Aaaaaah Italy…..the gorgeous Tuscan villa, the marble fountains, the manicured gardens , the lake views ….the dolce vita of it all! WAIT, we’re not in Italy? We’re only 50 miles from New York? Surprisingly, yes.
Located in Chester, New York, Glenmere Mansion was once the private country retreat of industrialist Robert Goelet. In 1911, inspired by the glamorous Italian mansions he visited in Tuscany, Goelet commissioned architects Carrere & Hastings to build his weekend escape on a hilltop overlooking Glenmere Lake. He also hired America’s first female landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand to design the gardens.
After falling into disrepair, the mansion was recently given a $30-million 4-year makeover to transform it into a luxurious 18-room hotel. Original doors, moldings, working fireplaces, and architectural details were restored to their former glory while interior designer Scott Snyder used antiques, luxe fabrics, and contemporary art to create wonderfully sophisticated rooms. The hotel set on 150 acres, just opened its doors this past year and is a member of Relais & Chateaux.
Lots of inspiration here. Read on for ideas:
BLACK & TAN: Against a neutral palette of greige and cream,black lampshades and black and white photography adds instant glam. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Northampton Beige.
SUITE FLOORPLAN: For those of you trying to maximize your space in studio apartments, take a cue from the clever furniture layout above. A small sofa at the foot of the bed faces a coffee table which is flanked by two arm chairs and an ottoman. This creates a chic little living space within the room. The octagonal mirror is from Beacon Hill and the art is a woodcut called Tapestry 2009 by artist Charlie Hewitt.
SOFA CHIC: Adding a print to the base cushion of a couch is a fun idea. Here, a custom red sofa features lively Etro print cushion and pillows. The red leather chaise is from Linda Horn Antiques and covered in crocodile embossed leather.
CONTEMPORARY ART POP: Colorful contemporary art pops against dark walls, a nice change from gallery white walls.
HEAVENLY BATHROOMS: Incredible! These roomy bathrooms feature marble floors and walls, seriously deep soaking tubs, inlaid dressing tables, and blue and white china resulting in one of the most stunning bathrooms ever.
The hotel would be an amazing place to spend a few cozy winter nights. It would also be a dreamy setting for a wedding. And if you can’t get to Italy, it’s the next best thing.
Ciao!
