Rural New York has many pleasures--picturesque farms, quaint villages, winding roads, sense of history, an uncrowded ease, and slight dilapidation, all of which combine to suggest of a simpler, lost era. So occasionally we just wander off for a weekend of exploration. The recent Hurricane Irene provided one such excuse, and despite the severity of the storm we really lucked out when we found ourselves in this comfortable, rustic, country haven. The owners were so welcoming and friendly. They gave us tea/coffee immediately upon our arrival, made no fuss about bringing our dog or even our young teenage son, and set him up in his own room and us up in another with a huge and comfortable king-size bed. A copious breakfast (fresh eggs prepared to your liking, fresh fruit, yoghourt and homemade granola) really hit the spot the following morning! This isn’t everyone’s gig--there’s no tube, and the bathrooms are shared, but conversation is valued, the house (which dates back to the 18th century) and grounds are fascinating, the place is perfect for reading on a stormy day, and it really captures the spirit of rural NY,