Porter's Lodge

We're so glad you chose to stay with us.

Welcome to your home away from home, our perfect escape from city life. Relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings, enjoying the fresh air and local charm.

Whether you’re here to explore the great outdoors, enjoy family time, or simply relax and rejuvenate, we hope you have a wonderful time. Enjoy your stay and make yourself at home. Feel free to message us if you have any questions or need assistance.

Best wishes,

The Haus team

• Towels, washcloths, and hand towels
• Bedsheets, comforters
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash
• Toilet paper in all bathrooms
• Paper towels in the kitchen area
• Pots/pan
• Glasses (Wine + Water) 
• Plates
• Kitchenware
• Kitchen set: hand towel, dish detergent, sponges
• Coffee and Tea (Drip Filter)
• Salt, pepper, and spices
• Laundry Detergent
• Trash bags
• Game Room
• Iron & Ironing board
• First Aid Kit

Google Maps Directions to Porter's Lodge: 132 Irish Cape Road, Napanoch, NY 12458

To access the property, follow the instructions sent in our pre-arrival message a few days before check-in. Should you have any issues, please send us a message.

Check-in time is 4:00 PM. We can sometimes arrange an early check-in, so please contact us if you plan to arrive early and we'll do our best to accommodate you (unfortunately, we cannot promise this). If you are arriving early, refer to the “local area guide” section and be sure to pick up any groceries or supplies on the way.

If you need to get in touch with us during your stay, the quickest way is via the booking platform message system.

Ellenville, located in Ulster County, New York, is a picturesque town in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Surrounded by the stunning Shawangunk Ridge and lush natural landscapes, Ellenville offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural charm, and small-town appeal. Known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, the town attracts visitors seeking hiking, rock climbing, and exploring scenic trails, as well as those looking to enjoy local dining, unique shops, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of the Hudson Valley.

Network Name: Porterlodge

Password: 132irishcape

Cell service with the major carriers (AT&T, Verizon) is typically pretty good, but feel free to connect to the WiFi and enable WiFi calling.

We have a washer and a separate dryer in the utility room in the basement. Feel free to use the detergent provided.

The home's water comes from an artesian well that we condition further. While natural source waters can have a slight sulfur smell, it's perfectly safe to drink. Bring refillable bottles for your adventures.

Oven - How to Use/Turn It On

The oven has two knobs: one to set the temperature and the other to select the cooking setting or convection mode. To operate the oven, ensure both knobs are adjusted accordingly. Both must be turned on for the oven to function properly.

Our home utilizes a septic system, so we kindly ask that you be mindful of what goes down the drains and toilets. Please dispose of feminine products, wipes, and other paper goods in the waste bins provided, and be mindful of toilet paper usage. This helps prevent clogs and blockages, avoiding unpleasant situations and additional fees. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

There is a TV with streaming in the den, bedroom 2, and large TV in the basement.

Extra towels and bedding can be found in the laundry room closet.

We have some personal items and maintenance supplies in a locked closet in the basement.

We have a curated selection of board games in the basement. Feel free to enjoy these! We just ask you to keep games organized and tidy for the next player's enjoyment.

Trash must be bagged and placed in the dumpster next to the house on the driveway. Be sure to lock the dumpster lid.

Please ensure all trash, including cardboard, is properly bagged before placing it in these bins on your departure day.

Securing trash in bags and bins is crucial to prevent attracting bears.

In rare circumstances, your power may go out because of a storm. The home does have a backup generator which will turn on in the event of power loss. We are usually notified automatically when this happens, and we will immediately call and report an outage on your behalf. View the local "outage map" here. In our experience, power issues are fixed within a short period (< 4 hours).

Dishwasher Instructions:

1. Turn On the Dishwasher:

Press and hold the power button until you see numbers (e.g., 2:24) on the display.

2. Start the Cycle:

Press and hold the power button again for 2 seconds.

3. Close the Door:

After holding the button, close the dishwasher door firmly. You should hear the dishwasher start.

The propane wood stove located in the living room can be operated by the on/off switch on the back. The fuel flow can be adjusted using the dial. Please ensure to keep children away for the stove as it can get hot. To prevent overheating, limit use to 60 minutes at a time. Be sure to turn off when not in use and at departure to reduce fire risk.

The basement has a pool table, bar seating, media viewing area, Xbox and tons of board games. Please enjoy!

How to use oven

Location: It's in the master bedroom next to the dressers with the sheet folded up on top

IMPORTANT
If the display shows SL – the hot tub is in Sleep Mode.
To switch to Standard Mode, please follow the instructions provided.

