Highlights
Rock Hall Luxe Lodging is a grand 23-acre estate built in 1912 by architect Addison Mizner, known as “The Architect of Palm Beach.” Owners and innkeepers Stella and Michael Somers have lovingly restored Rock Hall as a four-season luxury destination.
Gardens, orchard, meadows, fine specimen trees and hiking trail
Private movie theater
Fitness room
Billiard room
Game room
Library
Great room
Dining room
History C. 1912
Rock Hall was built as a residence for Jerome Alexandre, an heir to the Alexandre Steam Ship and his wife Violet Adelaide Oakley. Addison Mizner, known as “The Architect of Palm Beach,” designed and built their 10,000 square foot manor house in his signature Spanish Mediterranean Revival style. Today, Rock Hall is the only surviving Mizner residence north of the Mason Dixon Line.
Rock Hall’s grounds are attributed to a collaboration between Mizner and the firm of Olmsted and Olmsted who were also commissioned to redesign Bushnell Park in nearby Hartford, Connecticut. Rock Hall features one of the largest collections of specimen trees in New England, including several Connecticut prizewinners. Glorious flower gardens dot the property and an apple orchard and fruit and vegetable gardens provide the bounty for incredible breakfasts and snacks.
Restoration Stella and Michael Somers originally purchased Rock Hall in 2005 and supervised its complete restoration. The estate has been meticulously renovated to its original glory. Calling upon her design background, Stella supervised the work and stocked the property with an amazing collection of antiques; from furniture to dishware to children’s toys and more. For more on the restoration, click here.
The main building is nothing if not “grand.” Soaring columns reach to beamed ceilings in the living room and chestnut paneling, a massive stone fireplace and comfortable furniture create a warm, yet elegant feel. A formal dining room with a huge crystal chandelier sits across the room and beyond the living room is a rock walled sun room and a game room.
There are 4 corner rooms and a penthouse suite with wonderful views of the beautifully manicured grounds and gardens. The rooms are huge by any standard and exquisitely decorated with wonderful fabrics, antiques and accessories acquired during the innkeeper’s travels. The renovation modernized the rooms with things like wi-fi and flat screen TV’s, but the delightful charm of the nearly 100 year old house remains; high ceilings, hardwood floors, crown moldings, glass doorknobs, spacious closets, original bathroom fixtures and working fireplaces. Add luxury linens, plump beds with down duvets and pillows, plush, soft, fragrant towels and wonderful bath amenities.
Award-Winning Luxury Lodging & Spa
In 2008, the Somer’s decided to turn their home into a luxury lodging and spa destination, and their efforts have created a wonderful oasis. In its first year of operation, Rock Hall was named an Editors’ Choice for Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England Summer 2009 issue. In 2010 and again in 2011 Rock Hall was named a “Best of New England” by New England Travel and in February of 2011 OUT Traveler named Rock Hall a “Best Wedding Venue.”
Estate Rental
Make Rock Hall your own private estate and enjoy exclusive use of the estate and grounds. Rock Hall is the perfect setting for weddings, celebrations, corporate retreats, business meetings, bar and bat mitzvahs, sweet 16's, parties and reunions. Short-term rental of the estate by the owners is available year round. Please call 917-696-4955 for information & reservations.