Hottensen Good
Cancun, New York
Nestled in the Upper Delaware River Valley of Pennsylvania, near the Hamlet of Callicoon, New York, the original farmhouse at Hottensen Good serves as a tranquil second home for its owners. Seeking to enhance the property’s functionality and leisure offerings, the owners engaged Plan A to master plan the site and design two new additions: a pool area and an ancillary barn structure.
The new pool was thoughtfully sited away from the main house, adjacent to a previously underutilized outbuilding that now supports the pool’s functions. This strategic placement ensures privacy and seclusion, aligning with the pool’s primary use for exercise and relaxation. The sloped terrain was terraced with natural rock walls and lush gardens, creating a harmonious integration with the landscape. These terraces, along with the pool building, provide visual screening from the nearby rural road while optimizing sun exposure for the pool and shade for the seating areas.
Positioned at the opposite end of the property, the new barn sits beside the estate’s largest garden. The ground floor includes a two-bay garage and a separate garden tool shed. Two porches define the barn’s entry level: a covered porch with an outdoor field sink and a sitting porch that faces the main house, framing a grassy yard used for bocce games and informal gatherings.
A covered outdoor stair leads from the sitting porch to the second-floor porch, offering serene views of the surrounding forest and access to the new great room. This upper-level space features a high ceiling with exposed rafters, a wood-burning stove, an open kitchen, and a full bathroom. Designed for entertainment and hosting weekend guests, the great room is a contemporary rural environment.
The overall site planning and architectural design reflect a deep respect for the rural character of the property, balancing privacy, functionality, and social engagement. Each element - from the terraced pool to the multi-use barn was carefully considered to enhance the property's use from season to season for long-term enjoyment.