On Friday, December 5th, a historic retreat for American literati and intelligentsia arose from hibernation to introduce itself to a new generation of creative class citizens in New York's Hudson Valley—for one special night. Jointly coordinated by Houlihan Lawrence and HudsonLifestyle.com, the event, All Is Bright, brought a remarkable community collaboration, drawing guests from Beacon to Brooklyn and beyond to partake in the holiday-spirited evening benefiting a worthy cause.
Amenia's historic Troutbeck estate, listed through our luxury program, provided the perfect place.
A locavore-minded silent auction was the highlight of the event, showcasing the immense generosity of artisans, foodists, makers and other small businesses from our Hudson Valley communities. All proceeds benefited the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie.
Monte's Local Kitchen served a delectable preview of their new farm-to-table eatery, descended from the same restauranteur dynasty as Montauk's Gurney's and the eponymous Monte's of Carroll Street—a neighborhood staple in Gowanus, Brooklyn since 1906.
Nixie Sparrow, the dynamic duo behind a buzzing Beacon DIY space hosting adult craft workshops, guided guests in making "wish boxes," which then decorated the trees outside.
Zoey, a white mare from Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, quickly proved the celebrity of the evening. Photographer Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels was on hand for the most popular photo op of the evening, featuring a frame built by LaGrange brokerage manager Charles Vetter.
Poughkeepsie's Crazy Feet Trio set the mood with fireside jazz in the living room...
...which carried into the bar, where locally-sourced spirits, craft beer and wine were served...
...and into the auction gallery. This vintage camp backpack came from Escape Brooklyn, a popular website exploring weekend adventures north of the city run by a Crown Heights couple (who also curate The Brew & Compass shop).
Don from Tuthilltown Spirits shook up libations with Half Moon Orchard Gin and Indigenous Fresh-Pressed Apple Vodka, while Dale from HudsonLifestyle.com tended to donated wine and local craft beer.
The intimate nature of the event made the property's rich history tangible. Patrons joined a centuries-old legacy of guests to enjoy Troutbeck hospitality, which counts Sinclair Lewis, Ernest Hemingway, Lewis Mumford and President Theodore Roosevelt among its ranks. Joel Elias Springarn, Troutbeck's longtime owner, was the first Jewish professor at Columbia University and considered among the five greatest minds of his time, co-founding NAACP with Harvard colleague W.E.B. DuBois within the home's walls.
Troutbeck's vintage mid/late-century plow truck sat decked out on Leedsville Road, ensuring the the festivities weren't hard to find. No mailbox balloons tonight!
...back to the clipboards. Blast, we've been outbid! But really, who wouldn't want these baskets from Obercreek Farm in Hughsonville and Reservoir & Wood in Beacon?
The party was so good, even Zooey stuck around later than expected to keep warm by the firepit.
After the auction ended, Nixie harvested their bespoke ornaments from the streets and placed them by the door, sending each guest home with another's wish for them.
The event raised over $1,200 for the Children's Home—which was then matched by Houlihan Lawrence. (Don't let this character's face fool you, he's as thrilled as we are!)
Wishing all to be bright for you this holiday season :)
Watermarked photography by Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels
View the official Troutbeck listing page for full details and a video tour