A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Writer's second-floor apartment overlooking Kinderhook Creek in the walkable village of Valatie. A great place to nest and write (or not!) with Mexican tile, wool carpeting, built-in bookshelves.

WHERE: Valatie is a tiny village, and gentrifying, but not all the way there yet. The Empire State Trail is a few minutes walk down Main Street for running and biking. The folks at the post office will know your name.

We are 20 minutes from (almost too) chic Hudson, 10 minutes to mellow, charming and thriving Chatham (food co-op, brew pub, great cheese store, a movie theater curated by film critic and author Peter Biskind.

Albany is 20-25 minutes with Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and a big food co-op.

Want something closer? A mere two minutes to Kinderhook, with stately mansions, Brooklyn bagel shop and Saucisson, a charcuterie with mind-bendingly good beer.

The magic of this former mill town is that a river runs through it. Waterfalls (several) are just down the street and the backyard is native plants and creekside. You will see great blue herons. The Canada geese are loud but the downstairs neighbors aren't. Medical building is 10 minutes' walk.

WHAT: Two bedrooms, a large living room, and a small office with creek view. Lots of bookshelves, internet, TV, fully stocked kitchen. Washer and dryer in basement. Efficient compressed propane heat. I've insulated the house well so it's cozy in winter.

The second bedroom, shown here with the gray Design Within Reach daybed, wallpaper, and bookshelves, is small. It is best used as a kid's room, a guest room, office or a reading room, although it has served as a second adult bedroom. Apartment is best for two people. No pets please, although if you have an exceptionally well-behaved animal, we can talk.

NOTE: Photos are from when the owner lived here. If you visit, the decor will be different. Also, we now have a new electric stove.

This is a long-term rental with a lease that runs through the school year and summer, and I'm happy to renew. We are in a desirable school district.

No smoking indoors, please! Heat and electric are not included. Parking is on the street, but it's easy to find a space, usually right in front of house.

Great weekend getaway or full-time residence.

About This Lister

I'm a writer and magazine editor. I live near Joshua Tree, California, but family members live downstairs. They are handy and can answer questions.

I'm happy to be your point of contact. I have lived here for a while so I have reliable plumbers, electricians, etc.