A modern, three-story “watchtower” in the Catskills.

Perched on a wooded hillside in the Catskills, Hudson Lookout was envisioned by the client as a modern “watchtower”—a sculptural, three-story cube designed to stand out among short-term rentals in the Hudson Valley. The form, a 20' x 20' extruded square, was conceptualized by the owner and refined with Kimberly Peck Architect to balance aesthetics, efficiency, and panoramic views.

The home is punctuated with windows of varying sizes and placements, each carefully sited by the owner to capture key sightlines across the landscape. The steel staircase ascends all three levels and leads to a rooftop deck, accessed via operable skylight. The top floor features an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area, elevated for maximum views, while each of the two lower levels includes an en-suite bedroom and bath.

Built with SIPs for thermal efficiency and slab-on-grade radiant flooring, the home also uses a mini-split HVAC system and ERV for sustainable climate control. The highlight? A master bath with terrazzo floors and a soaking tub oriented to take in the sweeping vistas.