We love to learn about how friends of DNA like to travel and in a new series of interviews, we'll be picking the brains of some of them to find out what destinations have resonated with them.
First up comes from Jules Doyle, Creative Founder of Blank White Space, a bespoke private curation and art advisory service designed to inspire you to make the most of the wall space in your home.
Jules has chosen Hudson in Upstate New York as her favourite destination. With nineteen art galleries, two museums and over forty antique shops, it’s a great spot to find one-off pieces. It’s also a particularly sentimental spot for Jules, as it was the holiday where she fell in love with her favourite piece of art - something that'll always have a special place in her heart.
Jules’ Insight:
If you love the seventies, when roller disco boots were everything and car journeys were in an estate car, duvet in the back and no seat belts, then Upstate New York is for you. Two hours from Manhattan, the train journey is stunning with views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains - the journey alone makes our hearts melt.
As mother of two teenage boys, I took them along on the trip. Together, we spent a few dreamy days at Rivertown Lodge. It was a design-led boutique hotel that was beautifully styled and curated throughout. Very inspirational!
This was my room - the shelf curation made my heart sing!
We ate ice creams and cycled around town, racing downhill at high speed (well it felt like high speed to me). Even going to the launderette felt like an adventure as everything was just so picturesque!
The flea markets and antique markets are a must visit. Not to mention Hawkins New York, a treasure trove of locally handmade objects and gorgeous rugs and bedding. Hudson is brimming with galleries and limited edition prints (I pretended to the boys that I had been blissfully unaware that it was such a mecca for art and that we were only there for the scenery...not sure they bought it!).
DNA’s suggested Hudson accommodation:
Rivertown Lodge
As Jules mentioned, Rivertown Lodge is absolutely dreamy. Located in the centre of town on Hudson’s Warren Street, Rivertown Lodge was formerly a movie theatre from 1928 to 1958 and has had a serious transformation with the lodge being brought to life by a local community of craftsmen. Every single fixture, fitting and piece of woodwork has been done with such detail and care that it’s clear to see why this boutique spot is a popular one. We’d also recommend the in-house Tavern, serving up some delicious dishes with flavours of North Africa and Morocco.
Tiger House Hudson
Right in the heart of historic Hudson and oozing history itself, sits the striking Tiger House Hudson. Originally built in 1906 as a hunting lodge, Tiger House has a very romantic feel to it, with the local community of artists, makers and freelancers helping to create an intimate atmosphere for all guests who visit. The rooms are equally as charming, with The Terrace Suite and The White Room being our firm favourites. The Terrace Suite offers a generously-sized terrace overlooking a gorgeous garden filled with flowers and fruit trees, whilst The White Room has access to an incredible and magnificent library. Tiger House Hudson certainly offers you everything you need, and more than you expected.
Jules’ Insight:
Upstate is where I sourced one of our favourite pieces of art. I spotted Hudson Gal, a canvas painting, the moment I walked into the antiques store. I had her neatly packaged and carried on the flight home in hand luggage – boy that girl's well travelled.
Before we even arrived back in London, she was sold to the lovely Emma Bird Newton of Chateau de Lartigolle.
She came back to London with us and I sent her off to her new home in France. I'm going to visit her one day and hopefully get to meet Emma in person. She is as passionate about wall art as I am and Hudson Gal has since been placed in her very own gallery wall.
Follow @blank_white_space for more inspirational art ideas and masterclasses.
DNA’s suggested Hudson accommodation:
Hasbrouck House
Located in the Mid-Hudson Valley, Hasbrouck House is a modern luxury escape that not only preserves the historic integrity of the property, but offers the modern accommodation and amenities of a boutique hotel. There’s a rich heritage here, and Hasbrouck House remain very locally-focused from their rooms, communal areas and suites to their food and drink offerings. Each room is Hasbrouck House is elegant and beautifully designed, yet understated. Our favourites rooms are the Balcony Suites offering Dutch Colonial balconies to relax in.
Hotel Dylan
If you’re looking to unwind after exploring the majestic offerings of the Hudson Valley, then Hotel Dylan is the boutique hotel you’ve been searching for. Situated on Route 28, Hotel Dylan is the ideal spot for guests who want instant access to Woodstock, one of the most notable small towns in North America and thriving with musicians, artists and travellers. There’s a strong bohemian vibe in Hotel Dylan and a real laid-back atmosphere, reflecting the character of the locals in Woodstock, and the attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed with iconic artwork gracing the walls. It’s certainly an easy place to be.
There is so much to see and do in Upstate New York and now is a perfect time to visit to enjoy gorgeous Autumnal colours as far as the eye can see. Get in touch with us here or call us on 020 7193 4165 and we can create the perfect itinerary just for you.
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