Home in the Country November 2015

home c ou n t r y

A Sullivan County Democrat publication November 2015

PRICELESS

in the

Wind, Solar making a difference in Grahamsville page 7

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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Recent Home Sales $2,348 Built: 1951 Listed By: Resort Realty

3 BR/1 BA Acres: 0.29 Sold For: $96,500 School Tax: $1,298 Town & County: $1,461

Built: 1988 Listed By: Myrna Ginsberg Real Estate

6.

MLS 40326 Rockland Township Craftstyle Cape

5.

Bethel Township (Smallwood) Lake Rights Log Cabin 4 BR/3 BA Acres: 1.81 Sold For: $204,000 School Tax: $3891 Town & County: $3262

3 BR/2 BA Acres: 0.07 Sold For: $72,000 School Tax: $2,412 Town & County: $2,380

Built: 1940 Listed By: Catskill Brokers, Inc.

4 BR/2 BA Acres: 6.77 Sold For: $265,000 School Tax: $3,290 Town & County: $3,288

4.

MLS 41016 Lumberland Township Ranch Built: 1935 Listed By: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Peters Realty

Built: 1928 Listed By: Rural Connection

5 BR/3 BA Acres: 27.10 Sold For: $345,000 School Tax: $3,147 Town & County: $3,364

Built: 1987 3 BR/2 BA Listed By: Acres: 2.32 Century21 Geba Realty Sold For: $132,500 School Tax: $2,513 Town & County: $2,883

8.

MLS 41392 Bethel Township (White Lake) Custom Contemporary Lake Front

7.

MLS 40893 Callicoon Township Farm House

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2 BR/2 BA Acres: 0.20 Sold For: $46,000 School Tax: $1,937 Village, Town & County:

3.

MLS 41826 Fallsburg Township Two Story

Built: 1885 Listed By: Matthew J Freda Real Estate

5 BR/3 BA Acres: 1.43 Sold For: $740,000 School Tax: $7,980 Town & County: $6,639

Built: 1990 Listed By: McKean Real Estate, Inc.

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2.

MLS 40355 Thompson Township Lake Rights Ranch

1.

MLS 36703 Liberty Township Lake Rights Cottage

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Sullivan County is experiencing a bit of a real estate flutter

$269,000

MLS #39807

Spectacular Delaware River views from the spacious P.O. Box 335 4 BR Cape set on 12.77 acres. Well built home sits high above the river valley with breath-taking views. A large 21 Lower Main St., Callicoon, NY 845-887-5640 12x40 deck overlooks the river and another large deck www.fredarealty.com wraps around the house. Inside find an expansive and open interior featuring an oak and stainless steel kitchen. The second floor has an unfinished 608 sq ft room with a roughed in full bath. Even the basement has river views!

The walkout basement sports radiant heat and 9.5 ft high ceilings... a perfect space for a family room or in-home office. Less than a mile to Callicoon - a wonderful river hamlet with shops and eateries.

27120

Home in the Country Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 November 13, 2015 • Vol. CXXV, No. 43

$209,000

MLS #41375

With that in mind, The Sullivan County Board of Realtors, as members of the National Association of Realtors reminds buyers and sellers

Like me on Facebook

Custom built contemporary home on 4.34 acres close to the Village of Jeffersonville, Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center & Kauneonga Lake for dining. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with nice hardwood floors and cathedral ceilings. Kitchen cabinets are made of beautiful Hickory with granite countertops. Master suite and dining room have sliding doors that lead to large deck to enjoy the private back yard. Basement has a partially finished family room including a bar area, with radiant heat.

place every week until the end of the year.

The eastern side of Sullivan County has its unique flurry of activity. With the proposed Montreign casino in the Town of Thompson, speculators are listing high and hoping for the best.

Many commercial properties and acreage is available for sale. Prices are higher than they have been, but we haven’t seen that translate into too many commercial sales yet, as the issuance of the casino license is still up in the air.

The new Veria Health Spa near Monticello may very well contribute to the housing base as well.

Residents who are hired at the casino or spa may feel more comfortable in being able to buy homes once they have full-time employment and benefits under their belts.

to list with a Realtor for best results.

The Sullivan County Board of Realtors can be reached at SullivanBOR.com or (845) 794-2735.

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday season!

