5 New York Retreats from Waterfront Compounds to Mountain Sanctuaries

Along the water’s edge on Little Wolf Lake, this waterfront compound offers a rare sense of togetherness with room to spread out. The main home includes three bedrooms, complemented by two additional units—an arrangement that invites a flexible, multi-space way of living without forcing everything under one roof. Days naturally revolve around the lake, with the shoreline setting the rhythm from morning light to quieter evenings by the water. Tucked away on N. Little Wolf Rd. in Tupper Lake, the property balances a close connection to nature with the simplicity of a single, cohesive compound. Whether the additional units become dedicated guest quarters, creative retreats, or private hideaways, the layout supports a lifestyle that feels both communal and comfortably independent, all with Little Wolf Lake as the constant backdrop.

Set on 5.58 private acres in the Catskills, this brand-new modern retreat frames breathtaking mountain views from oversized windows and an expansive rear deck. Inside, an open-concept plan pairs vaulted ceilings with a stone fireplace that anchors bright living and dining areas. The gourmet kitchen connects seamlessly to the main gathering space, lending itself to easy entertaining and everyday flow. In the primary suite, deck access, a walk-in closet, and a spa-inspired bath with a tiled shower and double vanity create a restful daily rhythm. Two additional bedrooms and full baths offer flexibility for family or guests, while the walk-out basement adds a finished full bath and “endless potential” for a theater, gym, office, or guest suite. Whole-house generator, water filtration, and a tankless water heater support effortless living near Callicoon, Bethel Woods, and the Delaware River.

From its elevated setting on Quarry Lane in Horseheads, this Longview Model in the Quarry Lane subdivision looks out to rolling hills from a covered porch framed by stonework along the first floor and roof peak. Inside, open-concept living is anchored by a 12-foot coffered-ceiling living room and a soaring stone fireplace. The kitchen is designed as the home’s gathering place, with locally custom-made white oak cabinetry, a stainless steel appliance suite, and a commercial six-burner gas range with a powerful hood fan, plus an in-wall oven and microwave. An expansive quartzite island adds seating, extra storage, and is complemented by under-cabinet and recessed accent lighting. A butler’s pantry with beverage cooler and a second pantry keep everything streamlined. The first-floor owner’s suite includes an attached laundry room, while a first-floor office/guest room and upstairs bedrooms offer flexibility day to day.

Surrounded by 3.37 lush acres in Poughquag, this modern woodland retreat offers a quieter rhythm of life within the top-rated Arlington Central School District. Inside, three spacious bedrooms and three and a half baths are paired with open living areas where sunlight moves easily throughout the day. Large windows draw the landscape in, framing tranquil forest views that keep the mood calm and grounded.

Originally built in 1867, “Wunmore” carries a story that feels inseparable from Roxbury itself. The name traces back to builder J. More Preston, who—after putting up several local houses—decided to create “one more,” using leftover materials from his earlier projects. By the early 1900s, Historic Wunmore was purchased by Helen Gould Shepard, daughter of industrial magnate Jay Gould, and it went on to serve as a summer house for her daughter, Helen Anna Shepard, before passing to Anna’s son, John Shepard. Available for the first time in a generation, this Victorian cornerstone stands alongside a remarkable legacy: Helen Gould Shepard’s Kirkside Estate—now Kirkside Park—sits adjacent to the grounds. It’s a setting where history isn’t curated; it’s simply lived, season after season.