As the summer was on its last legs and with a busy fall at work right around the corner, I wanted…read moreto get away. With a little luck, I managed to book a room for two nights during Labor Day weekend with only about a week's notice at the Botsford Briar. I found it on the internet, having never before been to Beacon, a little escape I had planned because of hiking, kayaking, the Dia: Beacon, the boat to tour Bannerman Castle, and Main Street were all within walking distance.
I arrived quite early on Saturday via train and headed up to Main Street. I had a kayaking tour reservation and had planned to do that before checking in at Bostford Briar. However, when there was some miscommunication and the tour left without me, the folks at Mountain Top outdoor store called the proprietors of the Botsford Briar (yeah, it's that small of a town) to see if I could check in early. And all was well; they were happy to take me early. My room was ready and I headed over...and up the rather steep hill of High Street.
Charlie met me halfway up the hill and insisted on taking my bag the rest of the way. The house is charming and looks just as it does on the website photo. Inside, it's filled with curiosities on the first floor. I met Shirley there too. Throughout my stay, she and Charlie were wonderful. They took the time to try to find an alternate kayaking solution for me, suggested restaurants, went to the trouble of having my breakfast ready quite early on my last morning there since I had to leave before the normal time, etc.
I stayed in the Wisteria Room, which was lovely. The bed was comfy. There were a couple of chairs as well as a table with two dining chairs with bottles of water on a tray. In case it was needed, there was an AC unit. Lots of sunlight could come in through the generous windows (though you could pull curtains and shades too). Wifi was free. The TV wasn't a flat screen, but I didn't watch it so, who really cares? The room had wonderful charm and was clearly lovingly decorated.
The bathroom was a private one down the hall. However, they've thoughtfully added a curtain one can pull to really make that whole wing private (so you don't feel odd walking to the bathroom in your pajamas; nobody can see you). I loved the claw foot tub and had a nice soak each night. It was a large bathroom with nice towels and was meticulously clean.
I spent a good portion of both evenings watching the sunset on the beautiful shared deck out back. It's at the top of High Street and you can see down and across the Hudson River. It's beautiful and a wonderful quiet spot (or a place to chat with other guests, as I did the second evening). Also shared for the guests is a small room with a fridge, cupboard (thoughtfully stocked with glasses, wine glasses, corkscrews, etc.), and a single serving coffee maker for anything you wanted to make or store yourself.
Breakfast was quite generous. There was one freshly baked (and still warm!) item each day along with other breads, a fantastic fruit plate, juice, and coffee. The only thing I would have added would have been a hard boiled egg or something so that I could get in a little protein. But with what was provided, I really wasn't lacking at all in nourishment. It's brought to your room at your chosen time on a tray.
The location is great. It's easy walking distance to the train station, Dia: Beacon, boat launch, and Main Street. It's within walking distance of a trail head for hiking as well though you should know that it's a long hike in itself up Main Street to reach it.
I'm so glad I came to Botsford Briar to get away. It's so clear how much love (and personal talent/handiwork) Charlie and Shirley have put into the place. And they really take pride in making it a wonderful retreat. I wouldn't be surprised if I found myself back there again when weary of the city.
