Wild Beauty & Thoughtful Design: A Hudson Valley Retreat
While in the Hudson Valley for Destination Defender, I had the unique opportunity to visit a truly remarkable property listed by my friend and colleague, Lindsay Rothman—Team Lead of the Suburban Collective with Compass. The property, nestled on over 700 acres in Huguenot, offered a breathtaking glimpse into what happens when land, lifestyle, and legacy come together in harmony.
The home itself is a beautifully renovated lakeside cottage, perfectly balanced between rustic charm and contemporary comfort. Lindsay’s client, who graciously welcomed us during the visit, clearly poured heart and intention into every detail of the renovation. Historic elements were lovingly preserved, while thoughtful modern updates brought the home to life. Inside, it felt warm and refined—a place that invites you in and encourages you to stay awhile (and stay we did—happily riding out a passing thunderstorm with great conversation).
But as striking as the interior was, it was what lay beyond the walls that left a lasting impression.
Step outside, and you're enveloped by nature in its purest, most expansive form. A 60-acre, spring-fed lake glistens at the center of the property, its water levels carefully maintained by a family of beavers who seem to know their role in this living ecosystem. Over 15 miles of professionally maintained trails wind through forests, across streams, and around productive cranberry bogs. Resident hummingbirds flit from plant to plant, keeping the surrounding flora vibrant and alive. It felt less like a property and more like a sanctuary—where each turn of the trail reveals a new story.
This scale of land—over 700 acres—is something rarely seen, especially for someone like me, who works primarily in the Ottawa area. It’s not just the size, though. It’s how the land has been stewarded. Preserved, respected, and celebrated.
At 3 Big Lake Road, the outdoor lifestyle isn’t a selling feature—it’s a way of being. Whether it’s seasonal blueberry picking, paddling across the glassy lake, or simply walking the trails as they shift with the seasons, this property encourages connection. To nature. To history. To the people who’ve shaped it.
It’s no surprise that this extraordinary property is featured in Haus Collection’s Destination Collection—a curated showcase of homes that embody place, purpose, and presence. This home is a rare expression of elegance and elemental living. It invites you to slow down, to listen, and to explore. And in doing so, it redefines what it means to live well.
