As should be evident by now, the home will appeal to those who seek restful, comfortable privacy.

Besides it’s immediate rural, woodsy setting, privacy can be attributed to the home’s being in Delaware County, an unusual place within “striking” distance of New York City. For those not familiar with the county, a few facts may help. The East and West Branches of the Delaware River flow through the county and meet at it’s southern tip, at the Pennsylvania line. Delaware is one of New York’s largest counties and is as large as the state of Rhode Island. The 2000 census noted less than 50,000 people. (And the population of Bovina Township, by the way, was 664.) This low density is a result of several factors: New York City retains large landholdings for watershed and reservoirs; zoning laws favor large parcels; and the terrain is mountainous.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce describes Bovina on it web site (www.delawarecounty.org/ Bovina/) as follows:

“Just off scenic Route 28, a hundred and fifty miles from the glamour and clamor of Broadway, lies the real jewel of the Catskills: Bovina, New York. To those who thirst for fresh country air over the teeming hustle of city life, Bovina is a happy alternative to congestion and screeching traffic. Here, where privacy and seclusion reign, Bovina provides ringside seats to a parade of rolling hills. Picture pretty, they range in color from greens to purple before shifting to the blazing reds and eye-catching golds of autumn. Absent in Bovina are treeless flatlands and parched silence of deserted plains. Nor can visitors find garish road signs that prevail in ordinary places. Retirees and vacationers discover the same amenities that Bovinians take for granted: horseback riding, accessible ski-slopes, truly fine dining, and an outstanding library: the best of the best. Still dotting the landscape are Holstein and Jersey cows, who in some cases, may be the progeny of the dairy cattle that served early English and Scottish settlers in 1790. In 1820 Erastus Root (1773-1846), a Democratic legislator and lieutenant governor, named the area Bovina in honor of its local dairy farms. Famed for its high quality, Bovina butter reached the White House and was regularly shipped by the tubful to New York City's better grocers as late as 1939.... “

And the inhabitants are invariably pleasant. They seem contented with the way things are, thank you anyway. It’s like living in a large park.

But, “civilization” and it’s conveniences as well as outdoor activities, are not far away.

Bovina Center -- 5 minutes. (Due to the lack of traffic, meeting another car on the road is notable). Village meeting hall, library, post office, fire house, the historic Russell’s Store - with a gas pump, and Heaven on Main Street - a newly-opened, organic bakery serving breakfast, teas, coffees, and sumptious snacks.

Bloomville -- 15 minutes. General store. Start (or terminus) of the 19 mile Catskill Scenic Trail, a converted rail bed now a hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, cycling byway, which passes other villages before ending at Roxbury, with it’s art galleries, wine bar, golf course, and Tastebuds Restaurant.

Delhi -- 15 minutes. The Delaware County seat, home of SUNY at Delhi (with its public golf course), home of the Quarter Moon Cafe (with Monday night jazz) and Good Cheap Food (for health foods and local organic produce). There are two supermarkets, including a new PriceChopper, car dealerships and car repairs, a Rite-Aid drugstore, Ace Hardware among several smaller hardware stores, two liquor stores, a lumber yard and a hospital. Be sure to stop by and visit the town's original hardware store, Dubben Brothers, which has a curious array of old tools and implements suspended from the ceiling.

Andes -- 15 minutes. Cassie’s Kithen, The Andes Hotel, The Slow Down Cafe, restaurants all. Hogan’s General Store with gas pump and new pizza setup; antiques shops, an art gallery ... never many tourists.

Margaretville -- 30 minutes. Quaint downtown and residential streets. A variety of restaurants and shops. There are two pharmacies, a hospital, gas station, an A & P, more tourists but never overwhelming.

Oneonta -- 50 minutes. Home of SUNY at Oneonta and Hartwick College. It’s on Interstate 88 and the Susquehanna River. It’s where one would go for most extensive shopping. It has the big box stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Office Max, as well as a cinema and many restaurants, including Brooks Barbecue. There are charming downtown and residential neighborhoods. There is a comprehensive health care clinic and hospital.

Further afield -- Woodstock, which some find too touristy, and Cooperstown, the home of The Baseball Hall of Fame.

Downhill skiing -- Depending on your skill and interest, there are choices from 20 minutes to 45minutes away and include Bobcat, Plattekill, Belleayre, Hunter, and Windham.

Fishing -- There are various tributaries of the Delaware River close by for fly fishing.

Horseback riding -- There is a riding stable 10 minutes away.

Hiking -- All around. Trail books are available.

Hunting -- It’s common in the county.

Snowmobiling & ATV cruising -- Likewise.

Golf -- In Delhi, Roxbury, and Margaretville.

Kultur -- There is a constant buzz of cultural events, meetings on issues of the day, and social gatherings about the county, e.g., the big coming event is the Cauliflower Festival on October 1st.

Eggs -- Go a mile and half down the road to the weaver, the lady who raises sheep and goats for sheering. Fresh brown eggs are available according to the sign out front.

For November through June, the rental is $1,350 per month, which includes electric, curbside garbage pickup, snow plowing of the driveway, and Direct HDTV satellite service.

In the alternative, the house may be rented for the months of November through February or March through June for $1,650 per month, including the same services as mentioned above.

In any case, one month’s security deposit and last month’s rent will be required.

Additional pertinent information:

1. We are not interested in any terms of rental other than those referred to above. In other words, no weekend, weekly or monthly rentals will be considered nor will the home be available for the months of July through October.
2. Evidence of financial responsibility will be required.
3. We are looking, particularly, for an individual or couple, who have a “low-impact” way of living. This home would make a lovely week-end get-away.
4. Nonsmokers only.
5. Pets are negotiable. A separate security would be required, the amount dependent on species, number, age, etc.