Have you ever planned a getaway around a hotel? I do it all the time. In late July, we booked a quick trip to the Hudson Valley/Berkshires/Litchfield area primarily so I could stay at The Inn at Kenmore Hall, which has been tempting me since its opening in mid-2018. The reason? I’ve long-admired Frank Muytjens’ designs and aesthetic. (At one time, he was head of menswear for J.Crew.) Muytjens and his partner, Scott Edward Cole, have created an comfortable but elegant bed-and-breakfast, lending their personal touch to the historic Berkshires property, and creating outdoor spaces that take advantage of the site’s majestic views.* (I was constantly taking mental design notes over our stay.)
An abbreviated synopsis of our escapades …
Day One: Late-morning arrival and late-afternoon check-in means time to explore straight away. After securing the rental car, we headed south from Albany. Our first stop was Hudson, where we walked Warren Street, popping into Finch and Clove&Creek, before making our way to Talbott and Arding. (I was eager to see their brand-new location on Allen Street. Selfishly, I miss the charm of their cozy original space, but at the same time am happy they’re growing and thriving.)
As many Hudson shops are closed mid-week, we grabbed a sandwich at Olde Hudson and soldiered on. Next stop, Millbrook, home to the brand-new garden and home shop Orangerie, whose greenhouse and gardens did not disappoint. (There was a photo shoot taking place the day of our visit, so I’m guessing that a shelter mag feature is forthcoming.)
Goals for the day secured, we wound our way back north, stopping whenever the view demanded it, including a stop to poke around Millerton’s shopping area. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted, given a tour of the house and property, unpacked, and then headed to Lenox for an early dinner at Bistro Zinc.
Day Two: Our day started with breakfast delivered to the door of our cottage. (I’m still thinking about the doughnuts that were a surprise extra to our order!) Motivated to stay outdoors as much as possible, we decided to visit the gardens (and house) at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home in Lenox. It was a warm and sunny day, perfect for walking the wooded property, taking in the contemporary sculpture exhibition and chatting with local group of artists who were on site painting en plein air.
Our tour complete, we started the day’s explorations, including the find of the trip, Stockton’s Lost Lamb Patisserie. Owner Claire Raposo, a 21-year-old graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, had me completely charmed with her petite boutique full of tasty pastries and treats and darling branded accessories.
Cookies procured, we then continued on to Great Barrington, serendipitously discovering a brand-new wine shop, Départ (and a quick pop-in to Rubiners) before heading to Connecticut for lunch on the lawn at The White Hart Inn (takeaway sandwiches from their Provisions shop) before heading to New Preston to have a thorough exploration of the visual and retail wonder, Plain Goods.
Circling back home, we ended the day at the Prairie Whale, with pizza and wine in their — surprise! — summer pizza garden.
Day Three: Our leaving-day breakfast was served on the Inn’s patio/terrace and yes, there were more doughnuts! We packed our bags, headed back to the Lost Lamb for a couple more cookies (where we were met with a healthy waiting-for-opening-time queue) and hit the road. En route to Albany, we stopped at Bartlett House in Ghent before returning to Hudson for lunch (hotdogs at Buttercup, though I regret not trying the lobster roll) and one last shop wander, including a favorite interiors/antiques/inspiration shop, Red Chair on Warren, The Secret Gardener, Nine Cakes (more cookies!), Florent (natural skincare), as well as a peek into James Coviello and Warren Battle‘s jewel-box of a summer pop-up.
Getaway complete, we returned to Albany, boarded our flight, and it was back to reality. Until next time …
all photos, layout and type by jane potrykus
*you can read more about the property’s history, take a virtual tour from the Inn’s early days and of course, follow along on Instagram
One Comment
Everything looks perfect!!!