We recently discovered Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, a 1764 inn that combines all my favorite attributes: sustainable, historical, natural and luxurious. Located on a 75 acre Hudson River Estate in upstate New York, this elegant property only has ten guest rooms, making it both intimate and charming. And, nature surrounds the inn on all sides, making every view spectacular.
The above glorious views are from one of many outside tables where you can sit and have breakfast during the warmer months of the year. We were there in late June so the temperature was perfect for that morning cup of Joe outside.
Breakfast is set up on a buffet in a room on the main floor which connects to the lobby. Here, they offer a variety of croissants, muffins, and breads as well as Greek yoghurt, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, fresh fruit and jams. You can also order a hot breakfast, which changes every day depending on what they have on special, i.e., omelets, waffles, etc.
The Interior of the Inn is as old as it is authentic and when you walk down the hallways, you’ll find that the boards are uneven, reminding you of your grandparent’s home. It is sure to bring you down memory lane if you grew up in an old part of the world where historical buildings were more the order of the day than not.
The proprietors pay attention to detail, from the warm colors of the painted walls to the artwork and antique wooden furniture throughout. The rooms have gas burning fireplaces, shower or whirlpool tubs and views of their lush gardens or the Hudson River.
Throughout the property are eight carriage and guest houses as well if you are in need of more space or traveling with a family. (pets and kids are okay). There’s plenty of hiking trails, waterfall vistas and river views.
Above photo credit: Buttermilk Falls Inn
On-site, there’s the Millstone Farm and Animal Sanctuary and I’d recommend walking everywhere you can on the property to take it all in – it’s absolutely stunning. It took us around an hour or so to walk past the gardens, the pond, the wooded areas and the areas where they house their animals.
Animals & Nature Galore
What a beautiful peacock right? It’s only one of many marvels you’ll see when you walk around Buttermilk’s grounds. They have llamas on the premises, goats and chickens as well as other lovely birds to gaze at as well as ducks, fresh roses and other fresh flowers scattered throughout the trails and main walking areas.
The Spa
The spa is located right on site and is enclosed in an all glass building. The facility is eco-friendly with a solar powered dry sauna, a wonderful eucalyptus steam room (it actually worked – am always astounded how often this isn’t the case in luxury properties) and a geothermally heated endless indoor pool.
Above photo credit: Buttermilk Falls Inn
They use natural and plant-based products and some of the treatments, including ours, uses honey and lavender grown on the farm. They offer massages, facials, body treatments, and healing services and you can order a detoxifying juice in advance, something I wished we had done.
Above and below photo credits: Buttermilk Falls Inn
Buttermilk Spa concentrates on a green philosophy by only using products that are naturally crafted. In addition to honey and lavender, other things they grow are used in their products. Incorporated into their facials are items from their vegetable and berry garden, orchard and beehives.
Fine Dining
DETAILS:
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.