This was one of the properties that originally inspired the creation of Upstater, a place so dreamy that a number of downstate residents thought about buying it together for a group retreat.

Well, many moons later, the place is still for sale, and more than $60,000 less than it was last year. In truth, it’s a seven-bedroom house, but there’s a dormitory-style addition built on the side that allows for many other guests. Would probably make a great writers’ colony.

Along with the views, it has over 28 acres, beautiful beamed ceilings and a long list of repairs: it needs a major renovation. Any takers?

234 Vista Maria Road, Cragsmoor. GMAP

Here’s an idea we’ve been batting around: buy a spectacular, slightly unaffordable place in the Catskills with, say, three other families. Each of us gets it for 13 weeks a year, with the option to rent it out any of those weeks to cover the mortgage. Yes, we know it’s rife with possibility for disaster, not to mention surfing the complications of tenancy-in-common. And who gets it for Christmas and Labor Day weekends?

All those details aside, this place is dreamy (sorry you can’t see much of it without registering on the site, but we’ll describe it for you here). It’s right at the bottom of the Shawangunks, south of Ellenville. Seven bedrooms, 7,000 square feet and 28 acres, all for $335,000. Did we mention the part about needing a fairly serious renovation? Well, yes, that complicates things, but even with $165,000 of work, it’s a fairly reasonable deal for four families. I mentioned the idea to several folks who said having it 13 weeks a year meant they wouldn’t feel guilty about occasionally vacationing elsewhere. We’re curious if other folks have tried this, where, and how it’s working out. Let us know.

Oh, and, right: wanna split this place with me?