Soho House in Rhinebeck: Exclusive hotel brand building 'farmhouse'-style location

A London-based luxury retreat will soon breathing new life into the historic Grasmere property in the Town of Rhinebeck.

Soho House, which has locations in 18 countries and is known for its exclusive membership of the famous and creative, is hoping to start construction in the spring on a boutique hotel concept.

The firm selected the Grasmere property because of its historical buildings, rural landscape and close proximity to a train station with a connection to New York City. The 250-acre property off Mill Road dates to 1774 and was where Chelsea Clinton held her wedding rehearsal dinner in 2010.

"The buildings are absolutely, stunningly beautiful and the opportunity to restore them similar to what we did in Oxfordshire (London) at our farmhouse here is a tremendous experience," said Jarrett Stuhl, chief operating officer of the Americas for Soho House. "We care tremendously about making sure structures have the ability to come back to life and that's an amazing experience for our guests."

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While the public will be able to book accommodations at the Rhinebeck location, "day access" will restricted to members. It was immediately unclear what elements would be restricted.

Soho House will be leasing the property. The total cost of the project may land roughly between $120 to $150 million; a representative for Soho House stated there are "multiple balls in the air" that could impact the final cost total. The total will include upgrading the Village of Rhinebeck's water system.

The Rhinebeck project, which was first proposed in 2013, received conditional site approval from the town's planning board, which requires it to get certain permits before starting construction. The 250-acre property is subdivided out of the existing 500-acre property owned by Mensch Grasmere LLC. The property is zoned as a Country Inn 2, the planning board in 2014 approved a special permit for 110 units.

Stuhl said they have the option to add more units in the future. The project has gone through a few iterations since the first site plan was submitted and approved.

"This project has been theoretical and in the works," said Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia, who remains skeptical about what the final plan would be, which she emphasizes have not been fully approved yet, nor have any permits been issued.

What's planned?

While Soho House already has locations in the U.S., such as in Manhattan, Miami and Austin, Texas, the Rhinebeck location will be the first time the company employs its Soho Farmhouse brand outside of London. The brand is geared towards farm-land properties with a "certain amount of acreage."

The developer plans to restore the aged manor house to include 12 room accommodations. There will also be 21 separate cabins with studio, one- and two-bedroom units.

The stone barn will become a restaurant space, with the carriage house to be adapted into a bar, lounge and performance area. There will also be a spa facility.

How will it work?

A room can cost in the $1,000 range per night at the Soho House location in New York City for a non-member.

Soho House has about 150,000 members, which the organization said includes those in film, media, music, arts and fashion industries. Membership is exclusive, with various access levels and annual fees. The acceptance process includes both an application and an interview.

Its website notes some bedrooms at various locations are for members-only, and the lowest membership level does not grant access to all properties, or gyms, spas or events.

"We are very excited by this adaptive reuse project that will see the restoration of a historic manor house and barns in the Town of Rhinebeck and attract people from around the world to thoughtfully work, relax, play and create in our community. We hope to capture the attention of visiting innovators and entrepreneurs and get them to stay in our community to live and or start a business," said Assistant Dutchess County Executive Ronald Hicks.

Saba Ali: Sali1@poughkeepsiejournal.com: 845-451-4518: @MsSabaAli.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Rhinebeck Soho House planned; exclusive brand building farmhouse