Cover The living room in a tranquil retreat tucked away in Hudson Valley, New York
The living room in a tranquil retreat tucked away in Hudson Valley, New York
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Away from the bustle of New York City, Lake Flato Architects has nestled a family’s weekend getaway amid the meadows and forests of Hudson Valley
Inspiration can be found in even the most mundane of scenes. Catherine St-Pierre of Lake Flato Architects had a unique answer when describing the design for this weekend getaway in Hudson Valley, New York. “One of the key inspirations came from a stack of stone walls we encountered while driving,” she shares. “This inspired the design for different parts of the home, from the carport wall to the fireplace.”
When they first arrived at the property, it was in poor condition. “There were remnants of agricultural use and an abundance of invasive plants,” says St-Pierre. But the location was enough to win the team over: situated between an oak-hickory forest and a restored meadow, they knew they had found the perfect escape from the bustling city.
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Above An exterior shot of the Hudson Valley home, with clear blue skies complementing the warm wood
An exterior shot of the Hudson Valley home, with clear blue skies complementing the warm wood
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“The site is a gentle surprise that slowly unveils itself,” shares St-Pierre. On the road leading up to the home, there is not much to see yet. But continue driving through the meadow until you reach the hilltop, where the verdant woods gaze towards the Catskill Mountains. Nestled amid these breathtaking scenes is a home that balances natural wood with floor-to-ceiling glass, providing an uninterrupted view of the surroundings.
Above The stone fireplace, made with local granite
The stone fireplace, made with local granite
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Upon stepping into the living room, one is immediately immersed in soothing honey-toned wood ceilings that echo the trees in the nearby forest. Bensonwood created the exposed timber elements, highlighting the exquisite joinery with their decades of expertise.
All of the furniture in the living room is in neutral hues of greys and creams, allowing the different textures to take centre stage. The soft shag carpet underfoot adds dimension to the space, complemented by the organic form of the coffee table. The woven chairs near the granite fireplace invite the family to gather over a round of backgammon.
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Above The kitchen, featuring millwork by woodworker Chris Jondle
The kitchen, featuring millwork by woodworker Chris Jondle
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Behind the living room is the kitchen, which features kitchen millwork by Chris Jondle, a woodworker who is a close friend of the homeowner. His involvement in the kitchen’s design extends to the living room coffee table and dining table, creating a harmonious design that spotlights natural material.
The seamless flow between the kitchen and the living room is essential to the homeowner, as “much of their life in the home is centred here. Their intimate connection to these gathering spaces makes them truly special,” says St-Pierre.
Above The kitchen, featuring a dining table made by Chris Jondle
The kitchen, featuring a dining table made by Chris Jondle
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The dining room is another space that displays their appreciation for nature, with Chris Jondle’s dining table in the foreground of the vibrant forest nearby. The chandelier fills the space with a touch of whimsy, bringing one’s attention to the exposed timber ceilings and making the space feel expansive.
Above The daybed area, perfect for curling up with a book
The daybed area, perfect for curling up with a book
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As a weekend home, it was essential to create pockets of tranquillity throughout the property. The daybed area is one such space, allowing the family to peer out the windows while curling up with a book. The daybed is clad in playful stripes of indigo and cream, a design scheme that extends to the pillows and the nearby lamp.
Above The screened in porch, with views of the meadow outside the home
The screened in porch, with views of the meadow outside the home
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Another notable space is the screened porch, which offers unparalleled views of the nearby meadow and the landscape around the home. Lake Flato worked with Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, who restored the surrounding flora to its natural state. By planting native plants that bloom throughout the year, the woodland animals have enough sustenance all year around, further enhancing the home’s symbiosis with its environment.
Above Mowed paths winding around the property
Mowed paths winding around the property
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When the family want to explore their surroundings, they can do so via “mowed paths that wind around the property, creating a meditative, immersive experience in nature,” according to St-Pierre.
Above The secondary bedroom, evoking memories of 1970s design
Above A glimpse of the primary bedroom, with views of the nearby forest
The secondary bedroom, evoking memories of 1970s design
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The bedrooms echo the designs of the other rooms, with rattan chairs and woven rugs grounding the space. The secondary bedroom features an interplay of different textures with a colourful rug near a bench made of cork. This room hearkens back to the style of the 1970s, with its sun-themed poster and a Crosley record player that fills the room with nostalgic charm.
As one explores the home, it is easy to slip into deep introspection. “The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, invoking a sense of vastness and seclusion,” shares St-Pierre. The flow between the indoors and the outdoors awakens one’s observations of the natural world, a sense that would be dormant amid a fast-paced life. Every corner of this Hudson Valley retreat is an invitation to mindfulness, leaving one refreshed and ready for whatever lies ahead.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
