Our Top Picks
The Six Bells Countryside Inn is the quintessential escape for those seeking a curated, cottage-core aesthetic combined with the sophisticated service of a modern boutique hotel. For the most romantic experience, we recommend booking The Innkeeper’s Suite for its spacious layout and exquisite hand-painted details, while the seasonal menu at The Feathers offers a rustic yet refined tavern experience that is unparalleled in Rosendale.
The Six Bells Countryside Inn is an 11-room boutique hotel in Rosendale, New York, founded by Audrey Gelman and housed within a heritage building dating back to the 1850s. Located along the scenic Rondout Creek, the property presents a meticulously crafted Greco Deco aesthetic inspired by the fictional village of Barrow’s Green, offering visitors an immersive Upstate New York getaway that doubles as a fully shoppable retail experience.
The Lore of Barrow’s Green: A New Whimsical Retreat
Stepping through the doors of this historic property feels less like checking into a hotel and more like falling into the pages of a well-loved storybook. Audrey Gelman, who first introduced her unique brand of curated charm with her Brooklyn retail space in 2022, has expanded her vision into a physical sanctuary. The foundation of the inn is built upon a fictional narrative of a village called Barrow’s Green, a place defined by its folklore, its artisans, and a deep connection to the natural world.
The design philosophy, spearheaded by creative director Adam Greco, is what the team describes as Greco Deco. It is a harmonious blend of Tyrolean aesthetic influences, 19th-century architecture, and a modern millennial pastoral style. Every corner of the inn tells a story, bolstered by the fact that the building originally served as a historic boarding house in the mid-1800s. Restoration efforts have preserved the soul of the structure while layering it with vibrant textiles, custom lampshades from Gates Moore, and enchanting hand-painted murals by Wally Whitehurst.
The result is a sensory experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The Greco Deco design isn't just about looks; it is about creating a feeling of safety and whimsy. Guests are encouraged to explore the hidden details, from the intricate woodwork to the subtle references to the fictional residents of Barrow’s Green. This narrative layer acts as a soft filter over reality, making the Six Bells Countryside Inn whimsical design features feel like a living museum of comfort.
Inside the Shoppable Guest Rooms
One of the most innovative aspects of the property is its hospitality-retail hybrid model. In an era where travelers often ask about the thread count of their sheets or the brand of a lobby chair, Gelman has made the answer simple: everything is for sale. The Six Bells Countryside Inn shoppable guest rooms guide serves as your catalog for the stay. If you fall in love with the custom headboard in your room or the specific hand-sewn quilts draped over the bed, you can arrange to have them shipped to your home.
Each of the 11 rooms is individually named and designed to reflect a specific character or element from the inn’s lore, such as Mant’s Crake or the expansive Innkeeper’s Suite. Any guests seeking Audrey Gelman Six Bells hotel Hudson Valley reviews will find that the attention to detail in the sleeping quarters is the most frequently praised feature. The rooms are anchored by legendary Ostermoor mattresses, a brand synonymous with old-world luxury and exceptional support, ensuring that the visual beauty of the space is matched by the quality of rest.
The aesthetic transitions seamlessly from room to room. You might find a suite bathed in soft sages and creams with floral murals that appear to grow directly out of the baseboards, while another room might lean into deeper wood tones and more structured Tyrolean aesthetic patterns. The immersive retail experience means your "test drive" of the furniture lasts the duration of your stay.
| Room Type | Best For | Signature Element |
|---|---|---|
| The Innkeeper’s Suite | Romantic Getaways | Large fireplace and dual-aspect creek views |
| Mant's Crake | Solo Retreats | Elevated nook beds and cozy proportions |
| The Weaver’s Room | Design Aficionados | Intricate textile displays and bespoke lighting |
Emma’s Tip: If you find yourself captivated by the ambiance, don't miss the nightly turndown service. The small treats left on your pillow are a nod to local Hudson Valley artisans and add a sweet, final touch to the day's sensory journey.
