|
The Windham Hill Inn-An Inn Of Stunning BeautyBy Norm Goldman
The history of the Windham Hill Inn reads like an all too familiar story, wherein once an actively operating New England dairy farm, has now been transformed into a romantic getaway that without doubt would appeal to luxury loving couples. Spread over one hundred and sixty acres, the property's
original farm house dates back to 1826 when the Lawrence family of Boston built
it as a summer home. Eventually, in 1850, the family had decided to become
homesteaders, and up until 1959 the property remained in the hands of the same
family, when the last of the clan, Miss Kate, passed away. The Coneenys first met while majoring in Russian at
Middlebury College, Vermont, and they vowed after graduation that one day they
would return to live in Vermont.
When I asked this charming couple if they had any
difficulty transferring their skills from their previous professions to that of
inn-keepers, their immediate response was that they had always dealt with
people. As Joe put it, we were and still are in the business of pleasing
people-something we are very used to. I also learned that in addition to their
great people skills, Marina is a gifted interior decorator, while Joe is a very
knowledgeable sommelier. There are places where it is a joy to spend one night on
your way to somewhere else and others are ends in themselves. This inn falls
into the latter category, as you experience a charming and relaxing atmosphere
in a country setting away from the traffic and the well-trodden sidewalks of the
city. The inn comprises twenty- one truly superior rooms and suites located within two historic buildings. The room we stayed in, "Forget-Me-Not," is enveloped on three sides by windows, one of which had a seat tempting us to take the weight off our feet awhile and enjoy the rural scenery and animal life. This proved to be an ideal setting for Lily to take out her sketch pad and do what she does best-drawing and painting. Although, I must admit, when we moved outdoors, she had difficulty choosing which of the many outdoor locations to set up her easel, as the possibilities are endless. The Forget-Me-Not even has a small private balcony
permitting us to go and come as we please, without entering the main lobby of
the inn. We did manage to have a peek at some of the other rooms,
and we commented to Marina that her European and Parisian pedigree seemed to be
quite in evidence, particularly the exquisite wallpaper, that deliciously blends
in with the antique and country furnishings. All rooms are very spacious featuring Queen or King size-
beds, private baths, central air conditioning, phones, CD players, turn-down
service, and upscale bath amenities. The dining room is open seven days a week and the menu changes eight times a year. Chef, Jennifer Cayer, is given wide latitude in trying out novel dishes incorporating tasty and varied ingredients. As pointed out, and as we discovered, when we had the opportunity to indulge in Kathleen's dishes, the emphasis is on super fresh with a great deal of creativity and imagination. For wine lovers, the inn boasts of having a list of over six thousand bottles comprising about four hundred different choices. You will be able to enjoy an extensive selection from California, France, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and Italy. It is little wonder that it has won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. After a scrumptious breakfast, that is included in the
price of your room, guests can choose from a long list of
activities beginning with perhaps a walk or hike around the many trails that
meander around the property. In winter these trails provide for some excellent
cross country skiing. If you are into tennis, there is the inn's clay court, and
after working up a sweat, you can jump into the adjacent heated swimming pool,
where you can relax and read a good book or meet other guests. A short stay at the Windham Hill Inn was all we needed to recognize why it was selected as a Top Ten Romantic Inn by Bedandbreakfast.com in 2003 and as one of twelve Romantic Hideaways by the Discerning Traveler, 2002. It is also a member of the prestigious, Select Registry, wherein inns are chosen by their fellow innkeepers. These inns must undergo a rigorous review and inspection conducted by some of North America's leading hospitality professionals that ensure that the highest standards of excellence are adhered. Windham Hill Inn definitely passes the test with flying colors. Additional Information
Windham Hill Inn Norm Goldman is the Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and his wife Lily is a water colorist. Together they meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations. |
|
TM
Far
up and secluded in the Green Mountains of Vermont near the town of West
Townshend rests an Inn of stunning natural beauty blending European
sophistication with New England warmth and hospitality.
Joe
and Marina, together with their two children, Meagan and Ted, as well as three
yellow labs, two cats, and two horses, all contribute in their own way to the
down-home ambience. We were also greeted by recent additions to the family- two
peacocks that strutted around the property as if they owned it!