A History Lesson From The Historical Homestead of Handsome Hollow

by Katie David Bush

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What started out as a weekend home away from the hustle of NYC, has turned into a stunningly renovated modern retreat ready for your romantic nuptials or primed to accommodate your big family venture, and to think just over 14 years ago, this historic homestead would’ve appeared to be in desperate need of a bulldozer. According to Kate, the owner of Handsome Hollowwhen her and her husband Huck saw the homestead for the first time, it had ceiling fans and spray paint adorned the walls. These days, it’s reno’d interiors boast gallery walls, fine vintage furniture, and enough embellished detailing to make even the most crate and barrel enthused blush.

After just a few glimpses of this Catskills wonder, you’ll be asking yourself how you can get your loved ones to sneak out of the city for a bash at the Handsome Hollow barn. We were so smitten at the sight of Handsome Hollow, we couldn't help but push Kate to tell us the whole story behind the site. She was also very kind to share with us a grand collaboration between Handsome Hollow and some very talented and creative celebrators.

TVR - What’s the concept behind Handsome Hollow?
Kate- - The heart behind Handsome Hollow is to create a more stylish version of a barn wedding venue. Though we've kept all of the original details of this almost 300 year-old building, we've taken great care to do more. Whether it's the gold Arteriors Zanadoo iron chandelier in one bathroom, the stunning custom-cut tile in another, or the reimagined vintage club chairs in the lounge. No detail has gone unnoticed.

TVR – What was your first thought of the space?
Kate - We were first shown the property in 2001. At the time, the house, 100-year-old classic farmhouse, was in need of a lot of work, (there were ceilings falling in, graffiti on the walls and no heat) but was sitting on a lovely, 93-acre piece of land.

TVR – Who is Handsome Hollow?
Kate - The Handsome Hollow team is made up of my husband, Huck Botko, who is the behind the scenes master of everything. He has overseen every single detail of the barn renovation, and generally runs the property. I am responsible for design, decorating, and marketing. My daughter Izzy, 12, and my son Murphy, 11, bake cookies and muffins for visiting couples.

TVR – Why did you choose to create Handsome Hollow?
Kate - The house and property were really just a get away for us for many years. We were living full-time in Brooklyn and came up most weekends. in 2012, we began renting the house on airbnb and were so surprised at the response! We received such lovely reviews (29 out of 29 five stars!) At that point, guests began leaving us notes asking to have events, then sending us link to tent companies... Handsome Hollow was born. We found our barn about 2 hours away and it was relocated to our property in October of 2014.

TVR – Is there anything else you think that we MUST know about Handsome Hollow
Kate - Handsome Hollow is a truly rare place. A totally private setting, in the middle of 93-pristine acres of meadows, fields, forrest and mountain views. The farmhouse house and barn, both lovingly restored with chic, stylish details complete the picture. Handsome Hollow is a perfect place for a small, intimate gathering, or a grand celebration; weddings, family reunions, corporate events, birthday and anniversary parties.