, such as Garrison Keillor and Yo-Yo Ma. The Roundout's rejuvenated and attractive waterfront is a 15 minute drive and offers restaurants, a maritime museum, a trolley museum and a promenade - take a river cruise down the Hudson from here, or just enjoy looking at the yachts.

In WOODSTOCK (18 minutes drive) visit the many great cafes, art galleries, shops and restaurants, including a Saturday flea market. In the summer, enjoy one of the concerts from the Maverick concerts series in a uniquely beautiful and historic site. Drive up to Overlook mountain, park near the famous buddhist monastery, and hike to the top for a great view. Enjoy streamside or fireside world class dining at The Bear Cafe - but book early!

In SAUGERTIES (16 minutes), follow directions to the lighthouse, where a boardwalk over natural wildflowers and paths along sandy beaches take you to a magical place where you can have a picnic or bathe in the Hudson. Enjoy nature trails where the Esopus meets the Hudson. We're a great place to stay for the horse shows at HITS. Driving back, see the amazing 6 acre outdoor sculpture that is Opus 40.

Enjoy the views of the CATSKILLS and the SHAWANGUNKS as you drive to STONE RIDGE (6 minutes) or HIGH FALLS (12 minutes) which offer several antique shops and restaurants as well as gift shops. High Falls has an old water mill, locks and a canal museum. (Or bring your bike and cycle 7 miles to High Falls along paths from our house that follow the old canal routes!)

Drive on from High Falls a further 18 minutes through wonderful SHAWANGUNK scenery to reach the famous Mohonk Mountain House for a visit to its luxurious spa. A manicure costs $40, which includes access to the verandas, solarium and mineral pool, as well as the opportunity to walk through its spectacular grounds. Combine a spa visit with a walk on the Mohonk Preserve for an unforgettable day. (The Preserve is adjacent to the Mountain House grounds, but can also be accessed from 4 other trailheads).

In Winter, go cross-country skiing along 30 miles of trails, some with spectacular views, from the Mohonk Mountain House, or for free along forest trails adjacent to our property.

In ROSENDALE (15 minutes) you can find a popular outdoor SWIMMING POOL and children's playground. Rosendale lies on the Roundout creek and is well known for its pickle festival in November.

CINEMAS can be found at Woodstock, Saugerties, Rosendale and Rheinbeck. RHINEBECK, with 437 sites listed on the National Historic Register and four or five blocks of shopping, is a popular tourist destination. An 18 minute trip there takes you over the Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge, with spectacular views of the Hudson and the Catskills as you drive back home. Have a drink at the Beekman Arms, which has been hosting guests since 1766. Experience fine dining at Terrapin, or Gigi Trattoria. Treat yourself to a range of spa services. The Dutchess County Fairground in Rhinebeck hosts many outstanding events through the year. Whether you're into antiques, crafts, food and wine, custom cars, or the immensely popular sheep and wool festival, there's something there for everyone. Book your accommodation early with us at peak weekends!

While you're east of the Hudson, visit grand historic homes such as Olana, Clermont, or Mills Mansion. Look out for fairs and festivals at these sites.

Go to the visually stunning Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, just 25 minutes away. Tours of the building take place every weekday. The Summerscape arts festival is a must, with opera, dance, theatre, film, music, and the famous Spiegeltent.

Finally, don't forget that NYC dance performances can be previewed at the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in TIVOLI, half an hour away - for only $25 see the New York City Ballet, the Limon Dance Company, Maureen Fleming etc. up close in an intimate atmosphere.

Follow These Links For More Area Information

Mohonk Preserve

Friends of Historic Kingston

Ulster County Tourism

Dutchess County Tourism

Scenic Hudson

Catskill Forest Preserve

Everything Dutch

Bellearyre

• Check-in time is from 3.00pm onwards. Check-out is by 12 noon.
• Two night minimum stay required on all weekends from May through December.
• Rates are for single or double occupancy and include our three course gourmet breakfast. All rates are subject to change without notice.
• We accept cash, checks, debit card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
• We are a non-smoking establishment.
• We require a deposit of one nights' stay to secure your booking.
• Due to our small size cancellations affect us significantly. A last minute cancellation gives us little chance to fill your room. Kindly give us seven days notice of cancellation. After that, no refund is possible regardless of reason for non-arrival or early departure.
• Children are welcome.
• We are sorry that we are unable to accommodate pets. Our house is large enough for our two cats to be housed in a separate owners' apartment. You are welcome to enjoy Mila and Bianca's company when they are on the porch or on the grounds. However, please do not let them enter the bed and breakfast accomodation in order to respect guests who might be sensitive to allergens.