Jamie McDonald

Troutbeck

  • Where:
  • Why:Weekend break.
  • When:March 2018
  • Who:Me + my better looking better half.
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Troutbeck The Dining Room. Using banquets, fireplaces and warm lighting, the dining room has ‘I think I’ll stay a while’ comfortable feeling to it. Unlike New York City, it feels like your meal is not to be rushed; nor should it be. The food is world class.

The Dining Room. Using banquets, fireplaces and warm lighting, the dining room has ‘I think I’ll stay a while’ comfortable feeling to it. Unlike New York City, it feels like your meal is not to be rushed; nor should it be. The food is world class.

Troutbeck Tie on the door: there is so much character at Troutbeck at every stage of your stay. My favourite touch was the tie you can hang on the door to make sure no one comes in… and to let your neighbours know you are mid cuddle.

Tie on the door: there is so much character at Troutbeck at every stage of your stay. My favourite touch was the tie you can hang on the door to make sure no one comes in… and to let your neighbours know you are mid cuddle.

Troutbeck Breakfast: I don’t know about you but after a brisk early morning walk, there is nothing better to come to than tea and toast with marmalade. I was thrilled to see that on the menu and leapt at the chance to feel like a kid again.

Breakfast: I don’t know about you but after a brisk early morning walk, there is nothing better to come to than tea and toast with marmalade. I was thrilled to see that on the menu and leapt at the chance to feel like a kid again.

Troutbeck The Bedroom Porch: an addictive part of the setup is that our bedroom had an indoor porch with a bath on it so you could soak away stresses and then lie in the sunshine on the sunbed while still feeling like you were half outside.

The Bedroom Porch: an addictive part of the setup is that our bedroom had an indoor porch with a bath on it so you could soak away stresses and then lie in the sunshine on the sunbed while still feeling like you were half outside.

Troutbeck The Drawing Room. In England, your vocabulary will give away your breeding faster than your old school tie, so the use of ‘drawing room’ rather than ‘lounge’ is very deliberate. This room may be the most perfect room for reading a good book I have come across in a while.

The Drawing Room. In England, your vocabulary will give away your breeding faster than your old school tie, so the use of ‘drawing room’ rather than ‘lounge’ is very deliberate. This room may be the most perfect room for reading a good book I have come across in a while.

Troutbeck The Bedroom. Our bedroom was beautifully designed in that effortless way. There is no over decorating but every finish has been perfectly thought out. Its simplicity is consuming and it’s tough to leave, which may also depend on whom you are sharing it with.

The Bedroom. Our bedroom was beautifully designed in that effortless way. There is no over decorating but every finish has been perfectly thought out. Its simplicity is consuming and it’s tough to leave, which may also depend on whom you are sharing it with.

Troutbeck The Games Room: no country house in England is complete without a games room, but unlike many others I’ve been to back home, this is in a bright and light room to keep spirits high. The games rooms back home are usually far more dark and sinister and not often just a game of pool.

The Games Room: no country house in England is complete without a games room, but unlike many others I’ve been to back home, this is in a bright and light room to keep spirits high. The games rooms back home are usually far more dark and sinister and not often just a game of pool.

Highs & Lows

  • No offense America, but I’ve been to many rustic hotels trying to copy the feel of an English Country House, but no one has succeeded like Troutbeck. It’s inviting, comfortable and relaxing at every turn.

  • The design is simple and functional to a tee; I would say the danger with trying to create a high end rustic vibe is to over crowd rooms but Troutbeck bravely haven’t and it works.

  • Location. The magic 2 hour limit from NYC means Troutbeck have got the distance just right and it actually adds to the experience that they are the last stop on the line.

  • The Founder. I got the chance to spend time with Anthony and his wife, Charlie, and theor friends and they are fabulous. This is always the last piece of the puzzle for me; what kind of people will come. I can see so clearly what a success this will be because it’s Soho Farm House without the ego and attitude.

  • They are very new so I feel like the hotel has yet to be tested and despite the fact my stay was perfect, you may come across some tiny road bumps.

  • It’s a small point, but if you are a light sleeper then bring ear plugs only because they have stuck religiously to the feel of a country home which means the odd creaky floorboard and door slam, although I’m sure they will get ironed out in time.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Plastic Free

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 48/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Boutique Upstate Hotel

  • Vibe

    Country house meets Soho House (Although I think they might hate the comparison).

  • Location

    Ideal –last stop on the Metro at Wassaic so far enough to feel away from it all but close enough to the city to get there easily.

  • Rooms

    37

  • Music

    Playful pop music, nothing intrusive.

  • Year Opened

    2017

  • Designed By

    Anthony Champalimaud and his Mum, Alexandra.

  • Health & Wellness

    Outdoor pool.

  • Restaurant

    Amazing. Chef is Marcel Agnez, previously of the Plaza New York City.

  • Bar

    Yes...simple, rustic, beautiful.

  • Minibar

    Don’t think so. Might have missed it.

  • Children

    I think they would have a blast.

  • Price

    Great value for New York.

  • Website

    Visit website

The Stony Church hike to the caves

The Stony Church hike to the caves

Stone Church, Stone Church Ln, Dover Plains, Dover, NY, USA

Winter activities

Winter activities

Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT, USA

Troutbeck

Troutbeck

515 Leedsville Rd, Amenia, NY, USA

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