Johannes Vermeer painted "The Lacemaker" in 1669-1671. The girl's lowered head, fingers and threads all focus on one single point and lead us to concentrate on her complete absorption and patience with her task. Behind her is a lime-washed wall, which reminds us that the 17th century Dutch were known for their obsessive cleanliness. It is believed that the lime in the paint ensured the highest standards of hygiene in environments where beer and cheese were produced.

Step back in time and stay in possibly the oldest guest room in New York State! This room is likely to have been built shortly after 1700. Visitors can see evidence left by earlier dwellers here, such as candle burn marks and even a signature on one of the beams. The original wide plank floor has a gorgeous dark patina and the knee high stone walls have been authentically lime-plastered and lime-washed. The queen sized Hepplewhite bed dates from circa 1710. A small Hepplewhite reed legged drop leaf table and a pair of Queen Anne chairs make a useful desk or reading area. The view from the double early sash windows looks across the gardens to the Esopus Creek and the surrounding woods. Beyond this the famous sweet corn fields of Hurley can be seen, and behind them, "Hurley Mountain", which is at the southern edge of the Catskill State Park. The in-room bathroom includes a newly refinished antique cast iron clawfoot tub, original to the house. The bathroom also includes mosaic work made by Nadia out of Italian tesserae tiles, which continues around the walls into the large shower enclosure. Individually controllable air-conditioning is provided.