Grateful woods

KERHONKSON, NY

A place that transcends time and enchants all who come to visit

Grateful Woods was Marc & Casey Ende’s first property that sparked their love for hospitality and ultimately led to the creation of Root & Ramble.

From natural waterfalls, meadows, and hiking trails to fire pits and garden nooks for gathering the whole group, the sprawling woods contain infinite wonders for guests to explore. There is also an on-site farm where guests can get to know the sweet animals (cow, goats, chickens, horses, and more!) who get to call this place home.

With custom branding, an active digital presence, printed collateral, and more, Root & Ramble continues to evolve and expand Grateful Woods, infusing a bit more magic into it every day.

years worked on

2019: Property acquisition and begin renovations
2022: Barn and Cottage renovations complete
2023: Lodge renovations complete
2024: Farm House renovations complete
Present: Available to guests with ongoing improvements

size (BED / BATH)

The Lodge – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Farmhouse – 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Cottage – 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Barn – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

INVOLVEMENT

Ownership, Construction & Design, Hospitality Development, Guest Experience, Rental Strategy & Operations, Branding, Website Design & Management, Digital Marketing, and Collateral & Merch

OWNERSHIP

In 2019, Marc and Casey Ende, founders of Root & Ramble, discovered an abandoned horsefarm while searching for a wedding venue. Inspired by the property’s potential and with a vision of turning it into their dream space, Marc and Casey purchased the farm and started renovations immediately. From 2019 until 2024, they lived on-site in various units, all while revitalizing the grounds and accommodations. As each unit was completed, they moved into the next in order to welcome guests to experience everything they built. While Marc and Casey no longer live on the property, Grateful Woods will always be home.

Before

After

construction & design

Root & Ramble renovated, furnished, and renovated the existing units, as well as updated landscaping and built new agriculture infrastructure. To create an immersive experience, renovations also included the addition of outdoor amenities such as multiple fire pits, a pool, and a variety of sports & games. Through intentional construction and design, Grateful Woods offers guests a one-stop destination for both comfort and adventure.

HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT

Root & Ramble executed hospitality development for Grateful Woods by creating thoughtfully considered spaces on the property that cater to large groups, ensuring an unforgettable stay. Root & Ramble collaborates with local partners to enhance the guest experience, such as private dinners, classes on property, and more.

GUEST EXPERIENCE

Guests have a direct line of communication with Root & Ramble to ensure their stay goes smoothly. Upon arrival, visitors can take advantage of the custom property guides and signage to easily navigate the property. Each nook and cranny of Grateful Woods was considered to enhance guest experience — from games like bocce ball and tether ball to amenities like hammocks with waterfall views and sitting areas nestled in the woods.

RENTAL STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

Root & Ramble defined Grateful Woods’ ideal customer profile as large groups who want to gather, and developed the physical and digital identities to optimize rental performance.

BRANDING

Root & Ramble crafted the brand identity for Grateful Woods through developing primary and secondary logos, a refined color palette, a typography suite, and comprehensive brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all guest-facing touchpoints.

website

To maintain a strong digital presence, Root & Ramble designed Grateful Woods’ custom website that showcases the ample amenities, multi-unit lodging options, and sprawling grounds. The site allows guests to explore retreat possibilities, envision their stay, and connect with Root & Ramble directly for bookings.

Digital Marketing (Social Media & Content)

Root & Ramble works with photographers and creators on digital content to use across platforms. Root & Ramble also manages the active Instagram account (@grateful_woods) to reach new audiences, engage with the guests, and provide the latest updates.

collateral + merch

To ensure that every detail feels intentional from the moment of arrival until departure, Root & Ramble designed collateral for Grateful Woods. From property guides and printed branded material to on-site signage, these touches help create a seamless and immersive stay.

Root & Ramble also sourced high-quality blanks, designed custom graphics, and partnered with a local screenprinter to create Grateful Woods merch. The goal was to produce something that’s more than just fun to wear — these products were made for guests to cherish as a keepsake and as a lasting reminder of the memories made on the property.