Millbrook Pages & Prose

Millbrook Pages & Prose opened in 2014 on the main avenue of this genteel Dutchess County village, surrounded by the rolling horse farms and estate gardens that define the area's character. Owner and former landscape architect Penelope Hartwell designed the store to feel like a well-appointed country house library, with deep green walls, leather reading chairs, and carefully arranged displays that highlight seasonal selections. The gardening and home design sections are exceptional, reflecting the interests of a community deeply invested in the beauty of its surroundings. The equestrian shelf draws riders and breeders from across the region, while the natural history collection benefits from the store's proximity to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. A small cafe serves tea and scones in the afternoon, completing the atmosphere of civilized retreat that makes a visit feel more like a social call than a shopping trip.