Quirky Airbnbs: This Geometric Gem in Hudson Valley is The Ultimate Style Rebel

Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of the Hudson Valley, a region renowned for its captivating landscapes and burgeoning artistic communities, lies an architectural marvel that transcends conventional definitions of a dwelling. This isn’t merely a house; it’s an immersive experience, a thoughtful dialogue between human creation and the natural world, meticulously crafted to provoke contemplation and reset the senses. Known as the Ex of In House, this avant-garde retreat in Rhinebeck, New York, offers more than just a place to stay—it presents a living manifesto of its creator’s profound architectural philosophy.

The Visionary Behind the Form: Steven Holl’s "Explorations of IN"

Completed in 2016, the Ex of In House is the brainchild of Steven Holl, an internationally acclaimed architect consistently ranked among the most influential contemporary practitioners worldwide. Holl, celebrated for his distinctive approach to light, space, and phenomenology, views architecture not as an isolated object imposed upon a site, but as an integral, experiential extension of its environment. His impressive portfolio, spanning from the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki to the Linked Hybrid complex in Beijing, consistently demonstrates a commitment to designing spaces that evoke emotion and foster a deep connection between inhabitants and their surroundings.

The genesis of the Ex of In House lies in Holl’s ongoing research initiative, "Explorations of IN." This radical inquiry challenges traditional architectural paradigms, advocating for structures that are "shaped from within" and intricately tied to their ecological context. In a world increasingly dominated by urban sprawl and generic construction, Holl’s vision for this particular project was revolutionary. The 28-acre parcel of land in Rhinebeck was originally slated for subdivision into five suburban homes – a fate that would have fragmented the pristine landscape. Instead, Holl championed the preservation of the entire property as a continuous natural preserve, offering the Ex of In House as a compelling alternative: a compact, profoundly integrated structure that simultaneously functions as a habitable sculpture and a luminous, small-scale museum.

Rejecting the expansive footprint of conventional suburban development, the 918-square-foot house embodies an architectural counter-narrative. Its design compresses, pulls inward, and ingeniously "creates volume through voids," a concept that defies typical notions of space. Rather than building outward to dominate the landscape, the house folds in on itself, stacking and overlapping forms to achieve a visually cohesive yet surprisingly expansive interior within its modest dimensions. This approach ensures that the structure remains an architectural response to the surrounding forest, rather than an imposition on it, blurring the lines between built environment and natural topography.

A Symphony of Raw Materials and Sustainable Design

Holl’s commitment to integrating the "outside-in" extends to the very materiality of the house. Eschewing synthetic finishes and conventional drywall, the Ex of In House is crafted almost entirely from raw, honest materials. Mahogany window and door frames offer rich warmth, while birch plywood walls provide a continuous, tactile surface. Thin, curved layers of wood are meticulously integrated throughout, creating a seamless flow that guides the eye and softens the geometric angles.

The construction itself is a testament to sustainable innovation. Super-insulated plywood construction minimizes the reliance on steel, reducing the project’s carbon footprint and enhancing its thermal efficiency. The absence of cosmetic finishes, a hallmark of Holl’s work, is not merely an aesthetic choice but a philosophical statement. As articulated in the home’s welcome booklet, this "Arte Povera materiality" embraces an "economy of this place of wabi-sabi." This phrase alludes to two profound artistic and philosophical movements: Arte Povera, an Italian art movement of the late 1960s that challenged commercialism by using everyday, "poor" materials to create evocative works; and wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of decay and renewal. Together, these principles imbue the house with a sense of authenticity, allowing the materials to express their inherent character and age gracefully, deepening their connection to the rustic surroundings.

Furthering its symbiotic relationship with nature, the Ex of In House incorporates advanced sustainable systems. Geothermal heating efficiently warms the interior floors, providing a cozy comfort even during the harshest winters, while electricity is harnessed entirely from solar power. This deliberate refusal of unnecessary external dependence underscores the house’s dedication to ecological harmony and self-sufficiency, making it a model for future environmentally conscious design.

An Immersive Stay: Light, Sound, and Introspection

Our arrival at the Ex of In House felt like stepping into a waking dream. Tucked away on a rocky, tree-lined street, its angular, window-lined structure glowed warmly against the encroaching dusk, an intriguing beacon in the dense woods. My partner and I sought this quirky gem for a two-night respite in early March, a much-needed escape from the tail end of a harsh New York winter. From the moment we approached, it was clear this was more art structure than typical rental, its unique silhouette a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding natural forms.

Rain became an unexpected, yet utterly captivating, soundtrack to much of our visit. In the deliberate absence of television and the pervasive hum of street noise, the gentle patter of water against glass and wood filled the house at night, creating an enveloping, meditative ambiance. On our first evening, as I settled into the plush queen bed in the open, lofted bedroom, my partner read aloud from Lake of the Mind: A Conversation With Steven Holl, a book we discovered among the carefully curated collection in the living room. Windows were cracked just enough to invite the fresh, damp air and the soothing rhythm of the rain, his voice weaving through the house alongside the text’s insightful discussions on spatial light and architectural proportion. It was an experience that felt intimately connected to the very philosophy of the space we inhabited.

The following morning, the sun, true to Holl’s design intent, woke me gently. As detailed in the house’s welcome booklet, the structure is meticulously oriented to harness and manipulate natural light, allowing it to bounce off walls and dance playfully on the ceilings. The sun emphasized the main entrance, framed by an all-glass door and a distinctive crescent-moon-shaped window, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow that transformed the space throughout the day.

