The Best Barn You'll Ever Stay In

Yes, this review is about a barn.  But a very special barn, at a very special resort.  ("Retreat" is actually a better word, as there is definitely nothing "resorty" about it.)

Old Stone Farm is a very unique place, a 200 yr old working horse farm just 2 hours from New York city via a scenic drive or train ride along the Hudson River.  

On arrival you can tell there's nothing else like it.  A gravel driveway meanders through the gorgeous sprawling grounds (236 acres!), and you find yourself surrounded by horse corrals and trees.  A sign points you to the “office,” a house that looks like it is centuries old but is in fact quite new, an accurate replica of an old farmstead.

The welcoming committee

Dining area

View from the "office"

The staff picks up guests at the Rhinecliff Amtrak station.  But if you drove, your car will be valeted to a parking area until you need it again. All the buildings are close enough to walk to, but if it’s raining or you just don’t feel like walking, staff can shuttle you in a golf cart. 

Next you’ll be taken to your room, a short walk across the lawn to a big beautiful red barn.  Yes, a barn.  A really old barn.  And yes, your room will look old, but very charming.  However don’t let looks deceive you.  The barn was completely gutted down to the frame and rebuilt with all modern, luxurious amenities.  So the only really old things are the timbers visible in the walls, and the antiques and accent pieces, which are authentic.

The barn

The upstairs lounge

Rest assured you’ll be comfortable, enjoying a queen size bed with organic mattress and Frette sheets, a private bathroom, robe, safe, and beautiful artwork.   And a pretty awesome view.  

Old look, modern comfort

Love the medicine cabinet & shutters!

Aaaaah!

For a special treat, book a loft room on the second floor, or the sole two room suite with extra seating and a desk.

Two room suite

Writing desk in the suite

Ready for a spa treatment?  You simply walk down to the first floor, where you’ll find 3 massage rooms, 1 wet room, 2 locker rooms and 2 cedar steam cabinets.

 

Have a seat!

A separate four bedroom/3 bath guest house, with its own yard enclosed by a white picket fence, is perfect for a family or couples traveling together.   It has a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dining area, and spacious living room with fireplace. A fun feature:  a bedroom upstairs has a “secret door” that leads to a play room with toys.

 

The Guesthouse

Living room

Private yard

Guests have access to the horses and can hang out with the trainers, and also book riding lessons or an Eponaquest workshop.  There are some hiking trails around the property, and many outdoor spaces ideal for weddings or other events.  Another beautiful barn with a large open space on the ground floor hosts complimentary daily yoga in the morning, but can also be set up for weddings, cocktail parties, or corporate events.

 

Allison, the resident horse-whisperer

Horses, horses, horses!

This is truly a unique place, perfect for anyone seeking a serene, relaxing getaway.  A typical day consists of yoga, spa treatments, short hikes, a riding lesson or just hanging out with the horses, and relaxing.

The yoga barn and event space

A walk in the woods

Or picnic by a pond

But if you want a little more to do, there are plenty of activities nearby, though you would need to have your own car.  You can go wine tasting, tour the Roosevelt or Vanderbilt mansions,  or go kayaking, tubing, or hiking.  For a special treat visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to see an old-fashioned air show and take a bi-plane ride! Then come “home” to enjoy a wonderful gourmet dinner, and relax with a glass of wine and a book.

Playing on the water

Up, up, and away!

The property just opened in 2013, so it’s not on everyone’s radar yet. As there are less than a dozen rooms, I recommend going sooner rather than later before the word gets out.  To make a reservation, contact me for more information, and I will also reach out to the general manager to make sure he personally oversees your arrangements.