Built in 1968, the Ford Residence was the first modern building added to the original Huyck estate to house conference center guests. It was named in honor of Father George B. Ford, a far-sighted humanitarian who served for many years as the Roman Catholic chaplain at Columbia University. Father Ford was a close associate of Everett Clinchy, one of the founders of the Institute on Man and Science, which created the original conference center in Rensselaervile.

The Ford Residence is the most centrally located residence on campus, just a short stroll from the Carriage House Restaurant, the Guggenheim Pavilion and the tennis court. Set intimately under huge trees, it has ten guest rooms, each with a private bath. Eight of the bedrooms contain two beds each; the larger two rooms contain three beds each. Guests can end their day around the working fireplace in Ford’s lounge. Ford has its own business center on the first floor.