The Centerpiece of New Bridge Life

By Katie Roth | Photos by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

“Gathering around the table evokes so many memories for me of wonderful times spent with friends and family. I wanted the clubhouse to be a place where people could come together in 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. The clubhouse is enjoying the revitalization, and it is more popular than ever. Once the flurry of activity during polo season, the momentum has propelled the clubhouse to stay open year-round, serving dinner and Sunday brunch. Social memberships are available to those who do not live in New

Bridge, but would like to come to special events, such as wine dinners. It is also a unique special occasion rental facility available for weddings, parties, receptions, and meetings. I fell in love with the New Bridge clubhouse and the beautiful Argentinian architectural BUILDING A MASTERPIECE elements. There is so much rich tradition, Founder Russ McCall modeled rustic elegance, and presence about this the New Bridge community structure. My goal was to honor the interior around polo clubs in Argentina with furnishings that would enhance the that are gated for security, have vast ceilings and bring pockets of intimacy homes that back up to the polo within the space. Relocating the trophy case fields, a swimming pool, and a to the main dining area allowed us to anchor clubhouse for residents. “It was a small, intimate lounge seating area, that our intention to create the same would also serve as a focal point to showcase environment at New Bridge,” said Russ. “We were passionate the collection of beautiful trophies from about certain elements of New tournaments all over the world. Draping the Bridge, including creating the tall windows in a neutral textured fabric best polo fields with consistent helped with sound control, while framing footing from end to end, and the beautiful architectural window elements building an authentic Argentine and making the space feel cozy. This project clubhouse.” “Those details are was a wonderful collaboration with a team evident in the property today,” of professionals that love the club and want said Russ. to see it continue to flourish as the social hub. Recently, I returned to enjoy a polo Plans to construct the clubhouse match, and it was great to see the clubhouse began in 2000. Materials used alive with members of all ages, sharing their to build the structure were love of a famed equestrian tradition. purchased in Argentina including the walls, floors, beams, doors, and windows. Century-old wood —Christina Scharf, Nandina Home & Designs and windows were chosen for their sturdiness and character. There were enough materials to fill two 40-foot containers that were shipped to Aiken. A local builder was hired to construct the building. The frame consists of three sections of eight

40-foot I-beams — one at the front door, one in the middle wall, and one in the back wall. “We wanted to make sure that the upper deck had sufficient support,” said Russ. “We got a little carried away and ended up building the strongest, most resilient structure imaginable — it can stand up to crowds, weather, just about anything.”

The structure itself is not the only sturdy part of the clubhouse. The bar is made of very strong, 200-year-old Argentine wood. “That wood is so hard that they actually ruined several saws cutting it,” said Russ.

The layout of the clubhouse differs slightly from what you might find in Argentina. A second-floor deck was added off the back for viewing polo, giving the building a much taller roof structure, giving it a very dramatic silhouette. “It is a unique and beautiful building,” said Russ. “There is not another one like it in the world.” The 1,700-square foot clubhouse has expansive front and back porches, a second-floor balcony, foyer, large main room and a window-filled bar with stunning views of adjacent polo field #1.

One glitch came at the end of the project when the clubhouse was getting a certificate of occupancy. Because the glass in the windows was old, they were deemed too fragile and failed inspection. The glass in every window had to be replaced with code-compliant glass before the clubhouse could open.

Initially, construction of the clubhouse was budgeted to be a $200,000-$300,00 project, but it ended up costing $900,000. The result is a one-of-a-kind, well-built structure that continues to stand the test of time, and the elements. The clubhouse is not just a building to the members, it is a well-loved, focal point of New Bridge.

RESERVE THE CLUBHOUSE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

The clubhouse is the perfect venue for all kinds of celebrations and gatherings – from weddings and showers to business meetings. Call Nelson Tamargo (617) 803-9196 for details.

BECOME A SOCIAL MEMBER AT NEW BRIDGE

Call Nelson Tamargo (617) 803-9196 for information.

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First Vice President Assoc Res Dir - Wealth Mgmt Senior Portfolio Advisor 803.845.6141 jamin.king@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Merrill Lynch Aiken Office 308 Park Ave SW Suite 1000 Aiken, SC 29801-3748 844.823.3377 fa.ml.com/south-carolina/aiken/jamin.king/

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