Welcome to Hilltown Commons
Hilltown Commons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit experiences campus and historic land located in the Helderberg Hilltowns of Albany County. Spanning 100 acres where woods, fields, and mountain views converge, the campus borders the 2,000-acre Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve.
With 50 rooms and 75 beds across five residences, the campus can host up to 100 guests in spaces designed for gathering, focus, and rest. Located just 2.5 hours from NYC and 3 hours from Boston, it is easy to reach yet feels like stepping back in time.
Residences & Facilities
Hilltown Commons has five unique residences, blending late-1800s charm with 1970s retro touches. Cozy up in a room with vintage wallpaper, sunlit decks, or forest views. Each space is designed to invite rest and connection.
Individual room features
Private en suite bathroom
Cozy linens and beds
Forest of mountain views
Vintage décor, from 1800s period features to 1970s retro wallpaper
Residence features
Shared kitchens, spacious lounges, and scenic fire pits.
Modern comfort: air conditioning, heating, and onsite parking.
A rhythm of connection: While WiFi is available campus-wide, our residences are intentionally low-to-no screen to encourage deep focus and conversation.
Meeting & Collaboration Spaces
Hilltown Commons offers a variety of spaces for gathering, working, and connecting—both indoors and out. All meeting areas are supported by campus-wide fiber WiFi and flexible A/V options.
The Gugg
A versatile hub for workshops and performances, featuring a 180-person theater with professional A/V, a gallery, two large meeting rooms, and a dozen private offices.
The Grounds
100 acres of historic estate bordering the Huyck Preserve, with lawns, porches, and forest trails. Perfect for outdoor collaboration or "unplugged" breakout sessions.
Flexible Spaces
Cozy breakout spots in our residence lounges and porches, ideal for small meetings. Portable A/V kits (projectors and screens) are available to transform any corner into a productive workspace.
Food & Drink
The Pub at the Carriage House
Located in the Huyck family’s original carriage house, The Pub is a full-service restaurant hosting up to 120 guests. We feature fresh, seasonal menus with a focus on gluten-free and allergen-attuned options to ensure every guest feels at home.
Beverage Program
Our drink menu celebrates the region with a curated selection of natural wines and beers from local breweries. Depending on the season, we also feature specialty cocktails that highlight local flavors.
Our Sourcing Philosophy
We are proud to source from our neighbors in the Helderberg Hilltowns and surrounding valleys, bringing the best of the region directly to your table. From seasonal greens to pasture-raised proteins, our kitchen works in harmony with the local landscape.
Welcome to Rensselaerville
We’ll teach you how to pronounce it, don’t worry. Just steps from our campus, the historic hamlet of Rensselaerville (founded 1787) is a remarkably preserved village on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you are seeking adventure or restoration, our local landscape offers:
Recreation: Swim or kayak on Lake Myosotis, play a match on our renovated tennis courts, or hike miles of scenic trails through the campus and the adjoining Huyck Preserve.
Wellness: Experience restoration guided by Emileigh Tanner, AHC, and Sarah Nelson, CYT, with services rooted in Ayurveda, yoga, plant medicine, and sound healing.
Local Culture: Visit the Rensselaerville Library—one of the region’s oldest—or explore the area's deep agricultural roots at Kuhar Family Farm and Be Golden Farms.
Heritage & Community: Throughout the year, the village gathers to honor its history with community potlucks, Poet Hours at the library, and performances at Conkling Hall.
onsite wellness partners
Our wellness offerings are guided by Emileigh Tanner, AHC, and Sarah Nelson, CYT. Together, they bring a deep and varied lineage of care, blending technical expertise with a grounded connection to the land:
Ayurveda & Vedic Tradition: Timeless wisdom for balanced living and clarity.
Plant Medicine: Botanical healing and foraged wellness from our surrounding woods.
Integrative Movement & Yoga: Practices to settle the mind and ground the body.
Sound Healing & Voicework: Restorative listening and therapeutic resonance.
Wellness here isn’t an extra, it’s part of the rhythm of our campus. Whether it’s a morning yoga session or a guided walk through the Huyck Preserve, these moments are built into your stay to help you reconnect with yourself and the land.
Getting to and around campus
We are thrilled to welcome you to Hilltown Commons. Our 100-acre campus is a place for deep focus, creative connection, and "muddy boots" exploration. Because we are located in a historic, rural corner of Upstate New York, a little preparation goes a long way.
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Driving is the best way to get to Hilltown Commons. Our campus is remote, and having your own car makes arriving, departing, and getting around much easier. There is plenty of onsite parking.
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You can also take the train or bus to Hudson or Albany. Both are about a 45-minute drive from campus. Because there are no local cabs or ride shares, please let us know if you’ll need a pickup or haven’t arranged a car service so we can assist.
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Flying into NYC or Albany is another option; from these central hubs, we recommend renting a car to reach campus. Because there are no local cabs or rideshares, please let us know if you’ll need a pickup or haven’t arranged a car service so we can assist.
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Our campus is easily walkable, with parking available at each residence. Our staff is always happy to escort you to your building. Please plan to arrive first at the Gugg, located at 63 Huyck Road, where we’ll direct you to your accommodations.