BY ERIKA NORTON
SLOATSBURG — As part of it’s extensive Tuxedo Sloatsburg Corridor revitalization project, the Tuxedo Hudson Company will unveil one of the cornerstones of the project this weekend, with the opening of the Valley Rock Inn.
Nestled between two state parks, the hotel complex includes the Blue Barn Farmstand and Market, The Garden Grill and the Bike Shop at Valley Rock Inn, which will all be open to explore Sept. 9 and 10. Attendees will also be able to tour the four restored historic houses, totalling 18 rooms, which will be available for rent starting this fall.
The multi-million dollar effort, spearheaded by entrepreneur Michael Bruno, is intended to reinvigorate the economy and community life along Route 17 through the Sloatsburg and Tuxedo. With many of the attractions planned aimed at weekend-trippers from New York City, Bruno hopes the three-acre Valley Rock Inn will become the new “gateway to the Hudson Valley.”
“We've transformed this property into an urban oasis within this great park region,” Bruno said.
What were only recently dilapidated sheds are now airy structures with chestnut-brown exposed beams, housing the farmstand full of organic, local produce, a coffee house and juice bar.
The Valley Rock Inn itself comprises of four renovated historic houses with wooden clapboard siding, new windows, gleaming oak floors and sleek modern bathrooms. Each has a comfortable sitting room and accommodates six to eight guests.
From the back porches, guests step out into a garden courtyard, which is laid out as an enfilade, or a suite of outdoor rooms with doorways in line with each other. Fragrant Dawn Roses climb the stone walls with white gravel underfoot and a tranquil fountain in the center.
The garden is complete with a canopy of mature hornbeam trees, red maples, Kousa dogwoods and many more fragrant and flowering shrubs.
More to come“This is just the beginning,” Bruno said. “Later this fall, our guest houses will be available for rent, followed by the opening of our restaurant and bar, as well as an art gallery.”
Eventually, there will also be a bakery, wine and spirit shop, bookstore, pool and spa. Bruno has also bought other properties in Tuxedo, including the old Tuxedo IGA Market.
Last year, the Tuxedo Hudson Company was awarded a $750,000 grant from New York State in 2016 to develop the area. To date, the company has spent about $12 million in acquisitions and labor costs.
With the area just a one-hour train ride away from New York City, Bruno hopes the The Valley Rock Inn will become as destination for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the miles of bike and hiking trails in Harriman State Park, as well as enjoy the abundance of food from the Hudson Valley.
The Valley Rock Inn is located at 78 Orange Turnpike. Sloatsburg, NY 10974 and will be open on Sept. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.