8 Incredible Places to Film a Western in New York
The classic western! Raw, grungy, and known for their stunning landscapes, there’s an added sense of awe to their magnanimous shots. Be it the snowy valleys with spring creeks or golden dirt fields in summer peak, there are plenty of natural elements that need to be on screen to bring out the true aesthetic of the film or photo-shoot. The shots need to be rustic. The entire frame needs to be able to take you back in time. Simply put, the location of filming can be the make or break for a western. With Giggster, you're in luck. To help solve the location crisis in the Big Apple, we’ve scoured through our catalog of film and photo rentals available in New York and come up with this list of the 8 best places you can rent to film a Western. Read on to discover these amazing locations.
1) Rustic Farmhouse with 2 Barns on 17 Acres in Sloatsburg
Barns, haystacks and farmhouses … these are staple visuals in all Westerns. The old-school home really stands out in today’s modern world, adding to the Western feel. The property is spread over a large lot with a big dirt yard. There are also 2 neglected barns on site giving you more visual styles and features. Not only does this greatly help with the visual, bit it also lets light streak it, adding those special moments of magic that your camera can capture. The interiors also look and feel dated, which really helps sell the overall effect of the space.
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2) Horse Ranch in Wildlife Sanctuary near Mill Basin
A massive horse ranch with plenty of riding areas, there’s a lot more to this space that a single frame can capture. The ranch by itself has 2 fenced riding areas, one outdoor and one closed, allowing you all kinds of control over the light. In adding to the riding areas, there’s also a reception and an entire row of stables. But the magic of this property is in the immediate surroundings. Located in a wildlife preserve with over 400 acres of trails, and 3 miles of beachfront riding property, this is a great space for a Western. This kind of backdrop diversity really makes it seem like you’re in different places without having to travel too much. Perfect if you’re looking to film or shoot with different visual tones!
3) Private Timber Lake Farm in Pleasant Valley
A private 8,000 sq. ft. ranch that looks spectacular from all angles, this ranch home is opulent, luxurious, and definitely a space to consider for a Western. Custom furniture inside, vibrant and lush riding grounds around, and a lake on site, there really are many different aesthetics to this property that looks especially gorgeous when it snows.
4) NYC Ranch with Mountain Views in Saugerties
If you’re looking for seasonal western shots, especially if the season is fall or winter - then this is a listing you should look at closely. Housing a magical landscape of tall trees, sprawling fields, and rolling meadows, the climate really transforms the look of the space. The trees cover the entire spectrum of shades of yellow and green in the fall, which makes the scene extremely “wallpaper worthy”. There’s also an industrial barn, 2 wood sheds, 2 ponds and a kidney shaped pool available on site.
5) All Wood Bar in Oyster Bay
A magical listing that features a 1920's barn that has been transformed into a Western saloon style space, this venue has a beautiful stained wood bar, handmade tables, and plenty of on-camera character. Unique wine bottle lights illuminate the interiors of the bar where no matter where you point the camera, you're sure to capture some antiques and the rustic vibe on film!
6) 11 Acre Americana Estate in Warwick
A beautiful Americana home located atop an 11 acre hill property, this house and fields are Western worthy. The views are scenic no matter which direction you look and the entire home and lot has an air of class to it. In the spring the flowers and fruits trees bloom brightly, in summer the hay grows 5 feet high before cutting, and blows gently in the mountain breeze. In autumn the foliage can be breathtaking, and in winter the snow is deep outside while the wood-burning stove glows warm inside. There’s chances that a deer, wild turkey or a variety of wildlife may just show-up really enhancing the overall visual.
7) Red Dutch Dairy Barn in Millerton
A humble iconic red Dutch Dairy barn that stands as a testament to an agrarian life, this barn belong in a Western. The barn has high wood gambrel roof rafter in the upper loft section, and is largely in its original state with plenty of rustic charm. The barn is situated on an 88-acre property with two natural brooks, a working farm field, forested hills, views of the Taconic Mountain range, and an 1850s Greek-Revival farmhouse that also oozes in character.
8) 1860s Victorian Farm House in Wappingers Falls
A Victorian farm house with circa 1860s antiques and a few Gothic features in the architecture, there's a strong Western vibe to this listing. The home features a large master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a period style bath, and 2 parlors across the one-and-a-half acre lot. Inside the home looks visually rich with heavy fabrics and textures ideal to showcase a more average family home with a Western vibe.
And that’s our pick for the best locations for filming westerns in New York. Whether you’re looking to retain the old-school film cliches, or move them into a more modern space, that is a creative decision you get to make. And if you’re interested in knowing more, seeing more pictures, or just straight up sure you want to shoot at any of these locations, then please follow the links. However, in case you'd like to see more apt spaces for Westerns, please follow this link to view our collection of photo and film rentals available in New York City. Happy rolling!