We stayed here for four nights and found the property to be quiet, admittedly the near by road does offer some noise, but with the windows open a little, we slept well despite the heat. The air-conditioning was effective but too noisy to sleep with it on. When I requested a fan, I believe Barb & Larry (the owners) went and bought one for us! That fact is VERY impressive and it provided enough air circulation for us to sleep for 11 hours one night.
The suite had a large sofa, separate table and chairs, a very comfortable king bed, great linen, satellite TV and an electric effect fire (very naff). The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub (noisy) and was an all in one plastic affair, spotlessly clean, but I do dislike them (my little foible) as they look so cheap. The 'smellies' on offer were good and there were lots of towels.
The owners Barb & Larry could not be more personable & helpful. Russ their manager was a true professional and a great asset to the business. He meets and greets in a charming and friendly but not intrusive way.
Their restaurant, where we had dinner on 3 nights, is EXCELLENT!!!!! If you book their Romance package it is even better value, with a simple selection of dishes, prepared well and executed with flair. The fish chowder gets a 10 out of 10! For a small inn to offer such a standard of food, let alone restaurant surroundings, is very unusual, and deserves as other reviewers have mentioned, to be highly recommended.
I must also come clean and I say I co-own an award winning in located in Woodstock VT, so my standards are VERY high and are often not met. My suggestions for our room would be:
1) A small CD/radio system as we are not TV junkies...perhaps an all in one DVD/CD unit?
2) In the bedroom better reading lighting, the central lights are too bright and kill the atmosphere and the 2 free standing lights and bedside lights have too weak bulbs or cannot be angle directed to read by.
3) The bathrooms are functional, but do not match the quality of the bedroom or inn in general. This was I feel a missed opportunity.
4) With two such talented chefs why not make your own jam and marmalade for the breakfast service? The pre-packaged ones offered do look cheap compared to the table service and hand made pottery etc.
5) Perhaps some fresh flowers in the room..small thing but they would really keep up your high standards.
6) A wish not easy to execute...a real wood burning stove in your entrance lobby would complete the setting of the sweeping staircase. The smell and effect would really set off a great first impression. Had I built the inn a real fireplace and stone chimney would have been placed there, but to retro fit would be too expensive. The existing electric fire just doesn't do that trick.....and as mentioned we think they are really naff.
So in summary my only dislike was the electric effect fire....and I can live with that! read more
