Plan the Perfect Upstate Getaway This Winter

Amidst the arrival of winter, an escape to Upstate New York serves as an ideal retreat from the urban clamor of New York City, offering a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. Among the numerous destinations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, INNESS in Accord, New York, distinguishes itself as a premier property for a cozy stay, designed to facilitate a deeper connection with nature. This intimate country refuge and members club spans 225 acres, featuring 28 cabins and a 12-room farmhouse, all set against a bucolic landscape. Upon arrival at INNESS, approximately a 90-minute drive from New York City, guests are directed to park at the main lot, which houses the restaurant, a farm shop, and the check-in facility. After completing the check-in process, guests are transported to their accommodations, either a cabin or a farmhouse room, via Jeep or van. While cabins are conveniently located within walking distance of central gathering areas, a driver service is readily available for transport at any time. A communal farmhouse stands centrally among the cabins, offering a hub for guests to socialize. It features a lobby bar, a library, a game room equipped with a pool table, and a spacious kitchen where coffee and a continental breakfast are served. Throughout these common areas, fireplaces contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere, with each of the 12 farmhouse rooms also boasting its own fireplace, enhancing the cozy ambiance. The private cabins at INNESS similarly exude an intimate and homey feel. They are equipped with kitchenettes for preparing drinks and snacks, dining areas, and outdoor seating options. The decor throughout the property is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and neutral color palette, designed to promote a sense of serenity. The architectural design of INNESS, a collaboration between Taavo Somer and Post Company, draws inspiration from the region's Colonial Dutch architecture. The goal was to create minimal vernacular buildings that complement the natural landscape. The design emphasizes materiality and utilitarian function, incorporating rustic elements such as clapboard siding, divided lite windows, and cedar shakes, evoking an earlier era of American design. The property's extensive layout encourages guests to explore and reconnect with nature, aligning with the founders' original vision for INNESS. The campus-style plan necessitates moving outdoors between various buildings and activities, promoting exploration. Amenities include a 9-hole golf course designed by King Collins and a network of hiking trails that all loop back to the property, allowing guests to wander freely. For those seeking adventure, certain trail sections feature obstacles like wooden walls and ropes, though bypass routes are available. INNESS also provides two swimming pools, tennis courts, an events barn, and numerous seating areas strategically placed to offer scenic views. A 3-acre organic farm, managed by landscape designer Miranda Brooks, supplies produce for the on-site restaurant and lounge. The restaurant's menu highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from the Hudson Valley, featuring dishes such as endive and little gem salads, various pastas like gnocchetti with mushrooms, fusilloni cacio e pepe, and rigatoni with prosciutto, as well as local fish and NY strip steak. The restaurant's design mirrors the rustic elegance of the private accommodations, creating a warm, informal dining experience that encourages mingling among guests and locals. INNESS offers opportunities for winter wonderland escapes, including a New Year's Eve DJ and dance party in the barn. Looking ahead, a wellness building is slated to open in Fall 2023, which will include a fitness center, space for movement and yoga classes, a spa with five treatment rooms, a heated year-round plunge pool, and a sauna. For transportation to and from INNESS, the Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 is suggested as a luxurious and capable option, ideal for countryside travel. This vehicle is praised for its off-road performance, powerful engine (577 handcrafted horsepower, 4.5 seconds 0-60 mph), and advanced navigation system, which simplifies city driving. Its comfortable seats, designed to hug the body, enhance the driving experience, particularly during city traffic. Guests looking to extend their exploration can drive to Hyde Park, New York. This route passes through the bustling town of Rhinebeck, where visitors can stop for dining or shopping. Further historical exploration includes visits to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, which also houses his Presidential Library. The Vanderbilt Mansion, built between 1896 and 1899, offers a glimpse into "The Gilded Age" with its 54 rooms and original furnishings. Guided tours provide insights into the property's and family's history. Nearby, Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and presidential library offer an extensive indoor activity, particularly suitable for colder months, allowing visitors to delve into his four terms and presidential legacy. #UpstateGetaway #INNESS #HudsonValley #Catskills #LuxuryTravel #CabinLife #Design #NatureEscape #MercedesAMG #UpstateGetaway #INNESS #HudsonValley #Catskills #LuxuryTravel #CabinLife #Design #NatureEscape #MercedesAMG