UPDATED review for January!
My parents lived in Clinton for over 30 years while I lived out of town. On my way to visit them I passed the Ashford Inn literally hundreds of times & always wondered what it would be like to stay there. My father passed in '93 & sadly my mother passed Dec 1, so I decided to stay at the Ashford after the viewing to de-stress. It was a great decision.
Wally, the proprietor was the most helpful, amicable person ever & made me feel instantly at home. The room ( "ivy" ) was a soothing deep green, & the it was filled with antiques, as is the entire house. However, it doesn't feel stiff or unapproachable, rather more... inviting. The shower was delicious & the bed so comfortable I didn't want to get out of it.
The little touches like bottle waters , chocolates, & coffee outside the room in the hall were really special. Also having the opportunity to roam around & look at all the art, antiques, and Christmas decorations was a real treat, as I know my mom would have enjoyed that sort of thing.
I had thought I was going to go back home after the next day's viewing & burial service but I found it quite taxing & stayed another night in a different room. This was the "camelia" & its deep red walls, dark furniture & rich fabrics were intoxicating. I loved the various prints on the walls & the decorative "coach" on top of the wardrobe. Again, the stand up shower was powerful & relaxing, and the bed offered another excellent night's sleep.
What I found interesting was how the owners have outwitted the restrictions put upon them by the pandemic by offering a sort of Continental version of breakfast with individually wrapped fresh items as well as more familiar items such as Belvita, NatureMade granola & Whole Grain fruit bars made availabe on a carousel. Of course there is fresh fruit & juices in the fridge as well as fresh coffee via Keurig. As they say, Necessity is the Mother of invention. Take THAT, COVID.
Overall, I found the host to be extraordinarily accommodating & even upbeat when I was at a very low point in my life, & I really appreciated it. I also really loved the way he made me feel at home & comfortable in that historic property. Just because a place is stately doesn't mean it has to be stuffy.
Highly recommended.
Stayed another two nights this past week( Jan 18, 23 ) & got to stay in the Iris room! Gorgeous dark grey walls, deliciously masculine. The desk, globe & banker's lamp were SO like my Dad's! The book selection was marvelous! Picked one & must return to finish it- oh drats! Love the home-made soap, waters, & chocs! Mattress was ridiculously comfy & the shower was fabulous! Wally, as always SO helpful & makes you feel like you are at home. Can't wait to go back!! read more