At Home with David & Judy Sloan of Roseview Farms
The Hudson Valley in October feels like stepping into a painting: rolling hills burnished gold, crisp air edged with the scent of woodsmoke, and the quiet rhythm of horses in the paddocks. At Roseview Farm in Millbrook, New York, the sense of peace is amplified. Owned and lovingly restored by David and Judy Sloan, the equestrian estate honors tradition while embracing the present. It’s a setting that makes you want to linger a little longer, to savor the slow, a beautiful shift into fall.
We sat down with them to talk about life in Millbrook, the inspiration behind Roseview, and what makes this corner of the Hudson Valley so special.
Q: Tell us a little about Roseview Farms and how it came to be.
David & Judy: Both of our families have deep roots in Millbrook, going back multiple generations; The name of the farm finds its roots in Judy’s family tradition of naming their properties here with the prefix “Rose” – there was Roselawn, Rose Cottage, Rose Hill and now Roseview. Our vision was to build a private, peaceful and functional facility where horses could thrive.
Q: Millbrook is such a unique part of the Hudson Valley. How long have you lived here?
David & Judy: Our family ties to Millbrook date back seven generations. We both spent much of our childhood here although we did not actually meet until later in life. We continue to marvel at the fact that we were likely playing next to each other at the Millbrook Golf & Tennis Club or at the same parties but never actually met until we were in our late 30’s. We have a shared and deep commitment to all that Millbrook offers, including the open land, love for horses, hounds and a passion for country living.
Q: Your barn is such a stunning backdrop. What was your vision for it?
David & Judy: Credit for the barn and the surrounding landscape of the farm goes to David; his inspiration was to create the welcoming feel of an old-world Millbrook Hunt barn. The land on which it sits was originally a gravel quarry, and you wouldn’t haven’t envisioned the barn, dramatic landscape and surrounding gardens that are there today. Our vision was to make it a warm and elegant facility while also being cozy and highly functional. For example, the horses look out on a courtyard with a fountain. The raised pool that houses that fountain can double as a water cistern if we lose power. The antique cupolas, saved from another barn in town, encase whole-house house fans that kick on to keep the hay loft cool and the barn fly free during warm weather. The tack room is designed to showcase tack as art with paneled walls that set off beautifully polished bridles and saddles, some encased in repurposed wood cabinets with glass doors and down lighting. It’s definitely a place to linger with a cocktail after a long day!
Q: What’s a typical day like for you at Roseview?
David & Judy: On the one hand, the days are highly structured with set feed, turnout and training schedules for the dressage and polo ponies; on the other hand, depending on discipline, the polo ponies may be at a match or the dressage horses may be at a horseshow. And when you have animals in the mix no two days are the same which we love. Every day ends with night check where we look in on the horses and make sure everything they need is taken care of before we hit the hay.
Q: David, you have a passion and a talent for creating tailgating vehicles; can you share your vision?
David: I see the trailers as an extension of the Millbrook style we have created in our house and barn. Each of the trailers started life with another purpose – a munitions trailer in the Swiss army, foxhound transport, an old tar cooker. Now they are bespoke portable bars that house a moveable feast of flags, awnings, Persian rugs, campaign furniture and topiaries – everything you need to have a polo tailgate, a hunt breakfast, a beagle “tea” or a seated dinner party in the field. It’s an honor to pay homage to Millbrook’s history by creating these experiences for our friends and the community at large.
Q: And finally, how would you describe your personal style, both in your home and in how you dress?
David & Judy: We embrace the maximalist equestrian lifestyle aesthetic; we treasure the many horse prints, paintings and competition photos we have throughout our home and the barn. Many of those pieces have been handed down through generations from our families – we both come from a long line of equestrian and shooting enthusiasts, When it comes to how we dress, J. McLaughlin’s clothing fits perfectly with our aesthetic – beautiful wools, cashmere, fabrics, belts, shoes, handbags and scarves – be it in the field or at a formal dinner party – we wear it all!