Ursa Manor is a charming, historic property built in 1909, originally serving as a boarding house for weary city travelers until the 1950s. The house is currently configured with six bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, plus additional rooms being used as a library, playroom, and offices, offering versatile living and working spaces. In its heyday, Sullivan County was a sought-after summer retreat from New York City’s heat and bustle. After a train ride from the city, Ursa Manor would have welcomed travelers arriving by horse-drawn carriage from Callicoon, offering fresh air, clean water, and peaceful respite.
The wrap-around porch makes a grand entrance into the home. Inside, the mudroom features a bench for removing shoes, along with convenient cubbies and coat hooks. One of the first highlights is the recently renovated open kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line GE Profile appliances. The induction stovetop is vented and a joy to cook on, complemented by double ovens perfect for baking. The farm sink overlooks the breakfast nook and the verdant grounds beyond. Quartz countertops provide ample workspace, while massive sliding glass doors bring the outdoors in and lead to an expansive back porch that steps down to a bluestone patio with a fire pit. The large dining room comfortably seats eight, with room to expand the table for holiday gatherings.
The living room retains its early-century character, featuring an exposed natural wood ceiling that creates a timeless atmosphere and original fir floors. A large wood stove awaits use, and a spacious alcove can accommodate a grand piano or additional seating. The first-floor bathroom is just off the hallway and includes a tiled tub. Each floor has a full bathroom.
Upstairs, the second floor houses the primary bedroom, complete with a queen-sized bed and seating area. Across the hall is a study or office, with another well-lit bedroom featuring a built-in closet bureau nearby. This floor also includes a washer/dryer room and a walk-in linen closet for extra storage. An art studio currently occupies a corner room, which could easily serve as an additional bedroom.
The third floor offers even more possibilities, with two generously sized bedrooms toward the back. On the front side, two rooms are currently used as an office and a playroom. Above, a full-sized attic presents an opportunity for further finished space.
Set on 12 park-like acres, the grounds feature diverse topography and ecosystems, making the property a nature lover’s haven. Fruit-bearing plants abound, including crabapple trees, highbush blueberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and blackberries. An old pasture strip above the house is suitable for smaller livestock or an apiary—beehives thrived here for years. Thick woods invite exploration and quiet walks, while the lower woods offer a private oasis with a charming maze of mowed paths. A year-round stream flows through the property, adding to its peaceful ambiance. There is a lovely spot for an inground pool.
In the past two years, the home has received significant quality upgrades, including high-end Pella windows, new wood siding, gutters, a water filtration system, and a new washer and dryer.
Situated on a quiet, short road, Ursa Manor enjoys neighbors mostly limited to cows grazing up the hill. The home is conveniently close to Jeffersonville, just minutes from popular spots like Pecks, Sullivan Sundries, Michelangelo’s, and several bakeries. Jeffersonville has blossomed in recent years, with daily farm stands and a bustling Saturday farmers' market. The property’s central location also offers easy access to Narrowsburg, Callicoon, Livingston Manor, and Roscoe.
