Located approximately 90 miles from New York City, the Millbrook area combines the beauty and charm of horse and farm country with many resources nearby, ranging from world class schools to a varied cultural scene.  As the NY Times summarized, “urbanites yearning for touches of small-town life can find them in Millbrook.” (click for full NYT article)

Weather:  Millbrook’s mild climate has a July average high of 81 and a February average high of 37 degrees.  Petrides Homes designed Evertson Hill with a dining porch and a 1,100 SF bluestone terrace to take advantage of milder days.

Transportation:  The village of Millbrook is a 90 minute drive from New York City via the Taconic State Parkway, which is never congested.  Metro North serves the area with express service from Grand Central Station to Wassaic Station, which is a 10 minute drive from Evertson Hill.  Sky Acres Airport, a fine private airport, is also nearby.

Antiques:  With “antiquing” a favorite weekend pastime in the Millbrook area, there are dozens of shops in the broad area.  We shop at Hammertown Barn for both antiques and newly made elegant pieces:  many of the first floor rooms in Evertson Hill are furnished by Hammertown.  The Coddingtons of Arrowsmith Forge, who custom made chandeliers and sconces for Evertson Hill, operate a beautiful showroom next to their forge.

Fine Arts:  There are many art galleries in the area, some of them specializing in Americana and local artists.  In addition, there are a number of local craftsmen doing excellent work: in nearby Millerton, at Gilmor Glassworks, one can see art glass being blown and offered for sale in their adjoining gallery.

Family: There are dozens of activities for the family in Millbrook.  Five minutes from Evertson Hill is the Trevor Zoo on the campus of the Millbrook School, which presents more than 150 indigenous and exotic animals.  Close by, the eccentric Wing Castle has been entertaining children and adults for decades.  For a few weeks a year, the Dutchess County Fair combines livestock judging with old fashioned Ferris wheels and roller coasters.  The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Foundation offers environmental education and fun on the water.  With a short drive into Connecticut one reaches the famous Lime Rock Race Track, where all kinds of cars have been raced for 50 years.  When the leaves begin their transformation, a riverboat tour or hot air balloon ride will provide memorable views of the surrounding area.  During the snowy months one can enjoy a sleigh ride or go to one of the local tree farms to cut down a Christmas tree.

Equestrian: Millbrook is known as one of the leading equestrian areas in the world, with 100s of miles of interconnected trails, the English-style Millbrook Hunt, the annual Millbrook Trials and many active horse farms.  Evertson Hill is right in the middle of many of these activities, with the Millbrook Hunt riding across multiple trails on the property’s 22 acres, the Millbrook Trials a 5 minute horse ride away from the Home, and Fox Race Farm, a respected horse recovery facility, in view of the Home.  Ten minutes away are the grounds of the Mashomack Polo Club and a little further away is Lakeville’s Annual Open Equestrian Event.

Food Markets: Talk about Fresh Direct!  We like the McEnroe Organic Farm, barely a 10 minute drive from Evertson Hill, and Mead Orchards for pick-your-own fruit.  Also nearby is the Harney Tea Company, which blends teas from around the world and offers a tasting bar open to the public.  In the village of Millbrook, we like the Millbrook Deli, Marona’s Market and Slammin’ Salmon Fish and Charcuterie.

Outdoor Sports: There are multiple resources in the area for golf, tennis, skiing, and shooting. For golf, we have played 3 of the local courses, all of them fun albeit not St. Andrews.  For tennis, the courts in the local schools are generally accessible, including the impressive facilities at the Hotchkiss School, where the golf course is also open to the public.  The skiing at Catamount is fun and close by, and there is endless cross country skiing near Evertson Hill when snow is on the ground.  For shooting, Orvis operates the Sandanona facility which has both live birds and clays, including sporting and 5 stand.  In addition, there are a number of private clubs in the area which have golf, tennis and/or shooting.

Museums:  The Hudson Valley is rich in history, with sites ranging from the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Historic Home Site to the Vanderbilt Mansion with its Italianate Gardens.  The Dia:Beacon is an internationally important modern art museum; it recently moved from its home in Chelsea to the converted factory it is in now, the Richard Serra’s alone make it worth the trip.  A few minutes from Evertson Hill, the Wethersfield Estate and Gardens has a fascinating carriage house with a world class collection of carriages, not to mention the beautiful house and garden.  Not least, the Rhinebeck Aerodrome features air shows and a museum of rare antique aircraft.

Inns:  Close to Evertson Hill is Simmons Way, which is owned and operated by the welcoming Marty and Jim Reynolds.  A little further away in Dover Plains is the Old Drover’s Inn, which dates to the 1790s and serves wonderful meals as well as offering rooms.  Also, Belvedere Mansion is a historic home in excellent condition which accommodates guests. 

Gardens: In addition to thousands of acres of open farmland, much of it in conservation with the Dutchess Land Conservancy, there are a number of beautiful gardens in the area.  The 10 acre Wethersfield Italianate garden, around the corner from Evertson Hill, is open to the public in season. A 10 minute drive away, we enjoy Innisfree Garden, a 150 acre garden in the ancient Chinese “bowl” style.  Also close by is the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, with 15 miles of paved trails for biking, skating and jogging.  For those who are interested in ecology, the Institute of Ecosystem’s renowned educational facility offers display gardens, a greenhouse, and educational seminars. 

Performing Arts:  A short drive away is the Frank Gehry designed Fisher Center for the Performing Arts; the architecture alone is worth the trip.  On a different cultural level, and closer to Evertson Hill, the Millerton Movie House features 3 screens with first run movies.  A number of dance troupes and orchestras are available in the broader region.

Restaurants:  There are great restaurants in the area, including our favorite, Charlotte’s (the old Allyns) housed in a 19th Century Church 10 minutes from Evertson Hill.  When we feel like great sushi, we drive to nearby Lakeville, CT where the Boathouse is located; it won Zagat’s “Best New Restaurant in Connecticut” in 2004.  For French cuisine there is Cafe les Baux or Pastorale Bistro; for Italian, Serevan or Piccolo’s.  On the simpler end, we enjoy the award winning chili at the Millbrook Diner as well as the pizzas at Four Brothers in Amenia.

Schools:  Five minutes from Evertson Hill is the well-known Millbrook School, a co-ed college prep school that accepts both day and boarding students.  The School was founded 75 years ago and today boasts a 5:1 student:teacher ratio; its most famous graduate is William F. Buckley, Jr.  A few minutes further away is the Maplebrook School, a co-ed boarding and day school for students with learning differences.   A 20 minute drive from Evertson Hill is the world-class Hotchkiss School, whose facilities rival those of many small colleges and must be seen to be believed.

Shopping:  Millbrook’s Franklin Avenue is home to many attractive shops, including Merritt Bookstore and Citrus Handbags.  J. McLaughlin Clothing, of the New York chain, is nearby.  For any floral or garden needs, we go to the Millerton Nursery and Garden Shop, run by the Lopane family, who did much of the landscaping at Evertson Hill.

Wineries:  We have spent a few pleasant afternoons doing tastings at the two wineries in our area:  The Millbrook Vineyard and Winery offers daily tours; the Cascade Mountain Winery does too, and also offers a great country restaurant.