The Rosmarins

The Rosmarins, often referred to as Rosmarins Cottages or Rosmarins Bungalow Colony, is a living piece of New York history. Established in 1941 and owned by the same family for three generations, this cluster of approximately 100 whitewashed cottages offers a unique summer experience that feels like a trip back to a simpler era. Located in the bucolic foothills of Monroe, New York, it represents the classic "bungalow colony" tradition that once thrived throughout the Catskills. For families in the New York metropolitan area, The Rosmarins serves as a "Utopia" where the modern pressures of scheduled playdates and screen time are replaced by the sounds of birds, bullfrogs, and children running freely across sprawling green lawns.

The atmosphere at The Rosmarins is unpretentious, low-key, and deeply nostalgic. If you attended summer camp as a child, you will immediately recognize the rustic charm of these one- and two-bedroom units. While the bungalows may be basic—retaining original 1940s character with screened-in porches and linoleum floors—they provide exactly what is needed for a relaxing summer. The community is built on a "renters only" model, fostering a tight-knit environment where everyone knows their neighbors. It is a multi-generational destination where grandparents who once attended as children now watch their own grandchildren play in the same fields, creating a safe and welcoming secular community that welcomes visitors from across the five boroughs and beyond.

Location and accessibility are two of the colony's strongest features for New York residents. Situated at 12 School Rd in Monroe, NY, the property is just over an hour's drive from Manhattan. This convenient proximity makes it an ideal choice for families where one parent may need to commute to the city during the week while the rest of the family enjoys the mountain air. The colony is nestled in the foothills of the Hudson Valley, providing a serene escape that is still remarkably close to local conveniences. The town center of Monroe is nearby, and for those who enjoy a bit of modern retail therapy, the famous Woodbury Common Premium Outlets are only a ten-minute drive away.

The sprawling 100-acre property is designed for ease of movement and safe exploration. Because the community prioritizes a "car-free" feeling within the residential areas, parents can feel secure allowing their children to wander between bungalows. The grounds are accessible via major local roads, and the property itself features plenty of on-site parking for residents and their guests. Whether you are coming up for a full summer stay from Memorial Day to Labor Day or visiting friends who lease a unit, the accessibility of the site makes it a stress-free destination for anyone in the Hudson Valley region.

• Full summer bungalow rentals (Memorial Day through Labor Day) with the option to return to the same unit year after year.
• Winter storage availability, allowing seasonal residents to keep their belongings in their cottages during the off-season.
• Professionally supervised day camp on-site (Rosmarins Day Camp) offering sports, arts and crafts, fishing, and field trips for children ages 3-15.
• Adult programming and facilitated discussions on global issues, history, and the arts in the community luncheonette.
• Weekly Saturday night live entertainment featuring lounge singers and comedians at the "Casino" event hall.
• Organized sports leagues, including a popular Tuesday night bowling league.
• Van service to the Monroe town center for evening shopping and dining trips.

The highlights of life at The Rosmarins center on community and outdoor recreation. The facility boasts a magnificent reservoir lake where residents can go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Fishing is a popular pastime, with many residents practicing catch-and-release. For those who prefer a more controlled swimming environment, there is a large heated pool along with a heated kiddie pool and an expansive sundeck. The colony also features multiple playgrounds and a variety of sports courts, ensuring that there is never a dull moment for active families.

• Heated swimming pool and separate kiddie pool for all-day summer fun.
• Private lake access for fishing, canoeing, and rowing.
• Two red clay tennis courts and facilities for basketball, softball, and handball.
• The "Casino" — a large historic event hall with a stage for shows and community gatherings.
• Unstructured "free range" playtime for children in a safe, gated environment.
• Spontaneous potluck barbecues and "nosh" sessions on lawn chairs.
• Screened-in porches on every bungalow, perfect for enjoying the "country silence" and evening breezes.

For more information about joining this unique summer community, interested parties can contact the management office directly. Because the colony is not open to the general public, tours and rental inquiries should be arranged in advance to experience the property's charm firsthand.

Address: 12 School Rd, Monroe, NY 10950, USA

Phone: (845) 783-7222

Mobile Phone: +1 845-783-7222

What is worth choosing about The Rosmarins is the opportunity to give your family a gift that is increasingly rare in the modern world: the gift of time and freedom. In an era of hyper-supervised playdates and constant digital engagement, The Rosmarins offers a "time portal" back to a childhood of independence. It is worth choosing because it provides a genuine community where children learn social skills, empathy, and creativity through unstructured play, all while under the watchful but distant eyes of a neighborhood that functions as one large family.

The cost-effectiveness of a full summer rental—allowing you to "own" a vacation home for the season for a single fee—makes it a practical alternative to the expensive and often crowded Hamptons or Jersey Shore. The inclusion of a top-tier day camp and a full schedule of adult activities ensures that every member of the family has an enriching summer. At The Rosmarins, you aren't just renting a small cottage; you are buying into a lifestyle that values relaxation, history, and the simple joy of sitting on a lawn chair with friends. For New Yorkers looking for a meaningful and nostalgic escape, it is a "slice of paradise" that has stood the test of time.

Would you like me to help you look into the current summer rental rates for the upcoming season or perhaps find more details on the day camp schedule for specific age groups?