MEDIAN SALES PRICE/TOTAL SALES 2015

2014

January

$156,250/24

$105,000/29

February

$130,000/19

$154,000/17

March

$111,250/22

$102,500/32

April

$185,000/23

$127,000/17

May

$141,000/31

$113,500/32

June

$90,000/31

$134,500/22

July

$130,500/43

$149,499/24

August

$142,750/30

$147,250/38

September

$158,000/37

$168,631/28

October

$120,000/51

$162,550/39

311

278

Total Sales

JuttalWG@ptd.net

T

he third quarter ended in September and showed one of the healthiest housing markets in the past several years. That may be because many factors point to it still being a buyer’s market: Home prices are down, Interest rates are holding fairly low, there is a steady supply of inventory, and the weather has been unusually nice for this time of year.

In the third quarter of 2015, the Sullivan County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) recorded 117 sales.

Compare that to the same period last year, when there were 91 sales. The difference is in the prices of the homes sold: Median sales price in the 3rd Q of 2015 was $135,000, while it was $193,200 in 2014.

More recently, October 2015 recorded 51 total sales, with a median sold price of $120,000. October 2014 showed just 39 sales, but the median price was again higher at

$162,550.

Some other real estate tidbits in the third quarter and October show new listings were up about 10 percent to 165 from the same period the year before. Pending sales increased 38.9 percent to 75, and inventory shrank to 1,196 units.

Sellers often get anxious that their homes haven’t sold in a few months, but that appears to be the norm: Days on the market increased 27.6 percent to 291 days.

Demand has increased, relative to supply, as inventory was down 18.4 percent to 25.8 months.

Real estate listings and sales can vary greatly, even within the confines of Sullivan County.

The western side of the county, near the Delaware River hamlets and towns, shows a steady drone of activity. While most people believe the best selling season is in the Spring and Summer, in reality, the western side of the county traditionally sells more properties in the late summer and fall. Closings are still taking

20% off on selective items

570-352-3900 Publisher: Senior Editor: Editor: Sports Editor: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Advertising Coordinator: Advertising Representatives: Special Sections Coordinator: Business Manager: Business Department: Telemarketing Coordinator: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Distribution:

Fred W. Stabbert III Dan Hust Carol Montana Ken Cohen Willow Baum, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Alex Rau, Richard Ross, Allison Ruef, Jeanne Sager Liz Tucker Sandy Schrader Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos, Margaret Anderson Susan Panella Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Michelle Reynolds Janet Will Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Elizabeth Finnegan, Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Tracy Swendsen Bill Holmes

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BY LYNNE FREDA SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS, INCOMING PRESIDENT 2016

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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Local DEALER

IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

90 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 845-252-3902

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NOVEMBER 13, 2015

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

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Exploring alternatives – how the Coombe family uses solar and wind as power sources A STORY AND PHOTOS

BY ALLISON RUEF

lternative energy is quickly becoming a more affordable and attainable reality for homeowners. According to reports from the Solar Energy Industry Association and GTM Research, more solar panels were installed on U.S. home rooftops in the first quarter of 2015 than ever before, and it is predicted that 3 million home rooftop solar installations could take place in the next five years.

Is solar right for you?

For the Coombe family, who have operated their family farm on pictur-

esque South Hill in Grahamsville for generations, going solar made sense on many levels.

As the owners and operators of Thunder View Farms, named literally for the perfect view of the neighboring vista of Thunder Hill, patriarch and partner Richard “Dick” Coombe says the reason they went solar in 2010 was simple: “We were going broke from the electric bills,” he explained.

Coombe gives his wife Phyllis “Penny” Coombe credit for getting the ball rolling and diligently pursuing and filling out the grant applications and paperwork required to qualify for not just USDA rural devel-

opment grants for the farm, but also for the NYS and Federal tax credits that any homeowner would be eligible for.

Because of the proximity of the farm to the Coombe home, their 2010 16 kW (kilowatt) system powers the freezer/freezer truck, farm shop, and a 2012 incremental self-funded 4.0 kW expansion provides 10-15% of the power for the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Ric and Karen Coombe.

Do your homework “There are many important factors CONTINUED ON PAGE 8H

The main solar array is located on the roof of a newly built pole barn, used to store equipment. The USDA regulations for solar require the array to be up on poles, rather than close to the ground as most are (i.e. the array at SUNY Sullivan). The Coombes had to get special approval for the rooftop array. Dick and Penny's home can be seen through the trees to the left.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A full view of Philip Coombe III's single-blade wind turbine from the base. This type of turbine is only one of 10 in New York state and one of 40 nationwide.