 If you are able to change it to standard (or economy). Here are some instructions to change it to “standard” mode : Mode is changed by pressing “Warm” or “Cool” then “Light”.
STANDARD MODE maintains set temperature. St will be
displayed momentarily when you switch into Standard
Mode.
ECONOMY MODE heats the spa to the set temperature
only during filter cycles. Ec will display when water temp
is not current, and will alternate with water temp when the
pump is running.
SLEEP MODE heats the spa to within 20°F/10°C of the set
temperature only during filter cycles. SL will display when
water temp is not current, and will alternate with water temp
when the pump is running.
If needed, here’s the owner’s manual for the hot tub for additional guidance - Hot Tub Guide


We're delighted to offer you a cozy outdoor hot tub to enhance your stay! Just a heads-up: it might be a bit cool when you first arrive, but don’t worry—it'll warm up to the perfect temperature in just a few hours.

To set the temperature to your liking, simply press the "+" or "-" buttons. If you're in the mood for a bubbly experience, just press the Jets button. Once it’s heated up, feel free to unwind and soak away the day's adventures!

1. No Diving or Jumping: For everyone's safety, no diving, jumping, or standing on the edge of the hot tub.
2. Cover When Not in Use: Kindly ensure the cover is put back on when the hot tub is not in use to keep the water warm and clean.
3. Age Restrictions: Children under 16 must be supervised at all times. Infants and toddlers are not allowed in the hot tub.
4. Shower Before Use: Please rinse off before entering to keep water clean and reduce the need for extra chemicals.
5. Use Hot Tub Towels: Chlorine can stain bath towels and blankets. Please only use the provided Hot Tub towels in the kitchen.
6. Limit Time in the Hot Tub: Please limit your time to 15-20 minutes per session to avoid overheating.
7. No Food or Alcohol: Avoid food and limit alcohol consumption in the hot tub for safety reasons.
8. No Soap, Oils, or Lotions: These can damage the hot tub and affect water balance.
   
   
   
   

There is an outdoor Blackstone barbeque available for your use. It's powered by propane. While there should be enough gas for your stay, please confirm once you arrive. If you require a refill, please let us know or exchange the tank at:

Stewart's Shops

Ace Hardware

How to Use the Blackstone Grill

Before Grilling:

1. Fuel Check: Confirm the propane tank is sufficiently full (a full tank weighs approximately 20 lbs).

2. Safety Check:

• Always grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from flammable materials.

• Never use the grill under a covered structure or indoors.

• Keep the grill supervised while in operation.

Preheating:

1. Remove the grill cover.

2. Fully open the propane tank valve.

3. Light the burners:

• Turn the burner knob to the ignition position and press the ignitor button.

• If the ignitor doesn’t work, use a long BBQ lighter at the ignition ports.

• Allow gas buildup to dissipate if ignition is delayed.

Grilling:

1. Preheat the grill for about 5-10 minutes on medium heat.

2. Place food on the griddle and cook to your preference.

After Grilling:

1. Turn off all burner knobs and close the propane tank valve.

2. Use the provided scraper or brush to remove food debris from the cooking surface.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

1. Oil Catch:

• Empty the oil catch by soaking excess oil with paper towels.

• Dispose of paper towels in a sealed trash bag or secure indoor trash can to avoid attracting wildlife.

2. Seasoning the Griddle:

• While the surface is still warm, apply a light coat of cooking oil using a paper towel to maintain the griddle and prevent rust.

There is an outdoor dining tables and chairs. An outdoor sofa with cushions is also available for your use - please cover the outdoor furniture before you leave and in the event of inclement weather.

A Level II EV charger is available for your use at no-charge.

• A fire pit is in the backyard. Please pay careful attention to the open fire and only burn wood.
• Adult Supervision Required: An adult must be present at all times while the fire pit is lit.
• Please ensure fires are fully extinguished before retiring for the evening.

You may experience snow flurries and the occasional heavy snow accumulation during winter stays. The driveway is plowed automatically once 2 inches of snow has accumulated. A snow shovel can be found on the porch and rock salt for icy conditions on the deck, walkways, or driveway.

Local roads are plowed regularly, roads may be impassable for a few hours during storms. If you don’t have winter driving experience, please take extra care at night and in below-freezing conditions. 

Be careful walking on the decks and walkways in icy conditions.

When booking a house in the countryside, surrounded by lush nature and a nearby national wildlife reserve, it’s important to be prepared for encounters with various wildlife. In the evenings, you may notice an abundance of insects, some of which occasionally find their way indoors. Be cautious with open windows and doors. Additionally, food smells often attract black bears and are known for their curiosity. It’s best to avoid leaving food unattended on decks, porches, or grills, as bears have been known to investigate and even open unlocked cars in search of snacks.

