The lush rolling hills of Upstate New York have been an obvious refuge for nearby city dwellers, especially in recent times, but with the opening of country retreat INNESS, named after American landscape painter George Inness (1825-1894), a much wider demographic is likely to fall under its spell. Set across 225-acre rural estate near Accord, and an approximately two-hour drive north from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the new property of New York City-based lifestyle entrepreneur Taavo Somer features just 12 guestrooms and 28 individual cabins, both in various sizes. The INNESS farmhouse, a charming two-storey wooden structure, is the heart of the property, featuring not only the guestrooms, but also a homey living room, dining room, library room with bar, billiards room and screened in porch with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. But let’s go back to the rooms, shall we?
All have been meticulously designed by design practice Post Company, featuring a mix of custom furnishings and carefully sourced vintage pieces, objects and artworks, and last but not least lighting made in collaboration with furniture and lighting company Roll & Hill. Mind you, the style may be rural and rustic at INNESS, but it’s modern comfort all the way. King beds have luxurious Frette linen, while the bathrooms come with matching Frette robes, towels and also Aesop products. There’s TV with STAYCAST streaming and complimentary WiFi. An urge to splurge? The 625 sq.ft. (58 sqm.) Grand King Cabin readily awaits. Although similarly furnished, the cabin comes with soothing extras, such as a private deck with sweeping country views, a kitchenette with mini-fridge, sink, utensils and dishware, and a woodburning stove.
Indeed, life is good at INNESS, and given the property’s expansive grounds, off-time has many pleasant guises here. The farmhouse restaurant features a welcoming setting of lime-washed walls, vintage chairs from a church in Belgium, and floor-to-ceiling windows with ample views of the grounds and surrounding countryside. It’s an all-day venue with different menus, listing seasonal food, cocktail and natural wines that are rooted in simplicity and thoughtfully prepared. From April through October, and perhaps longer if weather permits, the outdoor grill offers tasty dishes with local ingredients and prepared on the spot. Set in the lush grounds are two salt water pools—a large pool situated near the Events Barn with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a seasonal pool bar.
Situated just steps outside the front door of the farmhouse is a smaller circular pool. As of early next year, a spa & gym will offer guests even more ways to relax, but in the meantime the tennis court could offer some release. Last but not least, there’s a 9-hole golf course, designed by acclaimed practice King Collins, with no less than 45,000 sq.ft. (4,181 sqm.) of undulating putting surface that triples as the practice green and the green for the downhill Par 4 second and Par 5 ninth. The golf course even has its own shop brimming with all golf necessities while closer to the farmhouse another shop offers a slew of curated artisanal products. Needless to say, INNESS is also a unique party place, and the aforementioned Events Barn, a Dutch-style structure boasting a 4,000 sq.ft. (372 sqm.) of space, is able to accommodate almost any kind of event.
INNESS
10 Bank Street
Accord, NY 12404
Telephone: +1 845 3770030
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