Dining at The Feathers: Tavern Traditions
The heart of the inn's social life is The Feathers, a cozy 18-table tavern that feels like a warm embrace. Led by Chef Larkin Young, who brings a pedigree from the renowned Willows Inn, the culinary program is a sophisticated take on Early American dining. The menu is a love letter to the region, utilizing ingredients harvested from the surrounding farms and fields of the Hudson Valley.
Dining at The Feathers restaurant Rosendale New York is an exercise in intentional simplicity. You won't find over-complicated foams or laboratory techniques here. Instead, you'll find perfectly roasted chickens, seasonal vegetables that taste of the earth they grew in, and a bread program that centers on hearty sourdough and cultured butters. The farm-to-table tavern philosophy is executed with a level of precision that elevates humble ingredients into something truly memorable.
The atmosphere at The Feathers is designed for lingering. Low ceilings, candlelight, and local artisan textiles create a space where conversations naturally soften and the pace of life slows down. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, serving both residents of the inn and the local Rosendale community, making it a vibrant hub for Ulster County tourism. The beverage program is equally thoughtful, featuring a selection of regional ciders and cocktails that lean into herbal, botanical notes.
Local Exploration: A Day in Rosendale
While it is tempting to spend your entire stay within the whimsical confines of the inn, the town of Rosendale offers a charming extension of the Barrow’s Green vibe. Rosendale is a town with a resilient spirit and a quirky, artistic community. Located about two hours north of New York City, it provides the perfect base for exploring the wider region.
- Morning Walk: Head to the Rosendale Trestle, a spectacular walking bridge that offers panoramic views of the Rondout Creek and the surrounding mountains.
- Literary Stops: Visit Postmark Books on Main Street, where you can browse a curated selection of titles while enjoying the scent of fresh flowers from their in-house florist.
- Antiquing: Take a short 15-minute drive into Kingston to explore some of the best antique shops in the Hudson Valley.
- Riverside Trails: The Joppenbergh Mountain trails offer moderately challenging hikes with rewarding views of the village below.
This area is a cornerstone of Ulster County tourism, known for its limestone caves and historic cement industry, which have left a unique geological and architectural mark on the landscape. The Six Bells Countryside Inn serves as a bridge between this rugged history and a more refined, romantic future.
Know Before You Go: Practical Logistics
For those planning a visit, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Nightly rates for guest rooms at the Six Bells Countryside Inn typically start at approximately $400, though prices can fluctuate based on the season and specific room selection.
Your stay includes several thoughtful amenities that enhance the feeling of a private estate. A complimentary European-style breakfast is served daily, featuring local cheeses, meats, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh pastries. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy the common spaces, including the parlor and the beautifully landscaped grounds.
However, because the property is an authentic restoration of an 1850s building, it does have certain physical limitations. There are no elevators on the property; guests must be comfortable navigating stairs to reach the sleeping quarters on the upper floors. Additionally, while the inn is incredibly family-friendly—even offering a mural scavenger hunt for children—it maintains a peaceful atmosphere that is best suited for those looking for a quiet retreat.
FAQ
Is The Six Bells Countryside Inn dog-friendly?
The inn currently has a limited number of rooms designated for guests traveling with well-behaved dogs. It is essential to contact the property directly prior to booking to ensure a pet-friendly suite is available and to understand the specific pet fees and policies.
Does The Six Bells Countryside Inn have accommodation?
Yes, the property features 11 uniquely themed guest rooms, each designed with high-concept Greco Deco interiors and premium amenities like Ostermoor mattresses and custom-designed furniture.
What is on the menu at The Six Bells Countryside Inn?
The on-site restaurant, The Feathers, serves an Early American-inspired menu created by Chef Larkin Young. Highlights include seasonal farm-to-table dishes, locally sourced meats, artisanal sourdough, and a selection of regional wines and ciders.
How do I get to The Six Bells Countryside Inn?
The inn is located in Rosendale, NY, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Manhattan. For those traveling by public transport, the Trailways bus from Port Authority stops directly in Rosendale, and the Rhinecliff Amtrak station is about a 25-minute drive away.
