THE CENTERPIECE OF NEW BRIDGE LIFE By Katie Roth | Photos by Shelly Marshall Schmidt “Gathering around the table evokes so many memories for me Bridge, but would like to come to special events, such as wine of wonderful times spent with friends and family. I wanted dinners. It is also a unique special occasion rental facility the clubhouse to be a place where available for weddings, parties, people could come together in receptions, and meetings. I fell in love with the New Bridge clubhouse that spirit.” - Russ McCall The rustic, colonial style clubhouse has always been the centerpiece of the New Bridge community — a vibrant hub of activity throughout polo season, and the place for post-match cocktails and dinner among players and friends. When it came time to refresh the interior of the clubhouse in winter 2022, New Bridge called upon long-time collaborator Nandina Home & Design. Newly appointed lead designer Christina Scharf was selected for the project. New to Aiken, Christina has a 25-year extensive background in building construction and curated interiors, and as an equestrian (dressage), she was perfect for the project.
and the beautiful Argentinian architectural elements. There is so much rich tradition, rustic elegance, and presence about this structure. My goal was to honor the interior with furnishings that would enhance the vast ceilings and bring pockets of intimacy within the space. Relocating the trophy case to the main dining area allowed us to anchor a small, intimate lounge seating area, that would also serve as a focal point to showcase the collection of beautiful trophies from tournaments all over the world. Draping the tall windows in a neutral textured fabric helped with sound control, while framing the beautiful architectural window elements and making the space feel cozy. This project was a wonderful collaboration with a team of professionals that love the club and want to see it continue to flourish as the social hub. Recently, I returned to enjoy a polo match, and it was great to see the clubhouse alive with members of all ages, sharing their love of a famed equestrian tradition.
BUILDING A MASTERPIECE Founder Russ McCall modeled the New Bridge community around polo clubs in Argentina that are gated for security, have homes that back up to the polo fields, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse for residents. “It was our intention to create the same environment at New Bridge,” said Russ. “We were passionate about certain elements of New Bridge, including creating the best polo fields with consistent footing from end to end, and building an authentic Argentine clubhouse.” “Those details are evident in the property today,” said Russ.
Plans to construct the clubhouse began in 2000. Materials used to build the structure were purchased in Argentina including The clubhouse is enjoying the the walls, floors, beams, doors, revitalization, and it is more and windows. Century-old wood —Christina Scharf, Nandina Home & Designs popular than ever. Once the and windows were chosen for flurry of activity during polo their sturdiness and character. season, the momentum has propelled the clubhouse to stay There were enough materials to fill two 40-foot containers that open year-round, serving dinner and Sunday brunch. Social were shipped to Aiken. A local builder was hired to construct memberships are available to those who do not live in New the building. The frame consists of three sections of eight
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