Post
About
Listing Owner
Member Since 2026
Retired professor and writer seeking a cultural place to stay in winter.
Cortlandt, New York, United States
Preferred Destination: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Alternate Destinations:
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
| Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
|
Open to any destination
House
|
House Sitting Requested
Description
We are retired teachers and journalists looking to exchange our home in the Lower Hudson Valley, about an hour north of New York City, for a month in a warm city known for history and culture. Santa Barbara is a U.S. destination, but we would prefer to visit Cairo, Egypt, Rio de Janeiro or anywhere in the Basque Country of Spain. We are happy to care for a cat and household plants. We are reliable renters. We manage a separate rental apartment in our home. Our spacious raised ranch house is filled with light, It has three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a beautiful ensuite bathroom. There is an office/ guest room and a guest room across from the hallway bathroom. The house is perfect for someone looking to enjoy a New England winter but be less than an hour by train from Manhattan's cultural highlights, Broadway and Off-Broadway show, museums and world class dining.
Availability
Minimum Stay
30 Days | Dates are flexible for this listing
Location
House in Cortlandt, New York, United States
Closest University
Purchase College
Nearby Universities
Pace University Westchester
Neighborhood
Cortlandt Manor
Nearby Cities
New York
Comments: Our spacious, light-filled home is less than 15 minutes from two train stations with Hudson line service to NYC that takes less than an hour. Hiking trails, parks, shopping and restaurants are minutes away. Perfect retreat for academics and writers.
Explore the Area
Surroundings
- Suburban
- Writer's Sanctuary
- Near Ocean or Lake
- Near Woods
- Near Restaurants
- Near Neighborhood School
- Near Shops
- Near Public Transportation
Exchange Terms
Utilities are included
A cleaning service can be discussed
Comments: Baseboard Heat, water, power and high speed wi fi is included. Use of our van is negotiable.
Considerations
Ask about the suitability of the home for young kids
Pets are allowed
Ask about smoking in the home
Ask about the availability of a car
Comments: We can include use of our Toyota van in good working condition, if the home we exchange can provide a vehicle for our use. There are hiking trails all around the property and a wonderful casual bistro within walking distance from the house.
House Sitting
I am looking for help while I am away
I would like help with mail and deliveries
We would provide contact information for our landscaper who plows the driveway after a snowfall of more than three inches. The tenant has one indoor garage space and two outdoor spaces adjacent to the driveway.
I would like help with plants or garden
I have about 15 indoor plants, including two orchids, that need watering or ice cubes once a week.
Comments: We would provide contact information for our landscaper who plows the driveway after a snowfall of more than three inches. The tenant has one indoor garage space and two outdoor spaces adjacent to the driveway.
Features
Interior
Furnished
Connectivity
High Speed Internet
TV
Exterior
Balcony or Patio
Garden
Dedicated Parking
Backyard
Accessibility
Stairs
Temperature Control
Air Conditioning
Appliances
Oven
Stove
Microwave
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Washer
Dryer
Creative
Piano
Comments: Tenants can play two pianos, one standard, newly-tuned and one electronic keyboard. We include our YouTube TV subscription. The yard is perfect for snow shoeing and we have a beautiful fire pit with chopped wood included for outdoor fires.
Our Travel Preferences
Who's Coming?
Party of
2
2
Adults
Our Destinations
Preferred Destination
Santa Barbara, California, United States
Closest University
University of California, Santa Barbara
Alternate Destination
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Alternate Destination
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Flexibility
Open to a home exchange in any destination
Comments: We are retired educators looking to spend a winter month in a cultural city outside the U.S. during February or March, 2027.
What We Are Looking for
Smoking
I prefer smoking not allowed in the home
Car
I would like a car if possible
Comments: If a car is available we would like to use it but we prefer using public transit. We could take care of a cat but not a dog.
Reviews
There are no reviews posted here yet.
Listing Owner
Member Since 2026
Comments: The home is fully furnished with two bedrooms and a private office that could also be turned into a third bedroom. The house is warm and the area is quiet. We have about an acre of wooded property. We provide plowing service for the driveway.