Stepping further inside, the main living area unfolds with effortless elegance. A long, royal blue couch, flanked by two sleek chairs, invites relaxation. Shelves filled with thoughtful books – ranging from architectural treatises to local history – offer intellectual diversion, while a wood-burning fireplace, pre-prepared by the host, promised cozy evenings. Beyond the fireplace, the living room seamlessly extends into an open, high-design kitchen, equipped with an espresso machine and coffee maker for morning rituals, leading into a generous dining area. One particularly thoughtful touch was the labeled lighting throughout the house, including a subtle light behind the sink that served as a perfect, discreet nightlight, simplifying navigation in a space rich with illumination options. Adjacent to the small library, a comprehensive guidebook on the house itself sits alongside volumes dedicated to luminist architecture and iconic homes around the world, inviting guests to delve deeper into the context of their unique surroundings.

The house’s interior is characterized by its airy and open plan, a deliberate choice that promotes connectivity. The living area on the lower level is fully visible from the upper loft, allowing conversations to travel naturally and fostering a sense of shared space. The main sleeping area, an open, wood-lined, and windowed loft, features a comfortable queen bed, a standing shower, and a compact, yet functional, bathroom. Adjacent to the queen bed, a remarkable wooden, hive-like sphere acts as an additional sleeping or lounge area. It houses a twin-sized sofa bed on top, accessible by climbing, not unlike a sophisticated jungle gym. While the Airbnb listing suggests capacity for four, the absence of traditional, closed-door bedrooms means the space functions optimally for two adults, or for families with children who can comfortably utilize the playful hive.

One of the most enchanting spots in the house proved to be a simple tan chair, accompanied by a small side table and a soft blanket, strategically positioned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows near the queen bed. From this vantage point, continuous circular windows offer sweeping views of the surrounding trees, extending all the way down into the back-left corner of the kitchen. It’s a view that must be utterly breathtaking when the trees burst into full foliage in summer or ignite with vibrant colors in autumn, underscoring the house’s profound immersion in its natural setting.

Returning from a gentle, 20-minute hiking trail that loops through the backyard – a path dotted with intriguing modernist art installations and the occasional deer darting gracefully through the undergrowth – I found myself feeling an unexpected, profound connection to the wild. The Ex of In House, despite its contemporary structure, is so deeply, almost jarringly, integrated into its surroundings that a heightened sense of presence becomes unavoidable. In an age saturated with digital noise and constant online chatter, this extraordinary space demands a total reset, forcing a recognition of the "now" that feels both rare and utterly necessary. It is an invitation to slow down, observe, and truly inhabit a moment, making it an ideal sanctuary for those seeking profound contemplation and a renewed connection with themselves and the natural world.

Beyond the Threshold: Exploring the Hudson Valley’s Charms

Despite its secluded, tucked-in-the-woods ambiance, the Ex of In House remains remarkably accessible, just over two hours north of New York City and a mere 15-minute drive from the vibrant, picturesque village of Rhinebeck. The Hudson Valley itself is a treasure trove of cultural richness, historical significance, and culinary delights, making it a perennial favorite for weekend getaways and longer retreats.

Rhinebeck, a quintessential Hudson Valley town, is made for wandering. Its charming Main Street is lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and diverse restaurants. A local institution is Pete’s Famous Restaurant, a cozy diner serving up classic American comfort food, including farm-fresh eggs perfect for a leisurely morning. For those seeking lighter fare or artisan baked goods, Little Goat offers delightful breakfast pastries, expertly brewed coffees, and a refined selection of soups and sandwiches. Across the street stands the historic Beekman Arms, North America’s oldest continuously operated inn, whose antique market is a must-visit, brimming with unique art, vintage clothing, and charming knickknacks that tell tales of eras past.

As evening descends, Foster’s Coach House beckons with its western-inspired, old-school tavern ambiance, its exterior illuminated by a captivating red neon light that creates a distinctly cinematic welcome. For film aficionados, Upstate Films, also known as Starr Cinema, is conveniently located next door, offering an intimate setting to catch independent and foreign films. Bookworms and music lovers will find solace at Oblong Books, a beloved local independent bookstore where you can browse for new reads or discover vintage vinyl. For a sophisticated evening, Le Petit Bistro offers a taste of France with its exquisite raw oysters and meticulously crafted cocktails.

However, for one truly unforgettable dining experience, a reservation at Stissing House is essential. Located a scenic 15-minute drive away in the charming hamlet of Pine Plains, this renowned 18th-century tavern has been transformed into an upscale French restaurant that draws discerning diners from across the region. Inside, creaky wooden floors, moody fireplaces, and candlelit tables create an atmosphere of timeless romance. The menu features refined comfort classics, meticulously prepared with local ingredients, from succulent wood-roasted scallops with fragrant green garlic butter to their signature, utterly decadent coconut cake. It’s a culinary journey that perfectly complements the contemplative escape offered by the Ex of In House, rounding out an experience that is as enriching for the palate as it is for the soul.

In sum, the Ex of In House in Rhinebeck is more than just an architectural masterpiece; it’s a meticulously curated sanctuary designed to foster a profound connection with self and nature. It embodies Steven Holl’s groundbreaking vision, offering a unique opportunity to live within a work of art, to be enveloped by light, sound, and the raw beauty of natural materials, all while surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the Hudson Valley. It’s a place where design philosophy meets lived experience, creating memories that resonate long after the stay concludes.