About 636 Zena Road
Every so often, a house comes along that feels less like real estate and more like a work of art, and this mid-century modern gem on Zena Road is exactly that. With its roots in the 1950’s (though the tax rolls say 1970), the home was designed by one of the last abstract expressionists, and it shows: glass, stone, and iron frame a structure that feels both timeless and deeply of its era. The home features a rare "hypar" (hyperbolic paraboloid) roof, which is known for its distinctive curvature. Perched above the Sawkill Creek with nearly 300 feet of frontage, the creek becomes an integral part of every view and every room. Living here means living inside a moving landscape. From every angle, the home’s high perch captures a rare perspective: a sweeping vista where water and woods become one.
Set on 1.49 private acres, the 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home spans 2,068 square feet. The main floor features an open concept kitchen and living area with cathedral ceilings, amplifying the play of light through the expansive windows. This area lives large, with a wood fireplace, separate breakfast nook and dining areas, and a lovely sun drenched window seat. In addition, a renovated powder room sits on this main floor, and there are multiple exits to the patios surrounding the home. Up the spiral staircase, the open loft area serves as an office space and perfect reading nook.
The generously sized primary suite features a renovated bathroom and a private exit to the upper deck, marked with stylish brise-soleil. It also features a juliet balcony for a morning coffee or meditation. The second bedroom has its own private exit to the deck, allowing all occupants of the dwelling to enjoy proximity to the natural landscape. The second floor also features a fully renovated bathroom with an oversized standing shower.
Step past the mature landscaping and discover a series of decks, balconies, and seating areas that offer distinct experiences with the forest and creek. Just outside the sliding glass doors, a stone patio hugs the side of the home, an ideal setting for grilling or enjoying meals outdoors. A spacious wooden deck stretches out over the water, offering a serene spot to take in the creek views. Nearby, a built-in ladder provides easy access down to the water for swimming and cooling off on warm days. Further up the lawn, Adirondack chairs circle a cozy firepit, perfect for relaxing under the stars.
And then there’s the location, set directly across from the Thorn Preserve, a pristine natural sanctuary to explore, with the rare promise of a forever-protected view. It’s just 5 minutes to the heart of Woodstock’s dining, shopping and live music scene. Beyond that, pick a direction. 15 minutes or less can bring you to top tier hiking, the Ashokan rail trail, or Kingston’s big (medium) city conveniences.
This is a one-of-a-kind Catskills home, where mid-century artistry meets nature’s spectacle. A true retreat, a piece of history, and a rare chance to live inside the view.
