The bright red door of the DeWitt Oak Hill beams brightly from the Upstate roadside, beckoning you in. Upon entry, you’ll immediately be greeted with warm, friendly smiles from the proprietors, Diane and Dorothée. If you’re lucky a handful of pups will smother you in smooches while the ladies fetch you freshly baked scones and present you with the most proper cocktail you’ve ever come across.
Visiting the DeWitt Oak Hill in Upstate New York is like visiting old friends; the kind you can sit down and chat with all night long. Diane and Dorothée, who are English and French expats, respectively, make it their mission to ensure you’re relaxed and enjoying your stay.
Originally built in 1857 the guesthouse property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In its lifetime, it has been a home, an inn, and a tavern. It’s also been burnt down and rebuilt – but has managed to keep its bold character all along. After a period of disrepair, Diane and Dorothée purchased the inn and painstakingly restored the property to its current splendor.
You’ll notice immediately the eclectic decor, beautiful style, and tedious attention to every little detail. Wonderfully curated antiques adorn the entire place, including each of the 4 guest rooms. Vintage treasures line the shelves of the hallways and living spaces.
Not surprisingly, the ladies own a thriving online boutique, called French and Scouser (read more here) and spend countless hours scouring markets, antique shops, and auctions for the best pieces to decorate the guesthouse and online shop.
And now for the best part – everything at the guesthouse is for sale! The vintage camera on the hallway shelf, the one-of-a-kind rug in your room, even that stunning merlot-colored couch in the living room… it all can be yours to take home. The DeWitt Oak Hill effortlessly melds vintage store with beautiful, relaxing inn.
Just over 2 hours north of the City, the inn really does feel worlds away. The rooms are cozy and serene, each with its own style, decor and bathroom. Our favorite part was falling asleep each night to the rambling Catskills Creek right out back.
The goal when you’re here is to completely unwind, so sleep in. When you do wake up though, wake up hungry. The most glorious, amazing breakfast will be waiting for you downstairs. English and French specialities take center-stage here at The DeWitt Oak Hill, so much so that the multi-course breakfast may even require a post-meal nap! It’s that good.
The tasty treats keep coming throughout the day as Diane and Dorothée bake up some fresh scones and pillowy madeleines. If you’re like us, you’ll want to remain close to the kitchen, so cozy up on that sumptuous merlot couch and enjoy the company of the guests and owners. Everyone here has an interesting story and gregarious manner.
When afternoon hits, explore the surrounding Catskills. The adventurous can wander off on some of the area’s world-renowned hikes. Those looking to relax can just wander out back and listen to the Catskills Creek trickle past.
Two of the most lovely people we’ve come across on our travels, Dorothée and Diane have created the most charming, welcoming abode. Bursting with character, the vintage stylings make this guesthouse as far away from a stiff and sterile hotel as you could imagine. As we were leaving, the owners received an email from the guests who had stayed the weekend prior. They wanted to come back again the upcoming weekend. Smart folks – we plan to do the same! It’s just that kind of place.
