
In Millbrook, Linked in Logs

Less than two hours from Manhattan, this sprawling Hunt Country retreat lies minutes outside one of the Hudson Valley’s flagship villages.
In many respects, 521 Stanford Road in Millbrook, NY, goes against the grain.
Crafted from colossal logs on 75 acres of prime New York countryside, this 11,500-square-foot lodge would be right at home in Aspen, Park City, or Jackson Hole — except that it’s just 90 miles north of New York City. The Colorado-style manse dates to 2007, making it a relative newcomer in a town synonymous with historic Greek Revival farmhouses and large-acreage equestrian estates. Also consider that this king of log cabins came together from standing dead timber, meaning nary a single living tree was sacrificed for its dramatic exterior.
The home’s symbiotic relationship with nature also extends to the land it sits on, a breathtaking mountaintop with scenic views over its wooded surrounds. Revealed by a long, gated drive, the home’s imposing-but-welcoming first impression quickly yields to effortless warmth, achieved through its grand scale and endless creature comforts. An extended front portico flaunts the largest logs on the house, spanning up to 41 inches in diameter. Two arched double doors welcome you inside, where you’ll be met with a versatile open floor plan that balances free-flowing entertaining spaces with cozy nooks for inspired everyday life. A dramatic great room, with vaulted 32-foot ceilings and a fireplace of robust Pennsylvania-quarried stone, forms the undeniable heart of the home. A spacious chef’s kitchen, outfitted with dual sinks and soapstone counters, branches off to an attached full-sized pub and a formal dining room, the latter with room for 30 seats. Also on the first floor: a den with a fireplace. Most rooms on this level offer egress to the 2,700-square-foot wraparound deck, boasting an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub.
Downstairs, a finished lower level offers even more space for work and play. There’s a full game room, four-car tandem garage, a recording studio/music room, and an indoor shooting range — the latter two are professionally soundproofed. A ventilation system stands by for those who enjoy opening up the humidor over post-dinner poker. More features to know about: a Crestron sound system, Vantage lighting and security, six-zone HVAC with radiant heat, a 60-kilowatt generator, and an elevator shaft for future completion.
Upstairs, five bedrooms, all en suite, feature private covered porches. The home features a total of four full bathrooms and three powder rooms. If you still need more sleeping areas, there are three ancillary residences on the property for guest, caretaker, or rental use, along with a barn should you choose to participate in the local equestrian community.
While there’s enough here to make you never want to leave home, the nearby draws make going out irresistible. Millbrook has long been a cultural bellwether of Hudson Valley life, with its rare blend of privacy, natural wonder, and a lively social scene (think Bridgehampton North). The charming village, centered along Franklin Avenue, offers a range of vibrant boutiques, casual eateries, and formal restaurants, ranging from vibey Barbaro and cocktail-and-oyster stalwart Canoe Hill to a classic 1929-vintage streamline diner. Elsewhere in town, you’ll find the bucolic Innisfree Garden, Orvis Sandanona sporting grounds, and one of the few vineyards in Dutchess County. Neighboring name-brand towns include Rhinebeck, Pine Plains (home to James Beard-nominated Stissing House), and Amenia (home to luxe retreat Troutbeck and Silo Ridge Field Club).