The Gunk House is a thoughtful reimagining of a Dutch gambrel tucked into the woods halfway up the Shawangunk Ridge. Completely renovated by NYC-based designer and builder Lauren Wesley Spear, the three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home brings together the character of an old house with a distinctly modern sensibility.
The renovation was guided by a simple ethos: restore what makes the house special, then give it a new life. The original gambrel roofline remains the defining gesture, while dramatic windows and skylights draw the surrounding woods deep into the interiors. Oak floors run throughout, complemented by an earthy palette of terra cotta and quarry tile and cedar, RBW and Noguchi Akari lighting, and a wood-burning Nova stove. The main living space and entry foyer rise to double-height ceilings, creating a sense of volume and light unusual for a house of this scale.
Perhaps the most distinctive element is woven throughout the home. A collection of Dutch antique furniture found in Hudson was reimagined specifically for the house, becoming the kitchen island, bathroom vanities, built-ins, closet systems, and a series of custom pieces that remain with the property. The result is a home with warmth and patina that feels collected rather than decorated.
Inside, the home unfolds with effortless flow: three king-sized bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, including a lower-level suite with a separate entrance that works beautifully for guests or as a creative workspace. The primary suite feels like a serene retreat, featuring a skylit soaking tub, heated floors and a custom built-in wardrobe.
Outside, a two-level deck overlooks a babbling brook, with an outdoor shower and a firepit tucked beside the house for lingering evenings in the woods. Hardie board and cedar siding, paired with a standing-seam metal roof, complete the quietly modern exterior.
Every system and surface is brand new: all-electric GE Café appliances, 6-zone Daikin heat pumps, spray-foam insulation, septic, well and 200-amp service, all ensuring comfort, efficiency and peace of mind.
Set on a private wooded road and surrounded by the landscape of the Shawangunks, The Gunk House is close to Mohonk and Minnewaska, with the trails, swimming holes, farms, and small towns of the Hudson Valley all within reach.
