Don’t just catch a glimpse of how the other half lives — experience it yourself, with an overnight stay at the super-luxe historic Glenmere Mansion, Hudson Valley’s only Relais & Chateaux property. Built in 1911 by Carrère and Hastings (who’d designed the New York Public Library) for Robert Goelet IV, scion of one of New York’s wealthiest families, the 35-room Tuscan-style country house in Chester, NY, reflected Americans’ then obsession with all things European. That included lots of imported marble — columns, fireplace mantels, staircases, fountains, terraces, statuary — ornamental plasterwork and wrought-iron accents, and outside, a central courtyard, walled pool and formal gardens.
All of it has been meticulously restored by the hotel’s current owners, who’ve added 21st-century comforts such as heated floors and iPod docking stations to the 19 guest rooms and suites. The public spaces, which include a formal restaurant, a tavern, a library and a sprawling lounge area, offer a tasteful blend of antiques and modern furnishings and artwork — exactly how you’d imagine designing it yourself, if you owned a grand mansion.
What hasn’t changed is the spectacular setting, on 150 rolling acres high atop a hill, with views of Glenmere Lake below and the Catskill Mountains in the distance. The property also boasts an outdoor pool, tennis and bocce courts, 2 miles of walking trails and a recently opened hammam-style spa.
CHECK IN Rooms from $650. 845-469-1900; glenmeremansion.com