$8,000/month

Set directly on the shores of Copake Lake, this character-filled lake house offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the Hudson Valley's most beloved waterfront communities through every season. Originally conceived as a weekend escape, the house combines the easygoing spirit of a classic lake cottage with a wonderfully considered mix of rustic, Scandinavian and mid-century influences. Inside, soaring ceilings and walls of windows give the main living spaces an unexpected sense of scale, while reclaimed timber beams, natural wood floors and a dramatic fieldstone fireplace bring warmth and texture throughout. The open kitchen is anchored by a substantial concrete-topped island and flows naturally into the living and dining areas, creating a house that feels equally suited to quiet weekends and a table full of friends. The interiors have an appealing collected quality rather than the feeling of a typical furnished rental. Vintage pieces sit comfortably alongside modern classics, while black-painted architectural details, simple whitewashed wood walls and exposed framing give the house its distinctive point of view. A lofted upper level overlooks the main living space, further emphasizing the home's open, relaxed character. Outside, the property unfolds toward the lake. A generous waterside deck sits beneath mature trees and offers space for outdoor dining and lounging, with steps leading directly to the water and a private dock. A detached gym provides a dedicated space for working out without sacrificing room within the main house. In summer, days revolve around swimming, boating and long evenings outside; as the seasons change, the house becomes an entirely different kind of retreat, with the stone fireplace at the center of life indoors and the lake just beyond the windows. Located on Copake Lake in southern Columbia County, the house is well positioned for enjoying the best of the Hudson Valley and nearby Berkshires, with Hudson, Hillsdale, Great Barrington and the surrounding countryside all within easy reach. Offered furnished for a year-long lease, this is a rare chance to make a true lake house home rather than simply visit one--a place with enough personality to feel special, and enough ease to settle into for all four seasons.