Pond Eddy, United States

Vipp Pavilion

Accommodation Type

Architect-designed design pavilion in nature

Number of Rooms

2 bedrooms

Location

Pond Eddy, Upstate New York, United States

Setting

A secluded architectural pavilion set on the edge of a pond within meadow and forest in the Catskills region

Who It Is Best For

Design lovers, architects, creatives, couples, and travelers seeking quiet immersion in nature and architecture

Travel Mood

The Seeker, The Dreamer

Main Activities

Forest walks, hiking, kayaking, river rafting, wildlife watching, swimming, reading, slow cooking, stargazing, digital detox

Signature Feature

A sculptural elliptical pavilion designed by Johnston Marklee where architecture, landscape, and Vipp’s design heritage merge into a serene retreat

Vipp Pavilion

A secluded architect designed retreat in the Catskills

Hidden in the forests of Lumberland in Upstate New York, Vipp Pavilion is a sculptural architectural retreat set beside a quiet pond and surrounded by meadow and woodland. Designed for stillness and immersion in nature, this secluded guesthouse offers a rare opportunity to step away from the pace of city life and reconnect with landscape, light, and silence, just two hours from Manhattan.

Overview

Designed by the acclaimed Los Angeles architecture studio Johnston Marklee, Vipp Pavilion is conceived as a sculptural object placed gently within its natural surroundings. The building’s geometry is based on two intersecting ellipses that echo the contours of the nearby pond, creating an architectural form that feels both deliberate and organic within the landscape.

Inside the 111-square-meter pavilion, a central elliptical living space unfolds beneath three circular skylights. As daylight moves across the textured stucco walls and polished concrete floors, the interior constantly shifts in tone and atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame expansive views of the meadow and pond, allowing the surrounding nature to become an integral part of the living experience.

At the heart of the home sits Vipp’s anodized aluminium V3 kitchen, positioned beneath a large skylight. Its precise industrial form contrasts with the raw cement walls and warm natural materials, reflecting Vipp’s heritage in metal craftsmanship and refined product engineering. The open-plan living area is complemented by textured fabrics, travertine surfaces, and furniture that balances architectural clarity with tactile comfort.

Two bedrooms are set between the pavilion’s curved walls, each framed by large mahogany windows that open toward the surrounding garden and forest. Outside, the landscape has been designed with native plantings and a green roof that blends seamlessly into the meadow. Together, architecture, materials, and landscape create a retreat where the experience unfolds quietly between design and nature.

Photography by Richard Gaston, courtesy of Vipp.

“At first glance, the building resembles a stone on the pond; initially solid, but slowly revealing its volumetric form on the approach.”

— Sharon Johnston & Mark Lee, Architects

Tips & Recommendations

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Nearest Airport

Stewart International Airport (SWF) is approximately 1 hour away. New York City airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark) are about 2–2.5 hours by car.

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Getting There

Vipp Pavilion is located in Lumberland in Upstate New York, about two hours northwest of Manhattan. The guesthouse is best reached by car. Detailed directions are provided prior to arrival.

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Best Time to Visit

Spring through autumn offers lush forests, hiking, swimming, and warm evenings outdoors. Autumn is particularly magical as the Catskills landscape turns vibrant shades of red and gold. Winter brings quiet snow-covered forests and a deeply contemplative atmosphere.

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What to Bring

Groceries for cooking, comfortable outdoor clothing, hiking shoes, swimwear for the pond, and a book or journal. This is a place designed for quiet moments and slow days.

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Staying at Vipp Pavilion

Vipp guesthouses operate as a self-service concept. Guests cook their own meals in the fully equipped Vipp kitchen and experience the space privately. The focus is on architecture, nature, and the sensory dialogue between objects, materials, and landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

1547 County Rd 565, Sussex, NJ 07461 - 33.9km

A protected wetland landscape spanning forests, rivers, and open meadows along the Wallkill River. The refuge is known for its birdlife, seasonal migrations, and quiet walking trails through one of the region’s most important wildlife habitats.

Nature

Barryville Farmers Market

3405 NY-97, Barryville, NY 12719 - 8.7km

Held on Saturdays from May to October, this lively local market showcases regional produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products from farms in the surrounding countryside.

Dining

Delaware River

274 River Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405 - 28.1km

Just minutes from the pavilion, the Delaware River offers opportunities for kayaking, rafting, fishing, and birdwatching. Bald eagles are frequently spotted along the riverbanks.

Nature

Narrowsburg, New York

7 Erie Ave, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 - 27.0km

A small riverside town known for its independent galleries, bookstores, and cafés. Narrowsburg has become a creative hub in the Catskills region.

Culture