Built in 1929, the Villa is special for a number of reasons. The most obvious is its Mediterranean design—a unique choice for the original owners, who seemed little influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the period. When the house was sold in the 1960's to a prominent wildlife artist, he embellished the property with stone footpaths, fruit trees, flowers and edible herbs. The result is a feast for the eyes that renders the home as much Tuscan villa as Catskills farmhouse.

In addition to four guest suites, the charming, two-story B&B features common spaces that forego typical Victorian decor, in favor of 20th Century Modern furniture and artwork by photographers Maxine Kim and Brett Cala, and original paintings by artist Richard Nocera. Books and board games are plentiful too, so pull up a seat and start loafing...

...Or start fantasizing about tomorrow's breakfast. A typical day starts with an eclectic country spread. Some mornings it's fluffy herb-scrambled eggs or pancakes with fresh berries that grace the dining room tables; other days it's swiss omelettes with chives and cherry tomatoes—the line-up is always changing.