Glenmere Mansion :

There’s no escape from the city quite like a soak in a huge freestanding tub.

Tossing aside a fluffy robe, I sank into the steaming water, a whimsical rubber ducky already lost in a deep sea of suds. I could have turned on the flat-screen TV, but instead I watched flames from the gas fireplace dance on marble. This retreat is just 50 miles from New York City in the lower Hudson Valley. Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York is the perfect place for a relaxed getaway to the country.

Checking In
If you live in New York City, a getaway to Glenmere Mansion doesn’t require any of the usual travel hassles. There’s no extensive packing, airport security, or a long flight. The drive to Chester, New York is just long enough so when you wind up the driveway towards the salmon-pink villa, you arrive relaxed. After being brought up to my suite, the pleasures of the weekend began with a delicious bellini by the fireplace.

History
Glenmere Mansion is still in its infancy. In January 2010 the property opened after a four year, multi-million dollar renovation. This country villa – built in 1911 for wealthy industrialist Robert Goelet – had the right bones to inspire current owners Alan Stenberg and Daniel DeSimone to tackle the project of restoring the property. The result of their efforts is this wonderful Relais and Chateaux mansion with 18 guest rooms and two restaurants.

The elegant, welcoming décor of Glenmere was designed by the noted interior designer, Scott Snyder. A soft, soothing color palette allows an impressive modern art collection to pop, and rooms feature custom Italian linens and marble baths. The most impressive room in the mansion is the 1,250 square foot penthouse with 3 fireplaces, a spacious sitting room, huge balcony, and an unforgettable master bathroom. Private chefs can be arranged to cook in the penthouse in case you never want to leave.

The Supper Room
The formal dining space at Glenmere Mansion is called the Supper Room. Serving dinner Thursday through Saturday night, the Supper Room is an elegant space worthy of getting dressed up for. During my visit, my first night was a Saturday and after a long bubble bath and a bellini, I couldn’t wait to see what the chef had up his sleeve.

In true old world spirit, the experience begins with winding down over a drink. We took a seat in the library and toasted a glass of prosecco to a weekend without any obligations. From our cozy seats we were escorted past the grand piano and into the dining room.

Local New York ingredients are utilized frequently on the Supper Room’s menu. My meal started with five-spice crusted scallops with puy lentils and carrot butter – paired with a glass of wine from New York State by the sommelier – followed by tender short ribs, served with roasted hen of the woods mushrooms and hearty braising greens. After a grown-up ice cream sundae, I climbed the stairs and fell into a plush bed for a restful night’s sleep.

What to do at Glenmere Mansion
A day at Glenmere Mansion will begin back in the Supper Room for breakfast. The meal starts with crumbly scones and homemade jams, followed by a hot a la carte item. Everything from pancakes to classic eggs benedict to creamy oatmeal with fresh raspberries was delicious. After I finished a cappuccino, all of these culinary treats left me craving some exercise.

There are many things to do at Glenmere Mansion – or you can do nothing at all. Guests who want to burn off some calories can check out the fitness room, go for a walk around Glenmere Lake, or even hit nearby Woodbury Commons for a marathon shopping session. There are also tennis courts on the property. During the summer, exercise might be traded for an afternoon of lounging by Glenmere’s stunning pool.

What’s New at Glenmere
In 2012 there is another feature that will premiere at Glenmere Mansion: a 7,000 square foot spa facility. There will be 5 treatment suites, all with a private whirlpool tub and steam shower. Couples will be drawn to the grand spa suite, with a romantic fireplace, side-by-side treatment tables, and whirlpool tubs. The spa will also have an herbal steam room, sauna, cool mist room, and hammam treatments. The R&R library will have a menu featuring spa tapas, soothing teas, and organic wines.

Final Bite
After a relaxing weekend, I sat down for my final meal at Glenmere in the Frog’s End Tavern. This casual space serves upscale comfort food made with farm-fresh ingredients. My entrée of roasted chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes and Swiss ....