The Perfect NY Getaway - Camp Ellwin Beckons
By Nikki Alvin-Smith
In the midst of the frenzied Saratoga racing season a new venue opened that offers the perfect getaway in Upstate New York. It’s a long way from Scotland but nearby to the famous town of Saratoga Springs on Lake Galway, New York. This region of New York has much Scottish history to impart.
The small town of Galway where Camp Ellwin is located, was settled by Scots from New Galloway in 1774. They called it "Galloway" but due to some paperwork mishaps years later, it was accidentally shortened to "Galway". Not to be confused with Galway, Ireland.
While short term rentals are in much demand this close to the abundant summer activities at the racecourse, there is plenty else to do and enjoy in this Upstate haven year-round. For those seeking a home away from home, this rental space replete with European touches showcasing a beautifully curated antique flair, offers a serene vista and perfect retreat. The new renovation is full of all the creature comforts we all love, and for the more active holidaymakers Camp Ellwin offers plenty to do and a splendid spot to entertain.
This property though named Camp Ellwin, is a private home from home available for short term rental on VRBO, Airbnb and Track Rental. It is hosted by Kathleen, and her parents Tom and Colleen. It has been a heartfelt restoration of a beautifully private property, set right on Lake Galway with shared access to the amenities lake-side living provides.
Catskill Horse spoke with Kathleen, to find out more about what it takes to create a uniquely attractive lake side property in today’s busy short term rental marketplace.
CH: Is there a backstory to the name of the Camp? Ellwin is an unusual name.
And what makes this property a camp?
Kathleen: Ellwin was my grandfather’s name. When it came time to name the camp, my father (Tom) and my Mother (Colleen) looked at each other and said, “Camp Ellwin”. My grandfather loved family and time spent together more than anything. We hope that this is what people experience when they stay here. A moment to put distractions aside, enjoy the lake, cook meals, play games, and create memories that last a lifetime. The reason we call it a camp is mainly because it has always been one, though it has been expanded quite a few times now.
CH: Is this a venture for the family and what roles does everyone play?
Kathleen: This has definitely been a family endeavor. I had been begging my Dad for some time to dip his toes into a short-term rental project with me. My Dad and Grandpa Ellwin built the home I grew up in on Long Island from the ground up. Of course with extra help, including a few uncles or two. The land was even part of Grandpa Ellwin’s property. When this camp presented itself, we couldn’t resist at least checking it out. Galway Lake is very private and houses are rarely on the market there for long. We fell in love with it instantly. It has such a warm, welcoming, positive energy about it. Though it had been freshly renovated and was technically “turn key” we saw that it had so much more potential to offer.
CH: Your new venture Camp Ellwin is very exciting and the new renovations and extensions look very pretty. Can you tell us a bit about what work you have undertaken?
Kathleen: I was very fortunate to grow up around so many handymen, and a mother, grandmother, and many aunts who loved interior decorating. My Mother and I could not wait to bring what we envisioned to life. My father and our contractor Ray Brownell and his guys did all of the big renovation work. Originally, there were 3 very small bedrooms that could barely fit a queen bed and had zero closet space to store or hang anything. Which is quite common in these old camps, they weren’t all built for year-round living. We decided to remove the middle room to create two larger rooms with built in closets for each.
While the previous owner did insulate any new areas they had worked on, the pipes were still on the ground. Meaning it would not be inhabitable all year-round. Getting it 3 season ready was a top priority! Now everything is insulated including the small attic space. We also noticed there was nowhere comfortable or convenient to remove your shoes or hang your coats up in the original layout of the space. In the extension plans we moved the entry door and added a mud room/half bath that also functions as the laundry room.
CH: How did you go about decor and design? Is the color scheme a heritage idea?
Kathleen: As previously mentioned I have an inherited love for interior design. While the home was in good shape when we purchased it, the design was more so focused on racetrack decor, which is also why we kept that as part of our logo.
At first, I tried to think of what style many varieties of renters would feel comfortable in. I did a lot of research, looked at tons of other renters photos, hotels, etc. But what I was seeing was a lot of gray.. and white.. and not a whole lot of character. Clean but cold spaces. We are design maximalists. After a lot of reflection I thought, “at the end of the day, this is our home. If we don’t love being in it, how could we feel great about sharing it with other people?” The best places, have character. They offer something a standard hotel room or sterile rental could never. We wanted this to be a place everyone wants to come back to once they’ve been here.
