The Heritage of The Makely House

A Legacy of Resilience and Mountain Hospitality

In 1880, Frederick Best Makely and Mary Isabel Allen laid the foundations of this house, creating what would become a cornerstone of Hensonville history. For over a century, its silhouette and expansive wrap-around porch have served as a landmark on State Route 296—a front-row seat to the shifting colors of the Northern Catskills.

The house’s story is one of endurance. Having been painstakingly restored after a fire that nearly claimed its history, the property was brought back to life with a reverence for craftsmanship. It was later held in the steady hands of a Marine and his wife, whose stewardship infused the home with the "mountain-cozy" soul it possesses today.

In 2024, we became the new stewards of The Makely House. For us, this is more than a property; it is a homecoming. With family roots in the region and walls adorned with original paintings by our grandfather, the house is a living gallery of our heritage.

The Experience: Curated Stewardship

Modern Ease, Historic Soul

We believe true luxury lies in the absence of friction. In partnership with Wanderlust NY, we have curated an experience that honors the 19th-century bones of the house while offering the refined comforts of a boutique hotel. From the ease of keyless entry and the warmth of a propane stove to the crispness of fresh white linens and locally roasted coffee, every detail is an invitation to settle in.

A Sanctuary for Connection

Designed for those who value both privacy and togetherness, The Makely House features seven bedrooms, including private en-suite retreats ideal for families, training athletes, and groups of friends.

  • Restorative Rituals: After a day on Windham Mountain—located just 2 miles away—return for a soak in the hot tub or a quiet moment in the backyard, now seamlessly connected to the deck for indoor-outdoor living.

  • The Culinary Heart: The kitchen remains the soul of the home, fully equipped for holiday gatherings and slow mornings alike.

  • Community Roots: We pride ourselves on being good neighbors. Our home is maintained by a dedicated network of local Hensonville and Windham professionals, ensuring the house remains a vibrant, respectful part of the community we love.

The Location

Situated in the peaceful enclave of Hensonville, you are moments away from the high-peaks adventure of Windham and Hunter, yet tucked away from the crowds. While the Hickory Hill Market is just down the road for local essentials, the true luxury here is the quiet—a place where time slows down, and the mountains feel like they belong only to you.

A bedroom with two large windows, a bed with white linens, a side table with a lamp, a striped rug, and an open door leading to a small bathroom or closet with wood-paneled walls.
A bathroom with white tiled walls, a bathtub with a dark stone border, a pedestal sink with decorative black metal legs, a mirror above the sink, a three-light fixture, a towel ring with a white towel, a glass-enclosed shower, and a toilet paper hold
A bedroom with a large bed, white bedding, a nightstand with a lamp, a window with white curtains, an overhead light, and a bathroom doorway with visible sink and toilet.
A wooden deck with a round table, five chairs, and a closed patio umbrella. There are string lights overhead, and a red barn with a metal roof in the background, surrounded by trees and a green lawn.
Kitchen with white cabinets, black countertops, and a black stove. A small dining table with four cream-colored chairs and a bowl of apples. Sliding glass door to the outside deck and windows letting in natural light. Tiled floor and a decorative cei
A living room with two white sofas, a wooden coffee table, a patterned rug, two windows with curtains, a vintage wooden cabinet, framed pictures on the walls, and a chandelier on the ceiling.
A dining room with large windows, wooden trim, a rustic wooden table with chairs, a vase of sunflowers, and a vintage chandelier with antler design.
Modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, toilet, and vanity with a sink. The shower has a glass door and gray wood-look tile walls. The ceiling features decorative copper ceiling tiles, and the wall paneling is dark green.
Child's bedroom visible through doorway with natural light, wooden floors, and vintage lamps, view from hallway with staircase and wood-paneled walls.
A bedroom with a metal bed frame, white bedding, a nightstand with a lamp and vase, wood-paneled walls, and a copper-colored embossed ceiling.
A small bathroom with a walk-in shower on the left wall, a pedestal sink with a mirror above it in the center, and a toilet on the right. The walls are decorated with patterned wallpaper on the upper half and white subway tiles on the lower half, sep
Interior of a vintage home office or library with a wooden desk, a large bookshelf with a ladder, and a window with curtains, featuring wood and decorative trim details.
Front porch of a house with two wicker rocking chairs, a flower pot with red flowers, and a view of green trees in the background.
A backyard with a grassy lawn, trees, and a house with a deck, surrounded by a wooden fence.