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7H

to consider when deciding to go solar,” explained Richard Coombe. “It must be sited perfectly and should be professionally installed. A cost analysis should be done of what a homeowner is currently paying vs. the cost benefit.

You really need to figure out if it is best for your particular situation – if you have the right amount of sunlight, how much investment must be made, how much money needs to be expended up front vs. the payback time.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT Currently, there are a number of incentive programs to help offset the cost of installation, including a NYS tax credit of 25% of the applicant's adjusted gross yearly income (with a maximum of $5,000) and the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides up to 30% of the final costs to be deducted directly from the applicant's next annual tax bill with no maximum (note: this tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2016). The NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Devel-

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

opment Authority) credit, called NYSun, offers incentives to help reduce the installation costs associated with solar electric systems up to 25 kW for residential customers and offers financing options.

According to the NYSERDA website, a 7 kW solar electric system located on a south-facing roof can typically offset 70-80% of a home’s electricity needs.

When combined with other efforts to improve energy efficiency, the savings can be even more significant.

Serious efficiencies and cost savings Coombe can attest to that. “Because our system is more efficient than projected, our payback time has gotten shorter, making the savings even greater,” he explained. “Going solar made us look at how our farm and our homes were operating and caused us to become more efficient. We got rid of our upright silos, which used large motors and augers. We don't have one large electric motor left on the farm.

Our water is gravity fed, not pumped

Philip Coombe III – Wind pioneer of Grahamsville The home of Philip Coombe III and his family is situated so that the many southfacing windows capture as much passive solar as possible.

Above the tree tops, the single-blade turbine generates 2/3 of the power used by the house and farm.

STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF

J

ust above Thunder View Farms, Dick Coombe's nephew Philip Coombe III's home sits perched on a ridge just below the highest point of South Hill. The vantage point offers breathtaking 180-degree views of the Neversink valley.

Phillip Coombe III, who developed an interest in alternative and clean energy while a college student at Cornell, was inspired in 1985 to build his home as productively and efficiently as possible. The south facing wall is made up primarily of windows to capture the most solar gain and the home is built into the hillside to reduce heat loss and help maintain a steady indoor air temperature.

Why wind?

After living there for a while, Coombe began to get “ticked off” by the one thing he couldn't control about his environment – the wind. Being on the side of a hill, facing west in a valley, the acceleration of the prevailing west wind made for a driveway full of leaves each fall and epic snow drifts each winter.

After reading about federal and NYSERDA incentives for alternative wind energy, Coombe began self-testing his property to see if wind would be possible. Once he determined he had what it would take to power a turbine, the process slowed to a crawl while Coombe worked with the town on zoning changes, laws regarding wind energy that needed to be created, and on acquiring the necessary permits. “The town was great and they were receptive to it,” said Coombe, “but it was a long process – almost two years.”

Coombe's turbine is powered by a 42 ft. single blade, much like the propeller on a plane. It is one of only 40 in operation in the U.S. and one of 10 in New York State. It is made by Gaia-Wind, a company out of Glasgow, Scotland.

Zoning and regulations take time Coombe chose this turbine because, he said, it was the only machine that could provide the largest allowable blade diameter, per zoning regu-

lations and be close to the output maximum of 25 kW. “When I researched it back in 2009, there weren't any machines on the market in the 20-25 kW range. This turbine is rated at 11 kW, but it actually produces about 14,000 kW hours annually.

It is capable of producing 25 kW hours, if for example, it were on top of Thunder Hill,” he explained.

“It produces 2/3 of the electric used by our home and powers some of the electric fences around the farm, the welder in the shop and other bigger power draws.”

Turbines aren't for everyone and compared to solar, can be more cost prohibitive. The same tax credits and incentives for solar are also available for wind, and approximately half to two-thirds of the cost of installation can be covered.

Obviously, it must be sited in a place conducive to small wind power generation. Turbines require regular maintenance, either by a specialist or a homeowner who is mechanically inclined, not afraid of heights and who is willing to climb.

“Cost has to be analyzed to determine if it's economically feasible, of course,” said Coombe. “But a turbine will last longer than solar, and can last for 25-30 years, where solar panels degrade 12-15% over twenty years.”

Coombe doesn't deny the power of solar, and uses an array to power the office of his financial planning business, Coombe, Bender and Co. in Wawarsing. But the desire to do something different while reducing his carbon footprint made wind an intriguing option.