There were a few design choices by the previous owners that we may not have chosen, like the chunky Victorian style crown molding in the living room. Not because we don’t love it. But it doesn’t exactly scream Adirondack lake camp. That could not be changed, so it really challenge us to combine styles in a way that didn’t feel disconnected from each other. We wanted to honor where and what the camp is. Bringing the beautiful nature outside, inside. In a clean, cozy, modern way.
There are so many personal touches throughout. All of the wood on the accent wall in the new 3 season porch, the mantle above the pellet stove, the small wooden shelf in the kitchen, the island divider, the breakfast nook bench, the breakfast table, the headboard in the deer motif bedroom, and the shelves above the TV in the living room, all came from our family land or directly from Camp Ellwin. My Dad, Ray, and our very handy neighbor Paul, worked on that custom bench together. Paul built all of the shelves, and table himself.
The beautiful rock walls lining the driveway were built by my Irish Dublin born boyfriend, David. Who also did much of the planting. The door from the living room to the front porch, as well as the front door are the original doors to the house. I spent weeks sanding, repainting, and designing them. Sadly the original glass was too far gone to repair, but my Dad was able to use the frames from the old summer screens and had new glass made for them.
When picking a color for the outside of the home we really wanted something happy that would stand out and also give a little nod to the bright colors of the racetrack. It took a lot more time and effort to find the right blue, and material than expected but we’re super pleased with how it turned out.
The new 3 season porch was a part of the home we renovated when we moved upstate
from Long Island. Unfortunately, it didn't fit into the new renovations for that home, but my Dad saved all the windows and doors hoping we would use it again someday. Originally we planned on just having a covered porch, but when we remembered the window treasures tucked away in storage, we knew it was the perfect time to use them! The stenciled flower on the new entry door is the Scottish thistle, the symbol of the town of Galway.
CH: Can you share how much property there is and the outside activities? The fire pit looks stellar and Lake Galway is such a lovely spot. Can you boat or paddleboard on the lake?
Kathleen: The property is considered huge for the area! We are very lucky to have such a large private backyard. We recently installed the fire pit, a brand-new propane BBQ, with plenty of indoor and outdoor games! Galway lake is exceptionally clean and strictly no motor boats! The lake spans 500 acres. It’s well known for its sail boat races, as well as paddle boarding, canoeing, and electric pontoon boats. We keep 4 kayaks for renters to use down at the private beach. 2 are single person, 2 are very large and could easily fit a couple adults or an adult and a few children. We provide life jackets that are kept conveniently next to the house.
CH: Aside from relaxing on the property, are there any special attractions locally that you can recommend to people? I realize you have great proximity to Saratoga Racecourse and that Camp Ellwin makes a super rental for people visiting the area?
Any special Fall festivals in the area etc.?
Kathleen: Galway is also known as, “The foothills of the Adirondacks”, so there are plenty of winter sport and hiking activities in the surrounding areas. Aside from being very near to Saratoga and SPAC, in the Fall you can admire the foliage and visit Bob’s trees to pick out your Christmas tree.
Seasonally Adirondack Animal land is great place to visit with kids. Something I find to be a lot of fun is the drive-in movies. We are 15 minutes away from one in Broadalbin, and another in Malta about 30 minutes away. Such a unique and special experience for couples and families. There are many festivals throughout spring, summer, fall, and even part of winter in the Saratoga area. One of the biggest being Chowderfest.
CH: What plans do you have to extend the Camp? Glamping? Camping? Dry camping? RVs etc?? Activity wise? Canoes? Kayak rentals? Can people rent a bike from you?
Kathleen: One day I would love to add an extra special something to the camp. Maybe a real tipi, a retro/vintage camper to double as sleeping space, or maybe a barrel sauna. There are lots of possibilities. We are very accommodating. If people request bikes, I’d say we’re pretty willing to get some.
CH: Do you offer any ‘extra’ services like a Breakfast basket delivery or a cooked meal for special occasions? Decorative options for parties?
Kathleen: While we don’t offer any cooked meal services, my Dad is extremely sociable, and if requested, I bet he’d love to make you his family famous breakfast waffles with our homemade, homegrown maple syrup! We don’t encourage parties; however, I would LOVE to decorate it for someone who would like to spend Christmas here. We would make it an unforgettable one! Or if it was a special occasion like a honeymoon/anniversary, I’m all in.
CH: Where can people find you if they’d like to book Lake Ellwin as a short-term property rental?
Kathleen: We are currently listed on Saratoga Track Rentals, Airbnb, and VRBO with plans to get a direct booking option available soon. Until then, if anyone would like to contact/inquire me directly they can e-mail me at ellwinsacres@gmail.com
