There are countryside resorts, and then there is Inness.

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Nestled between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges in upstate New York, Inness is a spirited and soothing retreat where seasonal food, golf, tennis, leisure, and community merge authentically. Best of all you don’t need to be a member—or wear a dinner jacket—to be welcomed through the door.

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A thoughtful marriage of Scandinavian simplicity and rustic Americana, Vogue gave its recently opened spa a glowing review. Little surprise then, that it’s a haven for New Yorkers past and current looking for an escape from the city bustle.

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Opened in 2021, Inness is the brainchild of architect-turned-restauranteur Taavo Somer, who possesses a magic touch when it comes to hospitality. Having swapped Manhattan—where he opened the much-loved Lower East Side eatery Freemans—for the mountains, it was a lack of places to gather with local friends that sparked the idea.

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Referring to his initial vision as a ‘community center’ (albeit one on steroids and meticulously interior-designed), Taavo’s build-it-and-they-will-come philosophy is what distinguishes Inness from the rest. On the site of a 225-acre former golf course in Accord, NY are 40 rooms spread across cabins and a handsome farmhouse, a restaurant, bar, event space, store, nine-hole golf course, sports courts, pools, and the aforementioned spa. While members enjoy access to co-working spaces and preferred tee times, “we don't have the trappings or stuffiness that a traditional country club would have,” says Taavo.

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Taavo enjoyed straddling two distinct design pillars when conceiving the look and feel of the resort; the cabins and restaurant take a minimal interpretation of vernacular architecture, championing local craftsmanship and uncomplicated decor with sweeping valley views as the main focal point. The spa also favors simple materials “to evoke the primitive feeling of being in a hot tub in nature,” he explains. By contrast, the gate and farm houses feel somewhat more abundant, and tap into a homely vibe well-suited to larger groups and get-togethers. And to top it all off, the gardens were conceived by Miranda Brooks—the famed landscape architect, Vogue contributing editor, and partner to Expert Bastien Halard.

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Inness’ namesake is the Hudson River School artist George Inness who painted the valleys around the region. While summer invites guests to enjoy the multiple enchanting outdoor pools, fall offers peak leaf-peeping—and perhaps even a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Tranquil winters bring brisk country walks in fresh snow, followed by cozy retreats to one of the property's many fireplaces.

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The urbanites who come to recharge their batteries are equally beguiled by the landscape and Taavo’s thoughtful curation; checking out is a wrench. Perhaps the greatest compliment so far is the recent flurry of visitors enquiring about having their own version of the farmhouse built. People want to pick Inness up and take it with them—how many country clubs can say that?

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