A pickleball and basketball are available for your exclusive use. Please bring paddles and balls as needed.

You may find the pickerball and all outdoor needs in the  plastic container box outside. 

1. Please no smoking of any kind inside the house.
2. Please confine any open fires to the fire pit provided for your enjoyment, per NYS burning regulations. Please ensure that a fire is never left unattended and any fire is fully extinguished.
3. After using the black stone grill, clean the oil catch (located behind the grill) by soaking the oil with paper towels and disposing of them in the garbage—never outside or down the sink. Once cleaned, season the grill by rubbing it with a paper towel and cooking oil. Turn off propane after use.
4. Please do not play loud music outside after 9 pm as sound can travel and disturb neighbors.

Please do not play loud music outside after 9 pm as sound can travel and disturb neighbors.

Please no smoking of any kind inside the house, including vaping. Please stay at least 15 ft from any entrance to avoid smoke coming into the house. We appreciate your cooperation.

One well-behaved and housebroken dog is welcome! A few rules we'd appreciate your help with to minimize the impact of even the most well-intentioned pups:

• Please clean up after your dog and put any waste in a trash bag before departing.
• Please keep dogs off beds & seating areas. Wipe dirty or muddy paws.
• Please bring pet’s crate, bedding, & blankets.
• Guests are responsible for pet-related damage and excessive cleaning.

We understand that sometimes accidents happen! Should you break anything please let us know immediately so we can replace it for the next guest. Thank you!

In case of a fire

• Exit the property as quickly as possible
• Ensure that all persons are accounted for
• Dial 911
• Fire Extinguishers are located in kitchen under the sink.

For emergency services, call 911. Do not delay if you feel an emergency situation has arisen. State your location as 132 Irish Cape Road.

The Hudson Valley & Catskill region offers fantastic hiking & outdoor adventures, but it's important to be aware of ticks. Here's how to enjoy the outdoors safely:

Before You Hit the Trails:

• Dress Smart: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into socks for an extra barrier.
• Repel Ticks: Choose an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET (20% or higher for adults, 10% or lower for children) and follow directions carefully.
• Be Tick-Savvy: Learn about tick habitats and avoid brushing against tall grass and brush where ticks are more common.

While You Hike:

• Stay on the Path: Sticking to the trail reduces your contact with tick-infested areas.
• Do Quick Checks: Throughout your hike, take a moment to scan your clothes and exposed skin for ticks.

After Your Adventure:

• Shower ASAP: A hot shower within 2 hours of being outdoors can help wash away unattached ticks.
• Full Body Check: Carefully examine yourself, children, and pets for ticks, paying close attention to warm, moist areas.

Located on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge is one of the most unique and beautiful parks in New York State. It features numerous waterfalls, lakes, and stunning cliff-edge views.

Amenities

• Boat Launches
• Bridle Path
• Food
• Museum/Visitors Center * Nature Center
• Picnic Tables
• Swimming Beach

Activities

• Biking * HELMETS REQUIRED FOR ALL USERS.
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Recreation Programs
• Snowshoeing Trails
• X-Country Skiing

Vernooy Kill Falls is a series of picturesque little waterfalls with pools, dropping about 30 feet in 4 stages. A foot bridge crosses the base of the falls for a nice view. Nearby is a tall stonewall, a remnant of the Vernooy Mill which 200 years ago was a major crossroads where farmers near and far brought their grain for milling. A major road ran through this area which now looks wild. In the ten years since 2000, over 1000 acres have burned on nearby Cherrytown Mountain.

Directions: Take State Route 209 to Samsonville Road, to Cherrytown Road to Upper Cherrytown Road. The parking lot is on the right on Upper Cherrytown Road. Park and cross the road to the trail, which at first climbs up a steep hill on the old woods road, now a snowmobile trail).

Distance: 3.6 miles. Ascent: 250 feet.

This easy, flat hike along a popular section of the Ashokan Reservoir offers stunning, close-up views of the Catskills from the Hudson Valley lowlands. The total distance is 5 miles, out and back.

Trail:

The trail is a mix of surfaces:

• 2.4 miles on a wide, paved, off-road path
• 2.4 miles on a wide, paved road closed to motorized vehicles
• Short sections (around 200 yards each) on a public road with traffic

Directions:

By Car:

There are three ways to reach the parking area, depending on your starting point:

From South:

1. Take the New York Thruway to Exit 19 (Kingston).
2. Head west on Route 28 for about 5 miles to the traffic light where Route 375 goes to Woodstock.
3. Continue west on Route 28 for another 5 miles.
4. Turn left onto Reservoir Road and go south for 1.8 miles.
5. Turn left onto Monument Road and go east for 0.3 miles.
6. Turn left onto Route 28A and go east for 0.9 miles.
7. Turn left onto an unmarked road (possibly marked "Dead End") and follow it for 0.3 miles to a parking circle, sometimes called the "Frying Pan" area.

