"Blandina's Hideaway Villa" is centrally located along a winding country road, nestled between Kingston, Rosendale, and Hurley; close to all things fabulous in the beautiful and historic Hudson Valley. It's a charming one bedroom villa with private bath, a small kitchenette, cable and wifi,and complete with free range chickens and farm fresh eggs. Gourmet Breakfast or Brunch is available for an ex
tra charge, as well as dinner. Please ask about meals in advance. HISTORY: Blandina's Hideaway Villa was named after Blandina DuBois DeWitt who was born in 1731 and died on November 4, 1765 at the age of 34. She was said to be a beautiful, young, well educated, and popular French girl who lived "up the hill" and caught the eye of "Charlie" DeWitt who lived "down the hill." Using his little brother as a chaperone, Charles courted her during the non-growing season with activities like sleigh riding. Eventually, Charles asked for her hand in marriage. Blandina married Charles of "Greenkill" and bore him five children. It is believed she passed away during the birth of her sixth child, whom also didn't survive. Charles' claim to fame was impressive. He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, had served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was a well-respected politician and businessman, but he was best known as the BEST flour miller of his time. His flour mill was an critical part of feeding General Washington's Continental Army. History tells the story that Martha Washington only used flour milled from the DeWitt Mill. She said, "It was the finest flour in all the land." As the DeWitt Mill was located "down the hill" and Blandina DuBois lived just "up the hill," history leads us to believe that Blandina lived on the land of my villa. Therefore, I've named my garden "Farine Jardin de Blandine", French for Blandina's -Flour- Garden and the villa is honored to be known as Blandina's Hideaway. And, Blandina's grave is located in The Old Hurley Cemetery just 10 minutes from the villa. There's a poem etched on the grave of Blandina (DuBois) DeWitt. It's worn and covered in lichen. It's said to be written for her by her children some 201 years ago. I left no stone unturned in researching Blandina and found the only person still living who knew what the poem says. Now that I have gained this information, I will share it with all of you. Enjoy! "Thou the Dread Gulph hast past whilst o'er thy urn
Five Children Deer, and Husband lov'd do mourn
From Fondest Love cut off in prime of life
we mourn The Mother fond and Dearest Wife
Hence Ne'er to see thy Lovely face Again until we inter on Zion's Blissful plain." I can't say enough about how much I love the Hudson Valley. It has something for everyone and you'll be sure to experience the beauty for yourself. I want you to have a great time at Blandina's Hideaway Villa. If there's anything that I can do to help make your stay more enjoyable please don't hesitate to ask. ~
*** To be clear, Blandina's Hideaway Villa is located in the bottom portion of my home, it is NOT a separate dwelling. However, you do have a private full bath and private entrance and a locking door between the two areas. Just want to be clear about this. ~ Thank you!
