Former Scarsdale Residents Launch 5 Star Inn: You're Invited

Have you ever fantasized about leaving the Dale behind and running a country inn? That’s what two former Scarsdale residents have done – and you’re invited to visit their beautifully designed suites in Salisbury, CT.

Many in Fox Meadow remember Aidan and Charles Cassidy-Teti. As long-time designers, the dynamic duo were well-known in Scarsdale for their beautiful aesthetic…whether it be home decor, an impeccable meal, landscape design, or decorating for elementary school events, we miss their artistic touch.

But now you can enjoy fall foliage season. school visits and autumn’s bounty at 9 Academy, their new bespoke inn for discerning travelers.

Nestled in the quaint, storybook village of Salisbury, CT. 9 Academy offers a home away from home with three beautifully designed suites that combine “the flair of a luxury hotel with all the amenities and convenience of a well-appointed home.” With each suite featuring lavish king sized bedrooms that flow seamlessly to spacious living and dining spaces, 9 Academy is the perfect place to come back and unwind after exploring the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains.

After an adventurous day of hiking in the woods or trekking through the prestigious campuses, some guests may choose to stay in and take advantage of their suite’s well-stocked kitchen or relax with a glass of Pinot in their own private garden. For those that prefer to tour the charming, New England village, 9 Academy is ideally located steps from all that Salisbury has to offer.

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with my dear friends and convinced them to share an update with us all.

What drew you to Salisbury?

We fell in love with the Northwest Corner like many people do, by visiting and then buying a weekend place. Escaping from the city was our weekly ritual and over the years we found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time up here. The Salisbury CT area is a special place, bucolic in nature, full of interesting and creative people who are drawn to the unspoiled landscape and the proximity to the urban centers of New York and Boston. There are also a number of world class boarding schools that attract a global audience of families visiting and enrolling. This adds a vibrant multicultural layer to the community.

What inspired you to create 9 Academy?

Both of us have spent our entire working careers in the design field. Covid offered us the opportunity to apply those skills with a fresh start. Armed with our deep knowledge of the area we found a small building in the center of Salisbury village that hit all the right notes, walkability, convenience and potential. Recognizing a void in the market as there are few hotels in the vicinity, we settled upon the idea of creating an upscale hospitality venue. Somewhere we imagined that WE would be the ultimate guest and with an original aesthetic not duplicating the format of the wonderful inns and small hotels that are currently here.

How does 9 Academy differ from more traditional accommodations?

9 Academy is a brand new property comprised of luxury apartments available by the night, featuring three modern and elegant suites. Each suite occupies a full floor of the house giving you privacy and plenty of space to relax. Inside the experience is equal parts posh hotel (Le Labo bath products, Parachute bedding and Nespresso coffee) and home comfort (European kitchens , washer/dryers and super fast WiFi), each with its own charm and personality.

Go for the Garden Suite for a separate entrance and private outdoor space: the second floor Parlor Suite is made for slow mornings, with a cozy reading nook and stairs down to a quiet yard; while the third floor Loft Suite is a light flooded enclave with skylights and French doors that open onto a private terrace. Common throughout is a flexible layout for four (including children aged 8 and up) with a king bed and queen sleeper sofa. The spa -like bathrooms have huge soaking tubs and heated floors - perfect for a New England retreat.

We feel this functionality allows our guests to experience a more relaxed vibe, as if they were on a staycation but, with all those additional perks a typical short-term rental may not offer.

What makes 9 Academy such a beloved respite for discerning travelers? What do you think inspires so many 5 star reviews?

Our intent for the suites at 9 Academy is that a sense of relaxation and comfort should envelop you.

To achieve this Zen vibe we used a curated, pared back aesthetic for the interiors featuring a palette of soft plaster, raw oak flooring, wide expanses of polished concrete and earthy linen textiles. We wanted to evoke a sophisticated modern look but, still have it feel as though you are rooted in rural Connecticut. Artwork and photographs further emphasize the landscape and local flora. The emphasis on simple natural materials makes that connection and people really seem to appreciate it so far.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend spent at 9 Academy?

Whatever the season, don't miss a wander into town for cappuccino and morning pastries at Sweet William’s followed by a yoga class at RigaYoga. Head out to West Cornwall to shop the stylish finds at Michael Trapp, if you’re feeling adventurous hop on an E-Bike at Covered Bridge Bike and hit the mountain trails. Head back to Salisbury for dinner at the White Hart Inn and end the day with a nightcap on your private terrace. 9 Academy is a plum location in the heart of Salisbury and the wider CT-NY-MA triangle that puts all the regional highlights within driving distance. Plan to eat, antique, ski and swim your way through all three states!

In fact, there are so many wonderful places and things to enjoy in the area it inspired us to build an “Explore” page at our website, where guests can browse our personal tips for local dining, shopping and cultural attractions. There is really something for everyone in the Northwest corner!

So if you are looking for that perfect autumn get away or just want to say hello to an old friend, make sure you check out 9 Academy here.

And it’s not too late to take advantage of their Fall Promo: Enjoy a discount on any two-night stay starting 9/5/2024 and ending 11/30/2024. And check them out on Instagram here.