Nestled on 500 sprawling acres in the Black Dirt Region of the Hudson Valley, Cedar Lakes Estate is not your average New York spot. What began as a children’s summer camp in the 1920s has been transformed into a stunning private escape, bringing together serene nature, farm-to-table dining and warm hospitality. Today, it’s a sought-after destination for weddings, corporate retreats and relaxing weekend stays — and our team had a chance to experience it firsthand.
The history of Cedar Lakes Estate
The property has existed in many iterations over its nearly 100-year history. In 1929, it operated as Camp Minisink, a sleep-away summer camp for children from the inner city. Decades later, after the grounds had been left desolate, Steve and Lisa Karvellas purchased the property in 1986 and reignited its camp heritage — this time hosting elite athletes, including Team USA Gymnastics Olympians and World Cup soccer players.
Their daughters Stephanie Baynton and Lisa Karvellas grew up spending summers on the scenic acreage. In 2011, the sisters combined their respective talents — Stephanie’s background in marketing and events, and Lisa’s in culinary arts — to reimagine the family property as Cedar Lakes Estate. Since then, it’s become a beloved destination for weddings, retreats and seasonal escapes, balancing rustic charm with elevated style and functional amenities.
What Cedar Lakes Estate offers
On any given week, you might find a corporate retreat on Wednesday, a wedding on Saturday and a Cedar Lakes Supper on Sunday. Thanks to its considered design and wide variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, the property seamlessly shifts between its many roles.
The Glasshouse is a perfect example: a sleek, floor-to-ceiling windowed venue that was designed as a “permanent tent” after back-to-back rainy seasons in 2023 and 2024, according to an Instagram post. The result is a light-filled, weatherproof space that lends itself to ceremonies, dinners and even yoga classes, while maintaining the venue's outdoorsy charms.
A point of differentiation from many East Coast escapes, Cedar Lakes’ hotel season runs through the winter, inviting guests to embrace the natural beauty of the "off-season." Think: board games by the fire, sledding down the mountaintop and hikes with Hudson Valley views for miles. Those looking to elevate their stay can also enjoy "Layer-On Experiences" — bespoke additions like private "igloo" dinners, cross-stitching classes, spa massages or sunrise ice fishing on the lake.
For weddings, Cedar Lakes offers multiple venues across its sprawling campus — from the mountaintop and lakefront to a beautiful barn that's ideal for receptions. The on-site Chef’s Garden can also transform into a dreamy setting for welcome dinners or cocktail hours.
Corporate groups can break from routine here, too. Just 90 minutes from New York City, Cedar Lakes provides a team-building atmosphere that feels worlds away from the office.
This fall, members of the Shop TODAY team traded the bustle of 30 Rock for 24 hours of fresh upstate air. The team arrived in the early evening for cocktail hour and a farm-to-table dinner at the Pavilion. Then, dessert came in the form of an indoor campfire, where we roasted house-made marshmallows (the cinnamon and vanilla flavors were hits).
The night continued with a friendly game of “Lakeside Feud” in The Treehouse — sparking nostalgia for our own camp days — before retreating to our cozy cottages for the night. Then, the following morning, we kicked things off with a yoga session in the Glasshouse before spending the day canoeing, paddle-boating and fishing on the lake. We even had time to fit in a few working sessions at The Treehouse before heading back to the city.
For more information about weddings, company retreats, private events and more, fill out an inquiry form.
How to book a stay at Cedar Lakes Estate
To inquire about staying at the Winter Hotel, learn about Cedar Lakes Estate's cottage and cabin accommodations, dinner events and more.
Seeking a sweet, secluded getaway? Let this cottage in the heart of Cedar Lakes Estate be it. Lined with shiplap walls, farmhouse chandeliers and more charming details, in addition to a luxe rain shower, you'll never want to leave.
Get back to your youthful camp roots with these cozy cabins. Each one is private for just your group (as are all cottages and cabins on the property), and has all the contemporary amenities you'll need.
Not just any cottage, the bathroom boasts Italian marble, a deep soaking rub, a spacious glass shower and more. With a fireplace in the bedroom, pool access and a view overlooking the lake, it's perfect for couples.
A cozy yet contemporary cottage laid out as a studio, it's got a king size bed, heated stone floors, a wood burning fireplace and more. PS. You'll be able to hear the rippling lake from the patio.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers research products, interview experts and use our own personal experiences to curate our recommendations and make shopping easier for our readers. We also consider factors like shopper feedback and high discount levels.
For paid content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products and experiences to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Cedar Lakes Estate). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
