Is there anything better than the sound of rustling autumn leaves, the scent of crisp fresh air, and the site of rolling pastures set against vibrant fall foliage?  Last weekend, KDHamptons took a road trip up to the idyllic countryside of the Hudson Valley for Discovery Land Company‘s “Rocking The Ridge” event at their spectacular new property,  Silo Ridge Field Club.  Only 90 minutes from Manhattan, and encompassing 850-acres in the historic Hudson River Valley, Silo Ridge is the first Discovery Land Company community in the Northeast [soon to be followed by The Hills in East Quogue], ensconced among preserved wildlife corridors, horse farms and vineyards, and featuring an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

A variety of oysters chilling in an ice-filled canoe, a “create your own” ramen noodle station, as well as organic beets baked in salted ash topped with horseradish creme fraîche were just a few of the incredible food stations curated by chef Jonathan Wright.

Limited to property owners, membership at Silo Ridge will be offered to just 245 invited families for whom the world of Discovery fits a distinct lifestyle and pursuit of perfection in every aspect. The vertical, private equity membership structure and residential lots that have been carved from their natural environments in a retrained manner, are among the defining tenets of Discovery Land Company properties and its visionary founder, CEO and Chairman, Michael Meldman.  A 30,000 square foot lodge clubhouse will form the heart of the resort-style community, featuring superior farm-to-table cuisine, fitness center with state-of-the art spa and members boutique.

“There is nothing like this in this part of the country,” says Meldman, who is driven by the preservation of pristine natural environments, contiguous open space and the desire to create intimate communities that cater to families. “We are utilizing the Discovery imprint to create a truly unique community that builds upon the strong tradition and rich lifestyle of the area which is really based on the simple things life has to offer: friends, family, great food and lots of fun things to do.”

The bucolic region features quaint villages and hunt clubs and has evolved into a noted equestrian locale, yet it’s location in relation to Manhattan make it among the first in the portfolio that is ideal for its membership to consider as a primary residence. Integral to every Discovery experience is the Outdoor Pursuits program uniquely influenced by the surrounding landscape and spirit of each property. The broad OP program at Silo Ridge includes:  mountain bike excursions on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, an overnight camping and rafting trip down the Housatonic River, ski treks on a surrounding mountain, and more. 

The offering at Silo Ridge is an amalgam of warm and cold-weather activities centered around a lakeside family activity barn, which also houses a swimming pool, indoor theater, and a casual dining restaurant. The lake itself is ground central for standup paddleboard, kayaking and canoeing activities and forms a stunning backdrop for a promenade and outdoor theater, while the lakeside pavilion is expected to be a destination for ice skating and fireside gatherings when summer gives way to a whole new set of activities, including nearby snow skiing.

There will be a year-round sporting field house for sporting clay and other shooting activities, a nod to the types of skills and life lessons that Meldman sought to instill in his own family, as well as facilities for squash, tennis and paddleball, and team sports such lacrosse, baseball and soccer, complete with professional coaching.  “There is a deep familial aspect to life at Discovery, and planned activities foster a deep sense of community and interaction between our members,” shares Meldman.

My two favorite parts of the event were singing along to Sweet Caroline with Kelley James, and the fantastic “Silo Farmer’s Farket” offered upon departure showcasing a bounty of local farm vegetables, pumpkins, beauty products and more, for guests to fill in oversized tote bags.

In the great tradition of creating golf courses that feature spectacular mountain views, the 18-hole golf course at Silo Ridge has been exquisitely designed by Tom Fazio, featuring dramatic views, challenging terrain, and lush landscaping.  The course will also be peppered with signature Discovery Land Company’s signature Comfort Stations so that golfers can recharge throughout the day.  East End golf lovers, nature lovers, foodies, and families will be sure to embrace the new Discovery Land Company currently being built in East Quogue.  We can’t wait!

MORE ABOUT DISCOVERY LAND COMPANY LIVING: Discovery Land Company provides luxury in every aspect of the home buying process from concept to completion. For those who desire, Discovery Builders, Discovery’s related home building entity, creates distinctive residences appointed with five-star finishes. Each residence is thoughtfully designed by regional architects and designers to accentuate the natural beauty and unique lifestyle afforded by their surroundings. Discovery’s portfolio includes 15 properties in Hawaii, California, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Texas, and North Carolina in the U.S. as well as Los Cabos, Mexico and the Abacos in the Bahamas. For more information, please visit www.discoverylandco.com