Up North
North Branch, NY
$475,000

Escape to this charming live-work-play gem in the western Catskills. Originally built in 1950 as a butcher shop, this handsome one-story brick building has been masterfully renovated with a design-forward top-to-bottom renovation in 2023 by a sought-after local designer and shop owner into a mixed-use space that blends original character with modern luxury. The Up North’s street frontage comprises a commercial space that features soaring ceilings, durable floors, and abundant natural light streaming through oversized windows. Just beyond, discover a light-filled private 1-bedroom apartment exuding peaceful Zen vibes. Exposed original beams complement the open floorplan with a sleek kitchen, cozy wood-burning stove, and living area bathed in natural light. Relax in the spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub and natural stone-tiled separate shower. With a backyard that includes a private sauna, rustic barn, and peaceful Buck Brook Creek, this unique property perfectly balances historic details, natural beauty, and contemporary comforts. Here you can live, work, and recharge — all located just two hours from the city.

Listing Brochure

The Opportunity. This charming multi-use property lends itself to endless possibilities for creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. With its prime main street location with foot traffic from several local hotels and venues, the storefront could house an art gallery, yoga studio, real estate office, photography studio, retail boutique, or even a gourmet wine or cheese shop to showcase local flavors, while the residential space offers rental income prospects. For remote workers, it would make the perfect home office — wired with high-speed Spectrum internet — just steps from your living quarters. Want more flexibility? No problem! There’s potential to add an interior door through the bedroom, and expand your living - or work - space.

When you're ready for a change of scenery, simply walk outside and refresh in the backyard sanctuary. Spend your days off relaxing in a hammock by the creek before unwinding in the sauna. The barn in the backyard has potential as an event space or venue for photo shoots, or could be finished as a potter’s studio or gardener’s shed. Whether you utilize the property as a revenue-generating retail space plus AirBB; or as a private creative studio or office; or any combination of all of the above, this building offers the best of both worlds. With short-term rental potential, you could also share this special retreat with others.

Dream even bigger, and extend the home with the option for an additional bedroom and deck in the rear; the sellers have already invested in architectural drawings to provide the new owners (see brochure). The sellers have also installed a brand new septic system and drilled well, both of which were placed and fitted to meet the guidelines for a future extension.

This rare property makes it possible to blend business and pleasure in the heart of the western Catskills. Surround yourself with natural tranquility and small-town charm while building your dream career or business.

Location. North Branch, NY, provides a bustling small-town setting for this charming live-work property. High-profile nearby hotels and wedding venues including Callicoon Hills, the North Branch Inn, Seminary Hill, Kenoza Hall, and The Western bring in visitors whom you can welcome into your boutique, gallery, or tasting room. You’ll be in good company with the powerhouses behind Homestedt soon joining the North Branch scene. Surrounded by stunning nature and with a multitude of holiday rentals in close proximity, this community also attracts weekend travelers seeking outdoor adventures and serene escapes from the city, and who are eager to support local businesses. They'll be delighted to unwind in your yoga studio or browse artisan goods not found elsewhere. The Up North Loft + Studio truly offers the best of both worlds — running your dream business surrounded by natural beauty and a vibrant community, just two hours by car from New York City.

The Particulars

Acres: 0.67

Top amenities: Apartment, Commercial storefront, private parking, sauna, creekfront

Connectivity: High speed internet; Good cell service

Residence - 1 bd / 1 ba
Approx. 600 sqft, 1 bedroom 1 bath w/ loft located just behind the storefront, luxury spacious full bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub.

Commercial - Storefront
Approx. 300 sqft, includes a half bath, oversized windows, high ceilings.

Year built: 1950
Year renovated: Designer renovated 2023
Square footage: approx. 900
Bedrooms: 1 + loft
Bathrooms: 1.5

Outbuilding: Barrel Sauna, Barn/Shed

Utilities:
Electric Provider: NYSEG
Internet: Spectrum
Heat: Electric, Baseboard
Water heater: Electric, stand alone
Water: Drilled Well
Sewer: Septic, installed 2022

Taxes: $2,226.58 ;
School: $983.00

Co-listed by Erica Keberle & Jill Borenstein

The Storefront

Stepping through the front door on North Branch’s main road, you enter a bright and airy approximately 300-square-foot commercial space. Durable Scandi floors stretch beneath soaring ceilings, while ample windows flood the room with natural light. A half bath tucked neatly in one corner provides convenience.

The Apartment

Through a separate entrance at the rear of the building is the 600-square-foot 1-bedroom apartment with additional loft. Stepping into the space, you're greeted by the light-filled open concept living area. A large window wall with glass door invites the outdoors in, overlooking the backyard sanctuary. The exposed original wood beams add vintage charm, complementing the wood floors and the cozy wood-burning stove.

The cleverly designed kitchen features custom painted cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and all-new appliances, including a dishwasher, electric range, and retro-style fridge. Natural light streams in from above, courtesy of the super-high vaulted ceiling. A nook off the living area could be a gallery, additional storage, or even a cozy workspace with a desk.

Just off the living area to the right lies a luxury, spa-like bathroom with soaking tub and a separate rain shower tiled in natural pebbles. Through a doorway to the left, you’ll find a queen-sized bedroom with a built-in closet and picture window.

Above the living area lies a spacious loft, and a trapdoor in the living room floor leads to the basement, offering yet more storage and washer/dryer hookups.

Furnishings are not included, but are available for sale. Check out the brochure above for details and other practical elements.

With its updated finishes blending seamlessly with original details, this thoughtfully designed space offers the best of both worlds — heritage charm and contemporary comfort.

THE GROUNDS

Behind the charming live-work space lies a hidden oasis spanning over half an acre of lush countryside. Follow the stone path through the backyard to discover your own private sanctuary. Relax in the barrel sauna and refresh in the outdoor shower, then meditate as you overlook the gently flowing Buck Brook Creek from a hammock on your land, which continues across the water. The rustic barn offers endless possibilities for events, storage, or creative projects. With the potential to install a footbridge connecting both sides of the creek, opportunities abound to craft your own personal Zen retreat. Sauna and plunge into the creek for an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience. This is Catskills living at its finest.