“I've always been interested in alternative energy and energy efficiency,” said Coombe. “Since the turbine has been up, it has produced 51,000 kW hours of power. By not having 51,000 kW hours produced by the electric company, that translates into 31 tons of carbon dioxide that isn't being produced and released into the atmosphere. It's a great feeling to know I'm making a positive contribution to our environment and reducing my carbon footprint.”

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

9H

SCHMIDT’S WHOLESALE, INC.

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Dick Coombe explains how the power is metered and used by the system.

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Should you or shouldn't you?

Now is a great time, said Coombe, to make the commitment, if solar is being considered. “In 2010, it cost us $6/watt to install solar. The most recent 13.2 kW array we installed at our house and barns cost $2.50/watt to install, with a projected payback of 4.6 years. There's been a gradual decrease in the cost of installation in the past five years, and it's more affordable now than ever,” he said.

Another good reason to take the plunge is the approaching expiration of the Federal tax credit at the end of

2016. “It's a great program and participants see a return on their investment the very next year,” said Coombe, “but who knows if that will be renewed.”

With the farm utilizing solar electricity to become more efficient, the Coombes are beginning to focus on ways to make their home even more efficient. “We're looking at tankless hot water heaters,” explained Penny Coombe, as Dick pondered whether or not it would make sense to put in an electric heating system to heat their home, using their current oil-fired burner as a back up when the temperature really drops.

“I'd like to decrease our use of fossil fuels altogether, and this just might be the answer,” he said, excitedly. “The funny thing is that when this old house was renovated in the early ’60s it was all electric. Now there’s a good chance, after all these years, that it will be again, thanks to solar.”

34861

and solar operates most of the electric fences.”

“Energy efficiency helped us to take a farm that was operating in the red to being marginally profitable, and solar was a part of this,” he continued. “We had to make investments, but all the changes made a huge difference in our bottom line and for the environment.”

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

11H

RIGHT: 1 Fallsdale Farm Drive in Tyler Hill, PA is a dream property in all seasons – including winter, where a blanket of snow evokes the quintessential holiday scene. (No worries about shovelling the snow, by the way – a team of locals is ready to assist.)

BELOW: The main house is filled with windows that let in sunlight while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, forests and meadows.

Steal away to the penultimate country home STORY BY DAN HUST, PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE REMAX

R

ichard Barrett offers the perfect description of the perfect property: “It’s relaxing all day and all night long,” he says. “It takes care of every passion.”

Can a country home do such? Perhaps you need to pay a visit to 1 Fallsdale Farm Drive in Tyler Hill, PA. Sitting astride a 94-acre hilltop you will find a striking master house that Dick and his wife Carol had custom built in 1998 to fit the site.

Expansive windows take in the pastoral rolling hills for miles from every room. Exterior and interior appointments of field stone and locally milled posts and beams supporting soaring ceilings make for a very remarkable farmhouse – in a very modern sort of way.

At the entrance to the farm is a customrestored 145-year-old home, now a guest house, that looks as if it were built yesterday – which wouldn’t be far from the truth, considering Dick and his wife Carol have expertly maintained, upgraded and

refinished the property during their 22 years within this truly spectacular setting.

“We had a business in Westport, Connecticut and wanted to start breaking away for weekends,” Dick recalls.

So they drew a circle encompassing no more than a two-hour drive from Westport, then noticed an advertisement in the New York Times for a farmstead that nestled within that circle.

“We saw the property – and bought it on the spot!” Dick remembers happily.

The 360-degree views were the first to catch their eye, but this was also land that offered a way to realize their farmsteading dreams.

Renovating the nearly 2,000-square-foot barn in handsome fieldstone and dark brown paint, the Barretts raised sheep, cattle and horses before finding success and contentment in the manufacture of artisanal cheese. The 20’x40’ creamery is now a fitness and arts facility but could easily be converted back to a creamery or other workspace.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12H

ABOVE: Sit a spell on 94 private acres ...

LEFT: A rustic dining area and kitchen make for the perfect breakfast nook.

BELOW: Open fields mix with beautiful forests, providing space for farming, hunting, gardening, fishing, hiking, bike-riding, offroading – most anything you can dream of!

10H

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

11H

RIGHT: 1 Fallsdale Farm Drive in Tyler Hill, PA is a dream property in all seasons – including winter, where a blanket of snow evokes the quintessential holiday scene. (No worries about shovelling the snow, by the way – a team of locals is ready to assist.)

BELOW: The main house is filled with windows that let in sunlight while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, forests and meadows.

