House in Hudson Valley, NY
Reasons to book
About this house rental
*Most wishlisted AirBnb in NY State! Conde Nast Traveler Approved*
Shell House is an idyllic and uniquely designed four season retreat nestled on 5 private acres. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views from every room, cozy bedrooms for peaceful nights, and expansive outdoor spaces perfect for relaxation. Just minutes from nearby towns, skiing, hiking, and the best of the Catskills, this light-filled sanctuary invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
The Space:
Welcome to the Shell House, an architectural icon tucked into five private acres in Roxbury, New York. Built in 1997, this striking dome home pairs mid century-modern design with the ruggedness of its mountain setting, and a celebrated 2018 renovation, featured in Dwell and Dezeen, that brought the kitchen and living spaces fully into the present without losing an ounce of the original quirky charm.
Step inside and the curves take over. The kitchen was reimagined around the dome's own sinuous geometry, with soft-edged islands, a fluted wood entry counter, portholes tucked into the backsplash, and hanging pendant lights overhead. Sleek Bosch appliances and heated cement floors make it a true chef's kitchen, stocked with spices, baking essentials, and everything you need to cook a feast. Gather up to 10 around the spacious dining table, or pull up a stool at the island for something more casual.
The living room features 25 foot ceilings and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Catskills views. Settle into the crescent-shaped sectional, dig into a puzzle from the modern credenza, or roll down the shades and get cozy with a movie as the sun sets.
Three bedrooms are tucked into a wing on the ground floor. The first and second bedrooms each have a queen bed, and the third offers a twin-over-full bunk with an additional pull-out trundle, perfect for kids. Every room wakes up to views of the Catskills and the surrounding five acres, and the first bedroom opens straight onto the patio through its own private door. The main bathroom, with a shower/tub combo, sits just across the hall.
Climb the spiral staircase, a focal point of the living room, up to the loft, where you'll find two full beds, desks for anyone who needs to do a little work, and a full bathroom with a shower. Back downstairs, a half bath off the living room doubles as the laundry room, with a Whirlpool washer and dryer.
Outside, the 2,000 square foot patio is built for living outdoors. Roam the five fully private acres, play lawn games in the meadow, or wander the garden's fruit trees, sugar maples, herbs, and pollinator blooms. Fire up the barbecue, gather around the fire pit for s'mores, or lie back for some of the best stargazing you'll find in the Catskills. The private gravel driveway comfortably fits four cars, with additional free parking along the road.
The most wishlisted home on Airbnb in all of New York, the Shell House remains a true creative refuge. Watch for deer grazing at the tree line, hawks and eagles overhead, and listen for coyotes calling after dark. Embrace the tranquility, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in this idyllic setting.We can't wait to welcome you to the Shell House.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to the entire home including backyard patio which includes a fire pit, barbecue, lounge chairs, and outdoor dining area.
The Neighborhood:
Shell House is located on a beautiful private rural road less than 10 minutes away from amenities in either direction. The charming town of Roxbury is just 5 minutes down the road. Visit local favorites like Watershed cafe for a sandwich, grab dinner at Chappies, or pick up a bottle of wine at Roxbury Wines. Check out Cafe Marguerite for a meal, or Freshtown Marketplace for groceries in Margaretville or head to Delhi for the region's best farmer's market. 5 minutes down the road is Mornings, a delightful Korean cafe with delicious breakfast sandwiches, coffees, and local artisanal goods.
In winter, Belleayre and Plattekill Mountains are both a short drive away for skiing and snowboarding, and the property's own trails and meadows make for excellent hiking, sledding, and stargazing right outside the door. The Pepacton Reservoir is nearby for scenic drives and fishing. However you spend your days, this corner of the Catskills offers something worth exploring in every season.
Getting Around:
Shell House is about 3 hours from New York City and guests should plan to travel around by car as it is a rural area with limited public transportation. The main routes to access the town are NY-17W to NY-30N or the NY State Thruway (I-87N) to NY-28W.
In the winter, we recommend a car with four-wheel drive that can handle the snow and gravel roads.
Other Things to Note:
The house has no air conditioning, but there are large ceiling fans in the main living space to keep it cool.
Please make sure to close the patio umbrella and open the pergola shades before leaving to avoid wind damage.








