The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock, Connecticut
entire weekend hanging around the house in our sweatpants, my husband and I decide to take a little road trip. We head out to the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut, which is in the Northeastern part of the state for those of you who have never ventured. It's a gorgeous drive, with rolling hills, farms, antique homes (my favorite!) and historic Inns. We decide to head to The Inn at Woodstock Hill for brunch. I've been there before, at a glorious summer wedding. For a moment I remember a warm night - champagne in my glass, relaxing after an afternoon ceremony while the sun sets over the surrounding hills...sigh! A mimosa and a warm fire will have to do. As we pull up to the Inn I remember how beautiful it is here. The Inn sits high on a hilltop and the countryside just falls away around it. The sky is incredibly blue and the snow, white. I guess January isn't so bad. After all, I'm about to have a leisurely breakfast, not drive a dog sled.
As we step into the Inn, I realize I've never really seen much of the inside. We spent much of that summer wedding on the patio and well, after that third glass of champagne...let's just say it's all a little fuzzy. I do love old houses, and this is a beautiful one. Big heavy front door, that opens up to a large foyer with a sweeping staircase.
The staff is very friendly and before you know it, we're seated at a cozy table with the sun streaming in a nearby window. Yeah, this suits me just fine. We decide to forgo the buffet, despite the fact that it looks yummy and I LOVE smoked salmon. The Chef/Owner is German, and being the snobby former ex-pat that I am, I know Europeans know good food and am looking forward to my meal. I decide on the Eggs Benedict - the hollandaise sauce is too much for me to pass up. And my husband goes with the featured dish of the day - a Seafood Stir Fry, with lobster, shrimp and scallops - I'll have to steal some of that. I do a mimosa - he a Bloody Mary. Yes, this is the life. I never do brunch anymore. I'm not sure why. I must be crazy because there is nothing like good food and alcohol in the afternoon.
Finally, while awaiting dessert, I mention to the staff that I'm writing a little piece about my excursion and would it be possible to shoot some photos of their lovely rooms. A sweet girl, who's name I forget (sorry, I'm terrible that way) hands me a fistful of room keys and with husband in tow - off we go!
There are beautiful details everywhere. All the fireplaces have hand painted ceramic tiles - just gorgeous.
The house has many rooms downstairs but I can resist that spiral staircase...
Upstairs it is bright and cheery, I think that the bride from my summer wedding must have been up here getting ready with all her friends and family. I remember her looking down on us on the patio right before the ceremony. I wonder which room she was in. There are so many of them!
Each one is so different...
And so many colors and textures - I love it!
A big, sun filled Suite.
Oriental Carpets everywhere.
And marble sinks...
Here's a coral red room with cathedral ceiling.
I think all these rooms have fireplaces!
And I LOVE the spring green with the white. Almost makes me forget the snow outside!
Private bathrooms in every room!
Heading back downstairs I meet the owner, Richard Naumann. As I mentioned before, he is from Germany, a place I've been many times - and he turns out to be an interesting guy to talk to. AND he can cook! Not sure if he's available ladies (the good one's rarely are). But I must pull myself away. Stacey (did I get it right?!) has served my Dessert Crepes with Chocolate, Banana and Walnuts.
Heading back downstairs I meet the owner, Richard Naumann. As I mentioned before, he is from Germany, a place I've been many times - and he turns out to be an interesting guy to talk to. AND he can cook! Not sure if he's available ladies (the good one's rarely are). But I must pull myself away. Stacey (did I get it right?!) has served my Dessert Crepes with Chocolate, Banana and Walnuts.
I am so glad I got myself out of the house today. Our little trip to the Inn at Woodstock Hill was just the thing to get me out of my winter doldrums.
13 comments:
I LOVE this place!! It's like a movie set! The raised section in one of the bathrooms surprised me!
I just want to go sit on the porch with a giant mug of hot chocolate and listen to the wind!
beautiful! what a lovely place. so glad you were able to snap pics too!
What a beautiful Inn. I think I have been to that part of CT just once, I'm on the northwest part of the state.
Lovely! SUch a great tour you've given...really gives a great feel for the place. I rarely make it to CT, and I'm so close that I really need to. This Inn looks amazing...I think I'll be booking the turquoise room, and the dessert crepes. :-)
Wow, this is such a gorgeous place. It really makes me want to go visit for a quick little vacation :) Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful and very romantic, I will have to get the BF to take me there I think...
Grat shots! I love those old New England B & B's! I have wonderful memories that your post brings back.
You know what, I had a horrible weekend at a Writers' Retreat. I haven't had lunch, and have a bad headache. Just when I thought that NOTHING could cheer me up,. come these pictures. I LOVE this place. And those food pictures had me dreaming.
omg that smoke salmon loooks soo good. I used to always call it my favorite "ham" when I was little :)
the place is beautiful
Hi Laura,
Nice post on the Woodstock Inn! I haven't been inside there, so I appreciated your photos.
I tried to e-mail you, but the e-mail address from your comment bounced for some reason. But thanks for commenting! I am glad you wrote us again . . . I meant to write you after your last comment, and then forgot! I had spoken with partner on the blog, David Byers, about doing a cross-link with you on your own blog.
Our historic house blog has been a lot of fun, but a lot of work. Dave & I take turns posting, usually every-other-day. But it is still a big-time commitment (you probably get that!), since neither of us are very good at just doing a "quick" post without much substance. As you've probably noticed, most of the posts are like small "articles," and I am not sure how long we can keep up doing the daily posts!
The original purpose of the blog was to drive traffic to our pay site, Historic Homes Marketplace, but I am not sure how successful that has been. We get about 50 visits per day to the blog, but probably only one or two "crossover" visits from the blog to the pay site. But Dave & I also feel that the blog serves other, less profitable purposes, namely to promote historic houses & preservation, and hopefully to encourage Realtors to understand the value of antique homes.
Yes, Nicole & I have our own house under contract now. In fact, we are moving to Ohio! We are supposed to close one week from tomorrow. We just had our first baby (Jan 6), and have decided we'd like to be closer to our families (we are both from Ohio; I came out here to do my Masters in American History at UConn). There are far fewer historic houses in Ohio . . . mostly Victorian & newer, but we would definitely like to buy a neat older home -- perhaps Victorian or Craftsman. We'll see.
Well, keep reading, and keep commenting! (we have been surprised that more people haven't chimed in about any of our posts). In fact, if you have any ideas for a post, perhaps we could have you as a "guest blogger" with a link!
Best,
Michael
PS - feel free to delete this "e-mail" from your "Comments!"
Hello! What an interesting blog you have. Beautiful pictures and great writing, I'll be back for sure : )
Marianne in Norway
Oh Laura, so enchanting - I love this place - I could live there and eat there for sure. I especially love the textures and colors as an artist...inspiring!!! The table set up next to the fire place is looking mighty cozy as well - I may have to rearrange here now!
Love all the textures and colors.
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