Steal away to the penultimate country home STORY BY DAN HUST, PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE REMAX

R

ichard Barrett offers the perfect description of the perfect property: “It’s relaxing all day and all night long,” he says. “It takes care of every passion.”

Can a country home do such? Perhaps you need to pay a visit to 1 Fallsdale Farm Drive in Tyler Hill, PA. Sitting astride a 94-acre hilltop you will find a striking master house that Dick and his wife Carol had custom built in 1998 to fit the site.

Expansive windows take in the pastoral rolling hills for miles from every room. Exterior and interior appointments of field stone and locally milled posts and beams supporting soaring ceilings make for a very remarkable farmhouse – in a very modern sort of way.

At the entrance to the farm is a customrestored 145-year-old home, now a guest house, that looks as if it were built yesterday – which wouldn’t be far from the truth, considering Dick and his wife Carol have expertly maintained, upgraded and

refinished the property during their 22 years within this truly spectacular setting.

“We had a business in Westport, Connecticut and wanted to start breaking away for weekends,” Dick recalls.

So they drew a circle encompassing no more than a two-hour drive from Westport, then noticed an advertisement in the New York Times for a farmstead that nestled within that circle.

“We saw the property – and bought it on the spot!” Dick remembers happily.

The 360-degree views were the first to catch their eye, but this was also land that offered a way to realize their farmsteading dreams.

Renovating the nearly 2,000-square-foot barn in handsome fieldstone and dark brown paint, the Barretts raised sheep, cattle and horses before finding success and contentment in the manufacture of artisanal cheese. The 20’x40’ creamery is now a fitness and arts facility but could easily be converted back to a creamery or other workspace.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12H

ABOVE: Sit a spell on 94 private acres ...

LEFT: A rustic dining area and kitchen make for the perfect breakfast nook.

BELOW: Open fields mix with beautiful forests, providing space for farming, hunting, gardening, fishing, hiking, bike-riding, offroading – most anything you can dream of!

12H

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11H

ABOVE: A woodstove provides unparalleled warmth in this bedroom – as does the generous amount of sunlight via the expansive windows.

BELOW: Wash your cares away in this gorgeous soaking tub, sitting atop handsome tilework.

RIGHT TOP: A beautiful barn is a landmark offering of the property, suitable for agriculture projects or other pursuits.

RIGHT MIDDLE: Entertain friends and family on the stone patio, which can be covered or left open.

RIGHT BOTTOM: Gardens grow lush in this environment.

Both the main house and guesthouse are models of gracious country comfort.

The main house features bed-and-bath suites and Kohler fixtures. The first floor boasts a three-story fireplace and a chandeliered dining room, serviced by a full kitchen that in and of itself has become a gathering spot. A secondfloor office accompanies the master bedroom, while a third-floor loft is reached by custom captain’s stairs.

Custom woodwork throughout (including red oak wood doors and matching random-width floor planks), a wine cellar and a spacious family room leading out to an equally spacious covered patio are just some of the many features.

Restoration of the guesthouse remained faithful to its 1870s origins, albeit with updated materials, a new deck and porch. The spacious guest facilities have hosted friends and neighbors, including actor, author and politician Malachy McCourt, who once ran for New York State governor and was brother to the late author Frank McCourt.

“Malachy wrote books in our guest house,” Dick shares.

“There is also a custom-built greenhouse where Carol raised herbs,” Dick relates of the 442-square-foot structure, accompanied by raised beds and a restored potting shed.

The entire property is fenced and tended by a professional staff of locals and neighbors.

“We have wonderful help,” Dick affirms. “They know as much about the property as we do!”

But this is a spectacular setting you will certainly want to get to know intimately, from relaxing on the fieldstone patios under a blanket of stars to walking across the expansive hay fields to employing that green thumb amongst the four dozen raised beds.

Says Dick, “This is something for someone, full-time or part-time, to broaden themselves.”

To experience this one-of-a-kind property yourself, contact Wayne ReMax agent Marion Thol in the 1362 Cochecton Turnpike (PA Route 371), Tyler Hill office: 570-224-6446 ext. 302, 570-647-7010 or www.tylerhillremax.com.

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

13H

ABOVE: Find your way down the hallway to a sunroom replete with a wood stove, stone-faced chimney and generously large windows.

LEFT: Custom woodwork defines the kitchen, where friends and family can gather for more casual meals.

