During the week, gifted ceramicist and designer Christopher Spitzmiller is busy creating his exquisite lamps, tableware and accessories found in the most stylish design shops and homes across the country including the White House. But weekends find him at Clove Brook Farm, his picture perfect country retreat in Dutchess County, NY. Five years ago, we filmed an episode with Chris there and recently revisited him to see the many updates to the property. Please join me and Susanna for a magical day at Clove Brook Farm where Chris and partner Anthony Bellomo welcomed us to their ever growing domain!
Here Chris actively tends to his gardens, his expanding flocks of animals and enthusiastically entertains – our inviting garden lunch, below.
He makes everything look effortless but over the past 15 years he has assiduously tackled one project after another from decorating to renovating and remodeling, including new structures like the striking pool and pool house, below
and the dovecote (below, behind his enviable dahlias).
Gardens have been expanded
including a new kitchen garden that partner Anthony designed and installed last spring.
And all along the way, Chris has kept in mind his many mentors, from legendary decorators Albert Hadley, Mario Buatta and Bunny Williams to Martha Stewart, whose ideas he has expertly translated into versions of his own.
And now in his new book, A Year at Clove Brook Farm, Chris hopes to inspire others to do the same. As Chris espouses on his popular Instagram feed, it is #progresseveryday at Clove Brook Farm. A tireless student, Chris is constantly reading, researching and learning how to expand his knowledge and live the life he has always wanted.
Divided into four seasons, you’ll find advice and information on everything from cooking and baking – Chris’ delectable chocolate chip cookies below –
all photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence
to planting bulbs, living with animals, flower arranging, stylish entertaining and much more! So thank you Chris and Anthony – what an inspiring treat it was spending the afternoon with you at Clove Brook Farm!
