Renovation status
Our aim is to be able to offer stays at the cottage beginning in May 2025. It is an ambitious plan, considering that we are weekend warriors, juggling family and jobs. The cottage and its surroundings is our passion and we are pushing forward every moment we can. Booking is currently open from September 2025 and onwards, and as soon as we feel comfortable doing so, we will open more dates earlier in the summer. Please stay tuned by reaching out or following the progress on our Instagram. We look forward to hosting you!
Your hosts Susanne and Terje
The origin story of the Catskill River Cottage and The Modern Victorian
George Janosi, a skilled cabinet maker from Queens, NY, once devoted his craft to fine woodworking. But at some point, his focus shifted toward a grander vision – the massive Victorian villa that now greets visitors upon arrival. Tragically, George passed away around 2015 from lung cancer, leaving both the villa and its accompanying cottage unfinished.
His widow, a stained-glass artist from Queens, did everything she could to complete the work, hiring local craftsmen to carry out George’s vision. But the odds were stacked against her. She was swindled, drained of funds, and forced to sell many of George’s specialized woodworking tools in an effort to keep the project going. Eventually, she could fight no longer, and the property was put on the market.
For two long years, the villa and cottage stood silent, weathering the seasons. Nature slowly reclaimed the land, and wild animals took up residence.
Then, just before Christmas in 2017, a Scandinavian couple – Susanne Cerha and Terje Vist – visited friends in Cairo. They had been searching for a home for two years when the listing for the Victorian villa and its forgotten cottage appeared in their feed. Though the buildings looked ghostly and timeworn, the location was remarkable. Drawn by curiosity, they ventured out to see it.
It was instant love.
The Catskill River Cottage in 2017
The Modern Victorian in 2017
Over the following years, they carefully studied George’s work, growing deeply appreciative of the Victorian craftsmanship – an obsession they had never anticipated. Their mission became clear: to honor George’s vision while infusing the home with their own spirit. But the villa came with all the challenges that any ambitious restoration project presents. Though handy, they had little experience. Many YouTube tutorials and failed attempts later, they had taught themselves how to fix and build nearly anything.
Today, the villa stands in all its glory, overlooking the lively river. And in 2024, at long last, the cottage – patiently waiting for its turn – became the next chapter of their restoration journey.
Remarkably, every ornamental detail on its exterior had already been made by George – the intricate woodwork, the decorative trims, even the massive French oak doors. He had crafted each piece in his Queens studio ahead of time, like a puzzle waiting to be assembled. And when the time finally came, everything fit together seamlessly, a testament to the skill of the man whom local shopkeepers had lovingly called "Hungarian George."
Many who visit the property assume the villa and cottage must be relics of the past, marveling when they learn how recently they were built. After all, how often does one man decide to single-handedly construct something of this scale? George had purchased a design by architect Larry Garnett but chose to mirror it to better suit the land.
Who does that?
A rare kind of craftsman. A true master.
The Modern Victorian Villa, as envisioned by architect Larry Garnett