BOTTOM: By day, this is the quiet getaway to read that book you’ve always meant to finish. By night, it’s the perfect spot to cozy up to the stories high stone fireplace!

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Providing the Best Quality & Service and Prices in the Area for 42 Years

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15H

19136

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

24/7 EMERGENCY PROPANE SERVICE GUARANTEED PRICING PROGRAMS MONTHLY PROPANE AND SERVICE SPECIALS 32601

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16H

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Horton & Associates Registered Architects

Smalls Plumbing, Heating, and AC

33412

(845) 888-4248 jcharch@hvc.rr.com

SPECTACULAR 35 MILE VIEWS from this stunning contemporary log home on 10 private acres. Open floor plan, beamed cathedral ceilings, sunken LR w/ amazing stone FP & waterfall, wood & tile floors, raised ½ decagon shaped breakfast nook, 2 person Jacuzzi, and so much more! This is not your typical Abe Lincoln log, much thought & quality craftsmanship has gone into this one of a kind contemporary log. Only $412,500

25991

113 Sullivan Street P.O. Box 938 Wurtsboro, NY 12790

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27349

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BMK Designs of New York, Inc. is an architectural and interior design firm that offers a variety of services such as architectural design, drafting, interior design, remodeling, project management, master planning, and consulting for commercial and residential properties.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

17H

Prepare for the arrival of cooler temperatures Licensed Electricians Electricians Licensed

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ooler temperatures are harbingers of winter and the potentially harsh weather to come. Planning for the wind chills and snow in November can put men and women in a better position to handle winter upon its arrival.

If you haven't already done so, make sure you take winter clothes out of storage. You may have gotten by on lightweight sweaters and windbreakers so far, but come November, it's time to dig out your winter coat and snow boots.

November also is a good time to

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replace the filter on your furnace.

Chances are the heating system will be working hard, and you want to ensure the filter is fresh and keeping interior air as clean as possible.

If you haven't done so already, schedule an appointment to have your chimney inspected and cleaned prior to using the fireplace or a heating stove. Particles trapped in the chimney can ignite, and leftover waste can produce unpleasant odors in the home.

Think about outfitting your vehicle with winter tires, which provide better

traction in snowy conditions. Switch over to a windshield washer fluid that is reliable in lower temperatures.

Replace screens in storm doors with the glass panels to insulate the home against colder temperatures.

Taking these steps can make winter weather more tolerable for the next few months.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

(845) 887-4400

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Save energy with holiday decorations T

he holiday season allows people to transform their homes into wonderlands of lights, garlands and poinsettias. Each family has its own holiday traditions, and decorations are a part of many of those traditions.

Decorations might be awe-inspiring, but those that include lights often lead to substantially higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are ways for homeowners, whether they prefer subtle displays or more over-the-top arrangements, to save money and still celebrate the holiday season in style.

Switch to more efficient lights. A great way to ensure holiday displays consume less energy is to change the bulbs being strung.

Incandescent lights can use 80 to 90 percent more energy than LED lights. Gradually replace older light strands with newer, energyefficient LEDs. Not only do LEDs require less energy, but they also can last longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning you won’t have to replace them as frequently as more traditional bulbs. Furthermore, lower wattage usage means you can attach more strands of lights together safely.

Use timers. Timers can be set to turn lights on and off at specific times, ensuring lights aren’t turning on during the daytime or being left on into the night by forgetful homeowners. Timers also are a

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HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

good safety precaution. A dark house that is normally lit up can advertise to thieves that no one is home. When lights turn on with a timer, it will create the illusion that it is business as usual in your residence.

Use homemade decorations. You also can save energy and money by recycling materials into holiday decor. Trim branches from trees and use them in vases for an instant wintry look. Prune an evergreen on your property and make your own wreath with some wire and twine. Shop yard sales for gently used decorations that still have years of utility left. Sew ornaments from scraps of fabric or clothing that no longer fits. Each of these ideas reduces reliance on manufactured decorations that consume energy during production and fuel while being transported from factories to store shelves.

Rely on extension cords. You can extend the length of displays without using more lights by spacing out light strands with extension cords. Intersperse spotlights to add attention to key elements of your display as well.

Turn off interior lights. If a Christmas tree is illuminating a front window, turn off the lights in your home, as the tree may provide enough light to make a living room or den extra cozy.

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Merrell Benco Insurance Agency We’ve Got You Covered

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30644

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67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY

28272

20H

HOME IN THE COUNTRY

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015