ABOUT REST CO.
A Place Where History Meets Hospitality
Nestled on seven acres in the heart of the Catskills, Rest Co. tells a story of transformation—from a 1940s chicken coop to an intimate boutique hotel where rest is not just encouraged, but celebrated.
Just 10 minutes from the legendary Woodstock Festival site, our property pays homage to that same spirit of taking it easy and disconnecting from the everyday. Vintage negatives and art from the original Woodstock Festival adorn our walls, reminding guests to slow down and simply be.
Rest Co. is owned by Blake and lovingly managed by a dedicated family team: Awnna oversees day-to-day operations, Sean handles maintenance and scouts new properties, and Tanner assists with maintenance and new projects. Together, they've built a hospitality portfolio that spans New York, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina—but Rest Co. remains something special.
The property itself has a remarkable history. Originally a chicken coop with a cottage, it was transformed by two friends, Max and Heath, who gutted the building during the pandemic and reimagined it as a boutique hotel. When Heath tragically passed away in a car accident, Blake discovered the property through a Twitter message and felt an instant connection—so much so that Max noted Blake's resemblance to Heath in both appearance and spirit.
Today, Rest Co. features distinctive double Dutch doors on each room—a nod to the property's agricultural past—and the original cottage has been beautifully restored into a two-bedroom accommodation. With the capacity to sleep just 14 guests when fully booked, we've created an experience where privacy feels effortless, even at capacity.
Our Story
Our Philosophy
At Rest Co., we believe in giving you the rest you truly need. That means anticipating your needs before you ask, respecting your space and privacy, and delivering a luxury experience without ever being intrusive. We're not in your face—we're simply there when you need us.
We're also proud to be pet-friendly, because we understand that for many guests, rest means having their furry companions by their side. Our seven acres provide plenty of space for your four legged friends to explore and enjoy the Catskills alongside you.
Meet the Team
Christopher Antonio, General Manager
From Napa Valley to the Catskills, Christopher's journey has been guided by one passion: serving people. After earning his bachelor's degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, he spent four years at Blue Hill at Stone Barns—the second-best restaurant in America—where he learned the art of anticipating guest needs and crafting personalized experiences.
Now a Level 1 Court of Master Sommeliers student (currently pursuing his wine studies), Christopher brings a worldly perspective shaped by Michelin-star fine dining and a deep understanding of hospitality. He oversees all day-to-day operations at Rest Co., including our culinary program, bookings, and events.
But perhaps what makes Christopher truly special is his approach: he takes time to understand each guest, thoughtfully tailoring their experience based on their interests and how they'll enjoy the area most. When he's not perfecting the guest experience, you'll find him fully immersed in his new life as a Catskills outdoorsman—fishing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and bird watching. It's a far cry from California's 80-degree days, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Lauren Johnson, Beverage Manager
Lauren is a Level 3 Court of Master Sommeliers student (one level away from the top), with the rare superpower of guiding blind tastings—she can identify a wine's soil type, region, and character just by taste. Having spent years as a wine captain at the renowned Nobu in Malibu, where she oversaw a portfolio featuring wines valued at over $10,000, Lauren brings serious expertise and an approachable passion for wine to Rest Co. She also oversees our housekeeping team, ensuring every detail of your stay feels seamless.
The Land & Location
Our seven-acre property is home to families of deer, a recently nested bald eagle, and countless geese and herons that visit our pond. Just five miles from Bethel Woods (the Woodstock concert venue), we're in the perfect location for guests who want to catch a show from April through September—concerts happen almost every weekend.
What Makes Us Different
We're small. We're intentional. And we understand that true luxury isn't about being pampered at every turn—it's about being given the space to rest, exactly how you need to.
Whether you're exploring hiking trails, trying your hand at fly fishing (this area is the birthplace of American dry fly fishing), walking to the original Woodstock site, or simply sitting on our seven acres watching wildlife, you'll find what you came for: permission to slow down.
