Troutbeck makes changes to expansion plans

AMENIA —  When touring Troutbeck, a country inn and retreat, it is not hard to imagine one is back in the 1800s, deep in the woods with trickling brooks and tranquil ponds. Here one is always close to nature, even with a few modern houses ensconced here and there.

Anthony L. Champalimaud, one of the partners at Troutbeck, is proud of what they are doing with the historic property, and just as proud of what they are keeping unchanged.

The inn has many rooms, some added on at different times, and some that have been reclaimed from porches and made into dining and sitting areas. Most of the floors are stone or wide wood planks; aside from dining areas, there is a cozy library, living rooms, a small gift shop, and a registration area. One gem is the Walled Garden, built in 1916, which pre-dates the current Inn.

Troutbeck has been here for a very long time, having existed since 1785. The original house burned to the ground in 1917, then was rebuilt. The manner house itself is 1,900 square feet. It has housed the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Teddy Roosevelt, W.E.B. Du Bois and many others; two early civil rights conferences were held there, in 1917 and 1933.

Today, on the grounds, you will also find a yoga studio and a tennis court, modern amenities in a rustic setting. There are plans in the making for other amenities, but Champalimaud was quick to point out his love of nature, his respect for ecology, and the realization that the plans need to be in keeping with the historic look and feel of the Amenia property. Indeed, one house near the inn may be the oldest house in Amenia, and it will be preserved and put back into use.

What Champalimaud pointed out is that what is being done all around the property is preservation; dead trees are being removed, and wood is being reclaimed. He pointed to a roadway that will be redirected, with one road for entrance and another for the exit, for use especially by delivery and other trucks and traffic so as not to cause congestion. Where replanting is needed, native plants and grasses are being used. And several invasive species are being removed, especially on the bank of Webutuck Creek.

When looking at new development, and discussing future plans, he pointed to the yoga studio, a rustic-looking building that is no higher than 193 feet, the same height as an existing pole barn, very similar in design. Nearby, cabins are also rustic in looks, but have all the modern accoutrements one would expect. They blend in with the surrounding area, with landscaping that looks completely natural, native trees and plants, and are just two stories high.

In a letter to the Town of Amenia Planning Board on Jan. 9, Troutbeck amended some of the expansion plans from the original public hearing held in November 2022.

The November meeting focused on Troutbeck’s application for a special use permit to make changes to its 250-acre facility. The meeting attracted a large number of participants. The Jan. 9 changes include:

— Reduced the number of cabins proposed from five to four;

—The gatehouse size has been reduced and relocated; a traffic consultant reported that the change of location for the gatehouse remains within operational standards and controls the ebb and flow of traffic.

Expansion plans also call for a new ballroom.

On the exterior, colors used at Troutbeck are from the National Parks’ color palette.

The landscaping is aided by Deborah Munson, a horticulturist familiar with native plantings. This was from the first phase; Troutbeck is already making changes to phase to be more in alignment with what the area deems acceptable.

“You have to respect the narrative,” said Champalimaud, “not cut or maim a living place.”

Water consumption should not be a problem, Champalimaud said, because the proposed expansion plan is for full capacity occupancy, which is  almost never reached. In addition, he said, Troutbeck’s peak consumption of water falls well below the maximum output.  The facility relies on high-efficiency fixtures.

In order to keep the property going, Troutbeck needs to have more guest rooms. It’s not feasible to run a property of that size with so few rooms to rent. Among other costs, there have been expensive septic repairs.

“Change is all around us,” said Champalimaud. “If we don’t do, who will?

“We may do it in a different way, but I think we’re pretty qualified to take on this job. It could be so much better.”

He and his partners took over Troutbeck from James Flaherty and Robert Kibsted in 2016; the former partnership bought it back in the late 1970s from a derelict and despairing condition.

Troutbeck was originally over 800 acres. When Champalimaud first viewed it, he was impressed by the history and saw it as the right place for hospitality — traditional, but not stuffy. The zoning was already in place; Troutbeck had long been an inn and a conference center.

Even in winter the vistas are breathtaking; it’s no wonder people have been coming here for well over a century to walk, relax, and enjoy nature.

From here, one can also enjoy horseback riding, visiting a zoo, wandering through Wing’s Castle, and dining in area restaurants.

There are vineyards nearby, fishing and hunting, clay shooting and hiking. This area has so much for visitors to experience, but few places to stay.

The Inn at Troutbeck. Photo submitted

Anthony Champalimaud  at Troutbeck Inn in Amenia. Photo submitted

The Inn at Troutbeck. Photo submitted