The picturesque Schoharie Valley situated in the northern Catskill Mountains is known for its rich farmland on the valley floor surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. The first European settlers from Palatine, Germany chose this valley because the breathtaking beauty reminded them of their homeland. [Photo: By CJH Photography]

The Schoharie Valley is known as “The Breadbasket of the American Revolution,” and played a significant role in the formation of the United States. The agricultural output of the region including wheat, corn, and vegetable crops fed much of George Washington’s Continental Army during the war. [Oil on Canvas: AUG.COUDER 1836]

Because of this key role, the valley was subject to a series of raids by the combined forces of the British, loyalists, and natives who sought to burn fields of crops in an effort to cut off the food supply to Washington’s troops. The “Burning of the Valley” led by Joseph Brandt and Andrew Chrysler in October 1780 stormed directly through Highview Springs Farm destroying crops and buildings along the way. [Photo: Janice Barchat]

The Sablewood was originally built as a multi-functional barn for cows and horses as well as goats, pigs, sheep, and chickens, with abundant hayloft storage upstairs. Local craftsman hand hewed the massive native timber of the valley to create the impressive barn beams, several of which measure 40' in length. The earliest recorded deeds show the farm was owned by the Schaeffer family who we believe were the original builders based on initials marked on the beams. [Photo: Lisa Shaul]

English style barns feature a main entrance that is along the long side of the barn. Our “grand entrance” is the original entrance in the center of the barn. There are three main bays which used to have a floor above to store hay.  The original hayloft ladders still exist in the main barn flanking the chandelier, and the original hay trolley track is still intact on the ceiling near the peak of the barn. [Illustration & Reference: About Barns by Ann Gourlay Gabler and Mirko Gabler]

Beginning in the 1960s the farm was converted into a Morgan horse farm. The main room of The Sablewood was used as a riding area and the addition known as “The Stables” was added to create a long line of stalls for the horses. The famous Morgan stallion Tutor lived on the farm for several years and sired many foals. The current bathrooms maintain the character of the original horse stalls. [Photo: The Morgan Horse, April 1964]

In 1975 The Sablewood took on an additional function when The Every Man Theater Group, founded by local Hollywood movie star John McGiver (famous for his role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s among others), put on a production of the Hudson Valley based play Rip Van Winkle, directed by Regina Betts. [Photo: Tommy Lee Walker]

Forty years later The Sablewood had fallen into disrepair and was then sold. After a multi-year tremendous family effort to restore it, The Sablewood opened for functions in 2018. Visiting the barn is an unforgettable experience. We hope many people will get to enjoy this piece of history while celebrating special occasions with family & friends, brimming with happiness and love. [Photo: Danni Laraia]