"Shatemuc" was built by my own hands from the ground up on the shores of the Hudson River. The original inhabitants of these lands were the Lenape who called the Hudson River "Shatemuc," meaning "the river that flows both ways." The home's seclusion affords tranquility and connection to nature yet it is minutes from downtown Kingston. The exposed timbers, huge kitchen, enormous windows and bi-fold doors, deck, high-ceilings and spectacular finishes are one-of-a-kind. And then there's the view!
The house has three beautiful floors including the basement but the basement is off-limits to guests so you'll have access to the ground floor and second floor (and the loft in what is essentially the third floor).
GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor features a mudroom, a giant kitchen, a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a dining room (although I have yet to acquire the right dining room table so dining takes place at the kitchen island or in the living room). The kitchen will also eventually have a lemon tree growing out of the floor next to the island.
ENTRY/MUDROOM
The mudroom is great for just that. Keep the mud there! Take your shoes off and store your coats on the hooks or on the shelves in baskets (to come). Lights for the whole floor and house an be activated there too.
The main yellow door is big and heavy and features a beautiful but very old handset so a) you need to slam the door for it to fully close (listen and feel for the latch) and, b) easiest to always turn the handle counterclockwise, and c) be gentle with how you lock and unlock it and best to minimize how much you do so.
The ground floor thermostat is immediately on the right as you come into the house from the mudroom.
BATHROOM
You also have a full bathroom with a shower that will eventually be filled with big-leafed plants which will provide privacy and allow you to feel like you're showering outside while inside. In the meantime though, no one can see from the outside unless a member of your own party walks around the outside of the house for some reason or stands at the top of the basement stairs (and the basement is off limits). Further, the windows steam up creating some privacy. There is a timer switch for the exhaust fan in this bathroom. The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
STOVE/OVEN/CAST IRON
In the kitchen you'll find an induction stovetop with multiple ovens underneath. Please take care not to drop pans on the glass cooktop or to leave any burners turned on with a pan on top (the burners will not activate without a pan on top of them but without a flame, it can be easy to forget that you've left something on especially an oven so be mindful).
DO NOT PLACE POTS OR PANS ON THE MARBLE OR QUARTZITE COUNTERTOPS AS IT WILL STAIN. Use one of the many available trivets or keep them on the stovetop. You'll also find the instruction manual for the stove and oven in the top right drawer next to the unit.
Nothing wooden (eg. Knives with wood handles or wooden serving spoons) OR CAST IRON (eg. pots) should be put in the dishwasher.
The utensils are in a pull out drawer above the top pull out drawer opposite the sink that is accessible once you pull out the main drawer.
OTHER KITCHEN APPLIANCES
The kitchen also has a dishwasher, beverage fridge, cold/filtered water from the special faucet, trash and recycling and compost, and a large refrigerator/freezer. The freezer makes ice automatically from filtered water. The pantry is to the left of the fridge and silverware and plates and other pots and pans not hanging by the stove can be found in the island drawers. Note: for now, numerous construction items are temporarily being stored in some of the island drawers.
COMPOST
There is a small compost bin on the inside of the left cabinet door under the sink. When this is full, empty it into the large compost outside. To do this, walk around the back side of the house and empty into whichever chamber has compost unless that one is full in which case use the other chamber.
LIGHTS
The lights are operated from numerous switches but most of them can also be operated via Siri commands. There are a few Philips hue switches too with different zones and different color temperature options if you press a switch multiple times. The one on the post by the stairs is also a dimmer if you turn the knob. You'll figure it out pretty quickly with trial and error :)
FIREPLACE
Feel free to make a fire in the fireplace with split pieces of wood and small amounts of kindling and paper. The knob to the right of the fireplace controls the fan speed but it will not turn on initially until the fire reaches core temperature.
SECRET BAR
There is/will be a secret pull out bookshelf bar to the left of the fireplace. I have yet to finish it entirely but there will be a fixed book (perhaps a Hemingway?) that will act as a handle and a full bar behind which if you help yourself to you will need to replenish.
PROJECTOR
Not installed yet, but a projector and giant screen are coming will be in front of the fireplace.
SECOND FLOOR
GUEST BATHROOM
There is a full bathroom with a tub and hand-shower for showing at the top of the stairs accessible both from the hallway and from the guest bedroom. There is a timer switch for the exhaust fan. The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
GUEST ROOM
The guest room has a queen-sized bed and closet. The operable window is a tilt-and-turn, so you turn the handle up to tilt the window (great for if it's raining or it's windy), or you turn it sideways to open, or you turn it all the way down to close.
STUDIO/LOUNGE
This room is still coming together but it will eventually be the studio and/or a hangout lounge. The tilt and turn windows operate as the others do (turn the handle up to tilt the window, turn it sideways to open, turn it all the way down to close.)
The second floor thermostat is also in this room next to the stairs.
WASHER/DRYER
The washer and dryer are in the closet in the stairwell on the second floor. The dryer is ventless so you need to be sure to fully clean the lint filter each time otherwise it will not dry.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
The view-de-gras... Enjoy!
PRIMARY BEDROOM BATHROOM
Another view-de-gras but this time from the shower :) Privacy Note: No one can see you unless it’s one of your own party at the end of the deck looking up at the bathroom.
The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
A little water does get out onto the floor when you shower but be mindful not to allow lots to come out and use a towel to dry it up a bit after to protect the heated floor.
SECRET LOFT BEDROOM
So where is this other bedroom? Next to the guest bathroom there is a piece of wall...that is actually a sliding door! Behind that you will find a custom tree ladder and a magical bedroom above :) The only way in or out is that ladder though so please be aware. Also, full-grown adults can absolutely fit up and down the ladder but it is a little tight unless you’re on the thinner side or a kid.
DECK
The deck is an amazing place to hang out and take the views and the air. There is an outdoor dining table with six chairs as well as two recliners. There is also a small barbecue with metal utensils in the kitchen.
CANOE/WATER ACCESS
I am working on building much more substantial water access, but at the moment there is a canoe for use for an extra fee. The extra fee is necessary in order for Vrbo to cover any liability associated with the use of the canoe. There are two paddles and two lifers. The canoe can accommodate up to four people, but if you have more than two, you’ll have to procure two additional life preservers. There are pictures in the outside section, indicating where to find the canoe. There are some small steps in the bank but they are unfinished so be careful. When you are done using the canoe, please make sure it is put back in place and turned upside down. The life preservers and paddles should be stored in the mudroom. The cost is $89 per day. The bay right outside the house is very calm, but please be aware that currents are strong in the middle of the river, so it is best to stay towards the edges and be sure that you are a reasonably strong paddler. Also note that the Hudson River is a tidal river so the area next to the boat will be muddy and difficult to traverse at low tide so it is best not to take the canoe out or back in at low tide.
