Troutbeck

The bucolic Troutbeck is a family-friendly home base for exploring the Hudson Valley.

​Stretched along​ the​ ​borders of ​Connecticut and Massachusetts​, the scenic Hudson Valley has been home to humanists and artists for centuries, including Troutbeck’s one-time owner, the poet-naturalist Myron Benton. A peer of Emerson and Thoreau, Benton was born and raised in Amenia and lived on this estate in the late 19th century. Today, his former manor house-turned-hotel offers a countryside escape that is easily reached from New York by a two-hour train or car ride for travelers looking to trade the urban bustle for some rural relaxation.

The 36 guest rooms and suites—spread among the main house and the Century House, which was the original structure on the property—feature modern and simple décor, including Frette linens, Malin + Goetz products and heated floors in the bathrooms. Guests can also hunker down in the hotel’s intimate public spaces, including a library, sun room and various nooks for reading or playing board games in front of a crackling fire. The hotel’s restaurant draws visitors and locals alike for its farm-to-table fare, which is directly sourced from small farms in the neighboring valley.

The 45-acre property lends itself to simple relaxation and outdoor activities that cater to both families and couples. There are two tennis courts, a small pool, a space for yoga and Pilates and three trout pools accessible only to guests. The surrounding area boasts multiple biking and hiking trails, ​and the property can arrange guided fishing excursions, river rafting trips, horseback riding and skiing in the winter. Troutbeck also offers access to the nearby towns of Millbrook and Salisbury, but other notable sites—including the open-air museum and sculpture park at Storm King Art Center—are located more than an hour away, so a car is recommended for further exploration.

Couples and families looking for a cozy, value-oriented home base in the Hudson Valley that is easily accessible from New York.

Those who need top-notch room product​ and service​ ​or ​a comprehensive spa​ and ​wellness element. Travelers who prefer an adults-only environment should ​consider​ Glenmere Mansion, since Troutbeck accepts ​children​ of all ages.