Create Wildly.
Connect Meaningfully.

Hilltown Commons

☼ Rensselaerville, NY

Hidden among the hills of rural Upstate New York, Hilltown Commons is a creative campus where artists, thinkers, and seekers come together for residencies, retreats, and gatherings rooted in community and place.

In a world that moves fast and lives online, we make space for what’s real: firepits and late-night talks, stargazing and shared meals, the kind of connection that only happens when you slow down and show up.

NOT A HOTEL. NOT A RESORT. A COMMONS.

What is hilltown commons?

People gathered around a campfire at night outdoors, with a starry sky and trees in the background.
ABOUT US

Because shared moments are messy, magical, and uniquely yours

Lake Myosotis - Huyck Preserve

paths to explore

Various colorful abstract paintings scattered on a surface with a blue cloth and a small booklet.
Workshops

Try something new or deepen a skill you already love. From crafts and wilderness skills to creative arts and scientific exploration, our hands-on workshops bring people together to experiment, learn, and grow. Lifelong learning here is engaging, practical, and full of discovery.

Group of people walking along a trail in a park with autumn trees and a sign that reads 'HIlltown Commons'.
Retreats

Swap fluorescent lights for mountain views. At Hilltown Commons, teams unplug, reconnect, and create together, whether hiking the trails between sessions, sharing meals under the stars, or gathering in historic spaces designed for focus and collaboration. Every retreat is customizable, so your group can balance structured workshops, guided activities, or simple downtime exactly as you like.

An outdoor wedding setup in a forest with wooden chairs arranged on either side of a floral aisle, decorated with flowers in vases, and a wooden arch at the end of the aisle. Persian rugs are laid out on the ground.
events

Celebrate, gather, and make memories. From outdoor living-room weddings to porch concerts and milestone birthdays by the fire, Hilltown Commons’ historic mansions, meadows, and flexible spaces set the stage for unforgettable moments. Every event is customizable, so you can create the flow, scale, and atmosphere that feels just right for you and your guests.

SHARED AIR

We believe artists need time and space to create. Our artist-in-residence program offers both.

A colorful illustrated map of Hilltown, featuring landmarks like Lake Myosotis, Lake View Cottage, the Brewery, and the Village. It depicts various wildlife such as deer, birds, and fish, along with buildings, roads, and trees, with a creative, hand-drawn style.

Life at Hilltown commons

At Hilltown Commons, nature meets vintage charm (with plumbing that could tell its own tales). Historic mansions, cozy en-suite rooms, and delightfully quirky wallpaper set the stage for workshops, hikes, stargazing, and fireside conversations. It’s a perfectly imperfect place to explore, create, and connect — and the story keeps unfolding.

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Whether you’re curious about life at Hilltown Commons, planning a visit, or hoping to bring your talents to our faculty, we’d love to hear from you.