Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1019393
When Discovery Land Company's founder and CEO Mike Meldman invited me to check out Silo Ridge, his new private golf and equestrian club in New York's historic Hudson Valley, I was excited to explore his unique vision for resort design—one that specifically doesn't call for collared shirts or shoes. Meldman's Discovery vision appeals to families and usually includes Tom Fazio- designed golf courses where kids can play barefoot and fetch snacks between drives at comfort stations or listen to music while roaming the greens. Despite Meldman's casual style, every design detail at Silo Ridge is carefully considered, right down to the shade of blue wash on the reclaimed wood walls of the clubhouse. As I toured 10 of the proposed 245 homes on the 800-acre property, I noticed the way expansive outdoor porches were designed with fireplaces and enough room to seat an entire family. Or how the design of each takes inspiration from the storied Hudson River Valley towns, with traditional sloped and dormer roofs, shingled exteriors, and foundations of natural stone. Meldman's ethos revolves around family time and what he has dubbed "outdoor pursuits." So along with tennis, paddle tennis, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking and swimming, there is a bowling alley, an activity barn and a theater. Ski resorts like Mohawk Mountain and Catamount are just a 30-minute drive. And across the street, the 100-acre Olympic-caliber Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center offers a heated indoor riding ring, show jumping fields, polo fields and miles of scenic wooded trails. Head designer Rebecca Buchan who directs all architecture and design for Discovery Land Properties says the club embraces what is special about the area. "We're very good at letting the region inform our design decisions," says Buchan. "Because the outdoor activities in this area include horseback riding, skiing and hiking, for example, all of the entryways are easy spaces where homeowners can come in and discard clothing." Buchan calls Silo Ridge's architectural style "modern barn" and points out that even the root cellar and the organic farm are designed, complete with bee boxes, a hydroponic greenhouse, chickens, goats, orchards, a berry patch and a tribe of friendly Flemish rabbits. The ultimate Hudson Valley club also allows guests to pick their own produce in the garden for dinners which will be designed by executive chef Jonathan Wright, known for his farm-to-fork cuisine. At the Silo Ridge clubhouse, five-course meals might include recipes like kale and artichoke salad or quinoa with roasted squash and morels all made with local produce from the property's organic gardens—ensuring that each homeowner gets a true taste of the Hudson Valley. BACK TO THE LAND 90 BAL HARBOUR COURTESY OF DISCOVERY LAND COMPANY Discovery Land's Hudson Valley resort community is the new it-place for rustic luxuriance. BY KATE BETTS The Silo Ridge Field Club, a resort community in the Hudson Valley, takes inspiration from its historical and environmental surroundings. Residents have access to a golf course, equestrian club and dozens of outdoor activities.