Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York is one of those rare hotels that makes you grateful not to be at home. Its pared-down aesthetic, courtesy of Brooklyn-based Workstead -- recalling some unique blend of Scandinavian simplicity and Donald Judd austerity -- proves that minimalist design can be welcoming, and even cozy. The hotel is the first from Ramshackle Properties, a new hospitality group whose principals include Kim Bucci and Ray Pirkle. I spoke to them about the philosophy behind Rivertown Lodge, and asked them to share a few insights regarding the surrounding town of Hudson, an ever-developing upstate art mecca (just ask David Hammons and Marina Abramovic, both of whom have local plans in progress). Can you tell me a bit about how your relationship with Workstead developed, and what sort of direction or motivation you gave them as Rivertown was in its planning stages? KIM BUCCI: We both knew their work and had been inspired by the design of their home in nearby Gallatin, New York. With a shared vision of an early American modern aesthetic we filled the space with well-structured pieces from local makers. Workstead set the beautiful, balanced foundation and we layered in color and pattern. The richness and quality of their lighting added the perfect tone of sophistication and retreat to transform our former motor inn. Despite the many comparisons,we drew little inspiration from the Brooklyn aesthetic and rather looked toward modernizing the classic lines of the Shakers and other craftsmen of the area. There is also a cohesiveness to the art collection on public display, in common areas and the rooms. Can you tell me a bit about the artist and why he was a good fit for the hotel? KB: Gordon Harrison Hull is a long-time friend, a magic man, and an upstate native. When the majority of the hotel had been completed and we sat in each of the spaces we were satisfied (and proud) that each reflected the personality of Ramshackle Properties. The only thing we lacked was a sense of whimsy. We immediately thought of Gordon's drawings, full of wordplay, short poems, and symbols. All of the pieces add an interesting lightness to the place. We also added a few photographs taken by Basilica co-founder Melissa auf de Mer. Melissa took the photos while touring with various bands and while not exactly whimsical they add an ethereal, dreamy sense to the rooms they inhabit. What other hotels (or buildings in general) were in the back of your mind as you began to envision how Rivertown would look, and what the guest experience would be like? KB: Liz Lambert's San Jose in Austin, Texas. She does something truly special in her hotels. She manages to make them feel intimate all the time, as if you were in a friend's home. Her spaces always represent the place they're in and she manages to curate the best of local everything, from coffee to retail to outdoor spaces geared toward your relaxation. Hudson is becoming more and more of a destination for art and culture lovers, even those who are spoiled by the surplus of options in New York What are some of your favorite nearby places that you would recommend a guest visit? KB: OMI, a beautiful sculpture park; you can cross-country ski right through it in the winter. The School, run by Jack Shainman, is also nearby, and is an interesting, massive place to explore. And I can’t say enough about Basilica Hudson and what Melissa is programming down there: multimedia events, local maker fairs, drone fests, conversations with authors, choreographers, filmmakers. it's always changing, and a jewel in the town. How does Rivertown Lodge’s bar integrate into the larger life of Hudson? Do you find that the crowd is mostly composed of guests, or has it become a destination for local residents as well? If we were to swing by on a weekend, what might we hear on the jukebox, and what specialty drink should we order? RAY PIRKLE: One of the reasons we opened the hotel was because when we would stay upstate we longed for a communal spot to socialize. We never wanted it to be a giant space, or formal in any way. We just wanted a spot to gather that felt warm and inviting and where you might get caught in an interesting conversation. The tavern at Rivertown is just that. It has become a mesh of guests and locals. Most nights are a 50/50 split of people who live in town and those passing through, and it makes for great energy. Music on one of these nights might be Doc Watson, King Rule, Ofege, Leonard Cohen (RIP). Right now the cocktail for blustery nights is a Cedar Manhattan (Mckenzie Rye, Noilly Pratt Vermouth, house-made Cedar Bitters) Can you share any plans on the horizon for 2017, in terms of new developments, programming, special events, or additions to Rivertown Lodge? This spring we will begin holding events in our backyard. We'll roast whole animals and throw some pop-up dinners with chefs from near and far. We'll also host some yoga and pilates retreats this summer and will hold classes there as well. Thanks to the generous interest from our guests and local patrons, we will expand our food and beverage program to 5 days and nights, and we’re adding breakfast room service as an offering. Visit Rivertown Lodge’s website to make a reservation. If you’re in Hudson for New Year’s Eve, the property is also hosting a Black and Plaid Ball, with prices starting at $99 for a four-hour open bar.
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