OVERVIEW:

Set on 15 private acres in the hills of New York’s Sullivan County and the at the heart of the scenic Delaware River Valley, MILK BARN is a truly extraordinary property just two and a half hours from New York City. The converted barn and its two guest houses, which sleep up to ten people, date back to 1873 and have passed through many hands over the ages.  Traces of its past, both as a dairy barn, getaway and artistic outlet, can still be seen and felt today.

-  3 bedrooms in main house (3 Queen Size beds + 1 Twin ) with one bathroom accessible by one bedroom.

- 2 guest houses : the “Milk Shack” on the side of the main house with 1 queen size bed and a shower, and the “Moon Shack” with 1 queen size beds and 1 loft twin size bed. Availability of the shacks depends on the weather conditions.

-  Chef's Kitchen (Thermador Range, Bosch Dishwasher, Huge Fridge + appliances, cooking utensils, dishes, pots + pans)

- Large dining and living room with fireplace.

-  Vintage Stereo system + Vinyl Collection

-  Projector Television (w satellite TV + DVD player)

-  Second bathroom in the Gratto/Hammam Soak Tub by the Sauna + toilet

-  Industrial washer/dryer in the garage next to a third bathroom with toilet and shower which can be convenient for those using the glampers or the shacks.

- Grounds:  15 acres, Treated Aquifer-fed Swimming Pond with dock, Gas grill, Charcoal grill, Outdoor Fireplace, Fire Pits, Treehouse

-  3 Pond-side glamper cabins with twin size beds. Only available in summer.

THE LONGER STORY:

Full of fascinating history and aesthetic eccentricities (see pictures on the left), much of the MILK BARN conversion was completed over a thirty year period, beginning in the mid-sixties and ending in the mid-nineties by a fashion photographer from New York City. During this period, the barn played host to many photo-shoots and colorful parties that neighbors still remember today. 

The European influence can be seen today all over the property, especially in its more eccentric details–like the giant, tiled soaking tub in the basement, intricately etched window-doors between rooms, beautifully tiled marble floors or the nude bas relief in the master bath. In the entrance, stained glass pocket doors open to the modern chef’s kitchen; behind them, a dramatic large wooden staircase makes every trip down the stairs feel like a grand entrance. In the open-format living room, the barn’s enormous doors open up to a bluestone patio, connecting the inside and outside. Other notable features include three fireplaces, and a sauna with a built-in shower.

Each bedroom’s decor is simple yet thoughtful, with white-clad beds accented by Hudson Bay blankets. Other details throughtout the home like milk crates and cow skulls pay homage to the dairy farm it once was.

Outside, the nostalgic European influence continues in the landscaping choice of cypress trees–though their tall, cone-like silhouettes. A short walk from the barn, the guesthouse (with a fireplace) resembles a treehouse, perched several feet above the ground with wraparound windows. Not to be confused with the actual treehouse located at the entrance of the property.

The second guesthouse, which hugs the barn, is a studio-like renovated milk-shed where milk was stored before the days of refrigeration.  It is is equipped with a shower and sink. All three structures come with fifteen acres of “back yard” which includes a private swimming pond.

All of these great long-standing features at MILK BARN wouldn’t be nearly as special without its recent facelift. The interiors of the barn and its guesthouses were designed by owner Gabriel Adiv, who hand-picked its furniture and fixtures which are a blend of vintage and contemporary, both found and custom. Looking past the visual goodness here, even fragrances are part of the experience at MILK BARN–from Maison Louis Marie candles to the Palo Santo sticks which are readily available.

Finally, music and sound are major players here.  A vintage sound system is complemented by an amazing vinyl selection.  Acoustic guitars hang on many of the walls and electric guitars, bass, amps, mics and club drum kit are available upon request.  A full wall television projector allows for cozy movie nights as well.

*The above is an edited version of write-up by Escape Brooklyn