Fallerhof – Millbrook Retreat on 150 Private Acres

Fallerhof is a secluded hilltop cottage overlooking the Harlem Valley, set on 150 private acres of woods, meadows, and stone walls. Two bedrooms, a luminous loft, and a balcony facing the Taconic ridge. Read beside the stove, listen to music, walk the trails, or simply sit in stillness. Just 90 minutes from NYC, 6 minutes from Metro-North, and 10 minutes from Millbrook. Perfect for couples, writers, and quiet escapes.

FALLERHOF
A Hilltop Retreat in the Hudson Valley
Millbrook, New York · 90 miles from NYC · 6 minutes from Metro-North

Fallerhof is a secluded hilltop cottage overlooking the Harlem Valley, set on 150 private acres of woods, meadows, stone walls, and sweeping eastern views. Quiet, private, and surrounded by nature, it is a place to slow down — whether that means reading by the stove, walking wooded trails, cooking a good meal, listening to music, or simply sitting still.

Built in 1960 as a personal retreat by a German-born Leica engineer, Fallerhof was designed in the spirit of a traditional alpine Sommerhaus: simple, practical, and deeply connected to the landscape. Recently restored with care, the cottage retains its original character while offering modern comfort.

The cottage sleeps four and includes two peaceful bedrooms with white linens and woodland views, a luminous A-frame loft with balcony overlooking the Taconic ridge, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower. Cast-iron stoves, warm oak floors, books chosen over a lifetime, and a curated classical music library create an atmosphere that feels thoughtful rather than staged.

Mornings begin with coffee on the terrace as mist rises from the valley. Days invite long walks through the woods, reading in the loft, nearby hiking, fishing, and exploring Millbrook and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Evenings are for firelight, music, and extraordinary quiet. On clear nights, the stars are remarkable.

Though completely private and surrounded by nature, Fallerhof is surprisingly accessible — just 90 minutes from New York City, six minutes from the Tenmile River Metro-North station, and ten minutes from the restaurants, cafés, and shops of Millbrook.

Best suited for couples, writers, artists, hikers, and guests seeking rest, privacy, and a slower pace. This is a quiet retreat rather than a party house.

Guest access
Fallerhof sits on a larger private estate but is set apart on its own hillside with complete privacy. We live elsewhere on the property and are available if needed, but otherwise leave guests entirely to themselves.

The cottage, terrace, firepit area, and private walking trails are yours to enjoy during your stay, along with 150 acres of woods, meadows, and historic stone walls. The quiet unpaved town road beyond the property is also perfect for long walks.

Please note that neighboring fields and woodlands are privately owned and not part of the estate. We simply ask guests to remain within the property boundaries and enjoy the landscape respectfully.

Other things to note
Getting Here

Fallerhof is 90 miles from Midtown Manhattan (roughly 90 minutes by car). The Tenmile River Metro-North station is just 6 minutes away, making for an easy escape from the city without needing to drive.

The final approach is part of the experience: a quiet country road through meadows and stone walls, followed by a winding lane through the trees to the crest of the hill.

Please note: Fallerhof is best suited to adults and older children due to the spiral staircase, steep hillside, and hilltop setting.

Millbrook & Beyond

Millbrook is just ten minutes away — equestrian country, old estates, and a village center with excellent restaurants, cafés, wine shops, and provisions.

Nature & Gardens
• Innisfree Garden — one of America’s great gardens, with lakes, stone, and extraordinary landscape design.
• Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies — beautiful grounds and walking paths.
• Harlem Valley Rail Trail — 46 miles of cycling and walking through meadow and forest.
• Wethersfield Estate & Garden — formal gardens and seasonal tours.

Culture
• Wassaic Project — contemporary art in a converted grain elevator.
• Millerton Moviehouse — independent films, classics, and Met Opera broadcasts.

Sporting
• Orvis Sandanona — sporting clays, wingshooting, and fly-fishing instruction.
• Fly fishing on the Tenmile and Housatonic Rivers.
• Horseback riding and seasonal equestrian events throughout the area. Just eight minutes from Fallerhof, The Highlands hosts the internationally recognized Silo Ridge Masters and Highlands Cup, featuring world-class show jumping, luxury hospitality, concerts, shopping, and the Bridlemont Concours.

Restaurants We Love

Dining in the area is genuinely exceptional. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Millbrook (10 min)
• Canoe Hill — seasonal American cooking, oysters, cocktails, and natural wine.
• Barbaro — wood-fired Italian with house-made pasta and pizza.
• House of Stefas — lively Greek restaurant with rooftop dining and raw bar.
• Julien’s — dependable local pizza and sushi after a long day outdoors.

Worth the Drive
• Stissing House (25 min, Pine Plains) — nationally recognized wood-fired cooking in an 18th-century tavern.
• Champêtre (25 min, Pine Plains) — intimate Provençal cooking in a tiny dining room.
• Willa (20 min, Millerton) — relaxed neighborhood dining with an excellent seasonal menu.

Drinks & Local Finds
• Tenmile Distillery
• Shady Knoll Distillery
• Millbrook Winery
• The Lantern Beer Garden
• Millbrook Farmers Market (Saturday mornings)

Practical Notes

Intentionally Offline
There is no Wi-Fi or television at Fallerhof. Guests come here to slow down, read, walk, cook, listen to music, and rest. Cell service is excellent for AT&T and Verizon, and personal hotspots work seamlessly if needed.

Comfort
The loft features a remote-controlled Jøtul gas stove for warmth and atmosphere. Both bedrooms have AC, and the hilltop setting keeps the cottage naturally cool, even in summer.

Kitchen & Coffee
The kitchen is fully equipped for real cooking, with a farmhouse sink, butcher block counters, and essentials provided. Coffee lovers will find a Moccamaster, burr grinder, and Nespresso machine (pods included), along with locally roasted Hudson Valley coffee.

A Note to Guests

Fallerhof sleeps four in two bedrooms and is especially suited to couples, small families, writers, readers, walkers, and anyone seeking quiet, beauty, and time to slow down. It is not a party house.

Most guests arrive looking for rest. By the second morning — coffee in hand, mist lifting through the valley below — they understand why this cottage was built exactly here.