How and why did you end up in Sullivan County? What drew you to such a rural place—and to opening businesses there?
Where some people dream of moving out of the city to slow down, we saw the opposite: a place where we could roll up our sleeves and build something of our own in a community where we instantly felt rooted.
As we spent more time in the area, we met others who were in their own early stages of building businesses or bringing long-held dreams to life. There was a sense of camaraderie and encouragement rather than competition. The region then was still a bit down on its heels, but there was a shared belief that the Catskills could reclaim a bit of the magic it was once known for. Looking back, I think we’ve watched that spark catch.
Why did you buy and reopen the North Branch Cider Mill? What’s your long-term vision for it?
For several years, Anna and I were working with the owners of Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery on the design and build of The Boarding House in Callicoon. Our commute took us past the old North Branch Cider Mill almost daily. You couldn’t miss its charm—even as it slowly fell to the elements.
We started asking questions, poking around, learning its history. The more we learned, the more we felt drawn to it. Growing up in places where history is woven into the fabric of everyday life, I think we both missed being surrounded by it. The cider mill had operated continuously from 1942 until 1999; letting it disappear felt like losing a tangible piece of Sullivan County’s story.
Eventually, we became convinced we were the right people to bring it back. That led to an 18-month pursuit to buy a building that wasn’t even for sale—countless three-hour drives to meet with the owner—until we finally closed in December 2022.
Our long-term goal blends restoration with reinvention. We want to honor its past (much of which was shaped by an English couple in the ’70s and ’80s), bring in elements from the places we grew up, and weave in the full identity of Homestedt.
In simple terms, the North Branch Cider mill stays true to its history, an old-fashioned country store, a century old cider press that we’re still trying to bring back to life, and a soon to open cafe and tea room. Next door, The House of Homestedt, is our vision for country living. As part home design and build company, we always dreamed of creating a space that actually feels like a house where you could touch feel, and buy everything for the home (including actual homes). Inside you’ll find our collection of antiques, custom furniture and decor, home design studio and on site wood shop where we design many of the elements that go into our houses and products. Both properties are connected by an idyllic patch of land that sits on a creek and is home to our greedy family of goats (we sell feed for them in the shop), plenty of outdoor seating, and hopefully at some point in the future we’ll turn our shepherds hut into a drinks and ice cream stand. Ultimately, we want North Branch to be a place where everyone feels welcome—somewhere you can pop in for basics or spend an entire afternoon with family and friends.
Why do you believe in investing in small businesses and small towns?
We’ve always been drawn to the individuality of small towns. Each one has its own character, its own stories, its own rhythm created over generations. Independent businesses become the carriers of that history—hubs that connect neighbors and help visitors understand the soul of a place. Being part of that feels meaningful. It feels like contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
How would you describe the North Branch Cider Mill to someone who’s never been?
On the surface, North Branch Cider Mill is an old-fashioned country store and historic cider press. But at its core it’s an experience of rural living – from the honey made by a third-generation beekeeper, to a classically designed and built farmhouse dining table made. It’s retail the way it used to be; every item chosen with intention, sold with pride, and carrying a story. A place where everyone who walks in the door is greeted warmly and welcomed into a tradition that feels like it’s always been there, because it has. It’s a living thread to a rural way of life and a reflection of the community it serves. It’s a place where everyone who walks in the door is greeted warmly and welcomed into a space that feels like it’s always been there—because it has.
But it’s also more than that. It’s a living thread of local history and a reflection of the community it serves.
How have the first two years been? What’s next?
Up here we measure our time here not in years but in winters… And getting through these first two has had its share of highs and lows. The support from the community has been extraordinary. People come in and share their memories of the mill, often going back generations, and seeing their joy as the building comes back to life has been incredibly rewarding. Then keeping spirts high during the ice and snow storms of winter has been tough, and negating the bureaucracy of getting a 100-year old cider press to meet modern health codes has been even tougher. But this place breeds resilient people, and we intend to persevere.
What’s your favorite item you carry and why?