From North:

1. Take the New York Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties).
2. Turn left onto Route 32 North, then continue straight onto Route 212 West for about 7 miles.
3. As you enter Woodstock, turn left on Route 375 and go about 2.4 miles to a traffic light.
4. Turn right onto Route 28 West and go about another 5 miles.
5. Turn left onto Reservoir Rd and follow the directions from "From South" above (steps 4-7).

From West on Route 28:

1. Coming from Phoenicia on Route 28 East, note where Route 28A turns off just after Boiceville.
2. Continue straight on Route 28 East for about 3.4 miles.
3. Turn right onto Reservoir Rd and follow the directions from "From South" above (steps 4-7).

Note: If Reservoir Road is closed, you can still reach the parking area by taking Route 28A around either end of the reservoir.

Frederick Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary is a compassionate haven dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for goats in need. Nestled in a peaceful rural setting, the sanctuary offers a safe, loving environment where goats can thrive and live out their lives in peace. Committed to education and advocacy, Frederick Farm also works to raise awareness about animal welfare and promote kindness toward all creatures.

A 2.65- mile hike takes you along the Kanape Brook, where looking closely, you will see remnants of hillside farms on what was once known as Freeman Avery Road. You pass streams rushing to the brook, stone walls, farm foundations (on your left), Norway spruce plantings, a spring box built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at 1.25 mile, and finally a clearing where the trail crosses the brook (small trout have been spotted). Here the trail runs through a dark, dense plantation of Norway spruce trees. Once these trees would have been used for lumber and logs and protected the farm that stood here from winds and snowdrifts. The trail leaves the old road at 2.65 miles, continuing up to Ashokan High Point Mountain (3080'). The last 1.25 miles is very steep. On the
summit, repeated fires and shallow soils have formed blueberry balds, with small scrub oaks - but without fire these balds may someday disappear.

Distance: 5.3 miles. Ascent: 500 feet. (To High Point Summit - 7.5 miles, Ascent - 1480 feet)

From the parking lot, the abandoned road climbs gently and steadily along the stream, passing low hemlock stands. At about 1 mile, the trail gets steeper for ½ mile, then becomes gentler, passing a 1921 Burroughs Forest Memorial Plaque, 2 small ponds and house ruins before stopping at private lands (about 3 miles). Good for cross-country skiing and limited mountain biking. At the end of the 3-mile road is an accessible campsite (with hardened surfaces, picnic table, fireplace and privy).

Distance: Up to 6 miles. Ascent: Up to 800 feet. Scenic Vistas and Fire Towers

One of America’s ten most iconic rail trails, its 22 miles offers unsurpassed vistas, quiet arbors, ever-chilly caverns and a variety bridges. Spanning rivers and gorges, its bridges enable visitors and daily users to connect with nature, new friends, with our shared history and with a more sustainable future. Passing through orchards, organic farms, lakes, rivers and streams, it also links villages and towns including the Historic Huguenot District in New Paltz, the towns of Gardiner and Rosendale and ending near the historic Stockade District in the City of Kingston. The crown jewel of this 22-mile linear park is the famed Rosendale Trestle, with its 940 foot span over the Rondout Creek and soaring 150 feet above the water’s surface. When first constructed in 1872 it was dubbed the iron wonder and was the highest span bridge in the United States. Often referred to as the Walkway over the Rondout, the trestle offers more intimate views than the Wallkway Over The Hudson, yet no less spectacular views of Joppenburgh Mountain, Main Street
Rosendale and the Rondout Creek.

In-home infused private chef services.

Day Trips in the Hudson Valley & Catskills by Hudson Valley Magazine

Hudson Valley Magazine Event Calendar

Check-out time is 11 am sharp. If you require a later check-out, we’ll do our best to accommodate it if arranged in advance.

Before your departure, we’d appreciate if you would assist with a few items:

• Beds: It’s ok to leave beds unmade.
• Towels: Leave all used towels in a bathroom.
• Dishes: Please clean up any dirty dishes and start the dishwasher.
• Trash: Please bag any trash and place it in the dumpter.
• Turn Things off: Ensure you turn off the stove, lights, and TV. Log out of any streaming services on the TV.
• Furniture: Return furniture to the location found.

Thank you for trusting us to host your getaway. We hope your stay was truly memorable. Your feedback is extremely important to us as we continually strive to enhance our hospitality. If there were any concerns or opportunities for improvement during your visit, please let us know. We review all feedback and take action based on your comments.