With so many wonderful things to say about Anne Hathaway's, what stood out for us was the way the staff and owners foster an intentional building of community. From the early-morning coffee and scones to a delightful, filling breakfast, the seque to the afternoon tea, and the finish with sherry or port in the evening, you'll share Ashland, life, and Anne Hathaway's itself with the other guests and come away the better for it. We talked about plans and great finds in the city, discussed the plays, dissected the acting and directing styles, and agreed to disagree with a graciousness our legislators need to emulate.
The staff was friendly and more-than-competent, echoing the owners' vibe that they were glad we were here. At breakfast, several young local students served. They were attentive without hovering and well-trained without seeming officious.
The morning scones (ginger/apricot and cranberry/almond, truly awesome the two mornings we were there) and coffee or tea are available an hour before breakfast. You can grab the house copy of the NY Times or Wall Street Journal to catch up on what is happening in the non-Shakespeare world. Follow that with an excellent breakfast in the back-yard garden area. Breakfast started with a generous fruit course (fresh local berries were in season), accompanied by scones and coffee/tea/fresh-squeezed orange juice. Our first morning we enjoyed a frittata with oven-roasted potatoes and crispy bacon (turkey bacon was also available). Our second breakfast featured a layered berry French toast with a buttermilk syrup as well as chicken sausage. Both mornings the staff asked if we wished more! Would have loved it, but there was just no room. Tables for four or six facilitated getting to know the other guests well. If you want a copy of a recipe, just ask and it appears. I know it's a small thing, but I can't remember the last time we used the sterling silver at breakfast - at least until we got to this B and B.
The four o'clock tea featured warm homemade chocolate chip or orange sugar cookies, cheeses and crackers, cashews, fresh fruit, and peanut butter pretzels. This treat can really take the edge off, so all you want is a light dinner. Iced tea and lemonade slaked our thirsts on the hot afternoons. When we got home after the shows, we'd enjoy a drink and revel in each other's company. We guests were strangers when we arrived at Anne Hathaway's. We weren't when we departed.
Anne Hathaway's is a charming and beautifully maintained home. The front room has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crammed with any reading material you might want. The rooms are cozy and comfortable and bursting with art. Make sure you find the red glass heart in the room and get your reward for it. We also appreciated the green, sustainable mindset of the owners and staff.
My wife wasn't thrilled when I originally booked Anne Hathaway's instead of our customary B and B. Now we both can't wait to return. read more