Nestled in the backroads of a suburban neighborhood in Millbrook, New York is the Innisfree Garden. As you drive through the black wrought-iron gate, you continue your journey down a one lane dirt road. Eventually, you descend upon the parking area. A small gazebo is the welcoming center for guests and where you pay the modest admission fee to enter the garden.
The Innisfree Garden comprises 185 acres of sprawling beauty. The gardens originated as the personal gardens of William Beck and his wife Marion Burt Beck. As a fan of Asian art, the Becks designed the Innisfree Garden, using the influence of Wang Wei, an 8th Century Chinese artist and garden designer.
The garden is characterized by a “cup garden” design, dubbed by Walter Beck to describe the place-making technique that Wei used in his garden design. With the help of landscape architect Lester Collins, they collaborated on the creation of this serene garden.
Tyrrel Lake is the focal point as you descend down the hill to the gardens. A 1.3 mile loop trail surrounds the lake. However, the gardens and all of its delights are predominantly scattered along the right side of the lake. The cup garden design has smaller defined gardens within the larger landscape.
There is no “right” way to visit the garden. Go wherever something captivates the eyes. You may be drawn to one of the several waterfalls or water features. Children were having fun running through the sprays of the Water Sculpture to cool off on the day of my visit. The water used in these features is collected rainwater.
You may want to take a closer look at the various flowers growing throughout the gardens. There are also a variety of trees and plants throughout the property.
One of the standouts of the garden is the Brick Terrace. Audible expressions of surprise and awe were heard as visitors came upon this structure.
The Terrace has multiple levels with several different areas to peruse. The Asian influence is most noticeable here with images of dragons and elephants etched in the walkways and stone wall panels.
The Channel Crossing Bridge enables guests to complete a loop walk around Tyrrel Lake. Keep your eyes open for fish and turtles that inhabit the lake.
Peppered throughout the gardens you will find Innisfree Chairs. These chairs are adaptations of Gerrit Rietveld’s Red Blue Chair. Furniture maker Dan Benarcik hand builds these chairs from cedar planks. Visitors can purchase a kit or a fully assembled chair that they can enjoy using in their own backyards or gardens.
The Innisfree Garden is a picturesque outdoor oasis. It’s a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful outing in the Hudson Valley.
The Details:
Innisfree Garden
362 Tyrrel Road
Millbrook, NY 12545
Website
Admission: $10/adult, $5/seniors (65+) and children (ages 5-15), Free/children 4 and under
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM and select holidays
Plan approximately 90 minutes to wander the garden.
The garden consists of uneven, rocky terrain, so sneakers are highly recommended. It is not wheelchair accessible.
The only restrooms available are a few port-a-potties adjacent to the parking lot.
Pack water/beverages and snacks. There is no food or drinks available for purchase. There are picnic tables to sit and enjoy any refreshments that you bring with you.
Restaurants nearby:
La Puerta Azul (2.1 miles) If you are looking for Mexican food, this is the place. The restaurant has been a Best of the Hudson Valley nominee and/or winner for multiple years.
Salt Point Market and Cafe (2.0 miles) If you are looking for a quick bite, stop here to grab a sandwich or slice of pizza.
Short Hills Restaurant & Diner (2.0 miles) Enjoy breakfast, burgers, pasta and more at this diner.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (7.5 miles) Spend the day in the area. After a visit to the garden, stop at Millbrook Vineyards for a wine tasting and jazz concert. Read our post about the winery.
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