This place is wonderful! I have now stayed there with my husband and son twice and we were blown…read moreaway. The rooms are lovely and clean and the massive bathroom has a luxurious shower . The breakfast is outstanding: there is a cooked-to-order menu (with eggs from their own chickens!) and a beautiful set-up in a sun room overlooking the nature reserve in the backyard. The property has a beautiful pool and my son loved the game room with a pool table. The very friendly owners, also the chefs, clearly pay attention to detail!

A wooded oasis one minute from Fitchburg State, 1.5h by train from Boston!…read more Visiting family in Fitchburg, we wanted to stay close to the center of town, and we were so lucky to find availability at Howarth House B&B! This beautiful wooded oasis is just up the hill from Fitchburg State University. The home is lovely, with three upstairs rooms available for guests. With our family along, we spent time in two of the rooms. The Harvard is spacious and has a great shower with streams from two sides. What a luxurious experience! The Hudson is also roomy with a serene view of the pool and the back woods (and chicken coop!). It has a jetted tub, so very relaxing, and a shower too. The beds are huge and comfortable, with what must be a pillow-top on the tall firm mattress. These might be the most comfortable rooms we've ever stayed in at a B&B! Breakfast is freshly made with several delicious options from a menu where you make you selections the night before. The eggs are fresh from their own chickens! The hosts Sarah and Ryan served us in a well-lit "Florida Room" with a view of the flower-garden. And we saw a hummingbird flitting among pink and lavender flowers! On the first floor, in addition to the breakfast room, there's a kitchenette with complimentary beer and soft drinks and snack bars, single-serve coffees, and tea bags with a hot and cold water dispenser, (and both milk and cream, thx!). There is a large comfortable sitting room, where we spent part of a pleasant evening with the friendly owners, swapping travel stories. And from there is an enclosed brick pathway to a rec room with a nice billiard table. To the left is the clean outdoor pool, or ahead is the open covered lighted porch with a ceiling fan, which has a step down to the pool. We took a few laps, then walked down and around to the patio with a fire-pit and a large jacuzzi. On an overcast September day, the pool was cool but not chilly, and the jacuzzi was warm with easy-to-adjust powerful jets. The chicken coop is hidden downhill a bit further, and there's no resident rooster so you might hear some cheerful clucking but no raucous crowing. It's just 1.5h by MBTA train from North Station in Boston to this tranquil hideaway. The hosts are charming and hard-working, always making improvements, always ready with friendly conversation. The price is of course a bit more than some local hotels, but not at all expensive, and our envious hotel-staying relatives all came by for a relaxing evening of wine on the porch.

Beware of this Inn, they take your reservation and charge your credit card for the full balance…read moreeven it is six months in advance. I had to change our dates and have not been able to get a refund from them.

Beautiful home and wonderful hosts who were so accommodating. Time there was a blessing.read more

Just completed a weekend wedding celebration at the Inn. 10/10! From Friday nights rehearsal and…read moreimpromptu dinner for the family all the way through brunch Sunday Morning for the overnight guests. The food, the staff, the property so welcoming felt like spending time at a family countryside home. Pics from brunch !!

I attended a brunch last Sunday Nov 19 for the Hanover Theatre Volunteers. I know she doesn't…read moremanage the Inn anymore but it was great to see Dawn Eckelberry. She and my Family all graduated from David Prouty. In fact She graduated with my youngest brother Ken. I have been to other functions there like Class Reunions and other occasions. The Brunch was great. It is nice that you are keeping that Spencer Landmark operating. Jim Messier DPHS Class of 1970

We picked this place on rather late notice and got lucky. The place was very cozy and in very good…read moreshape. The beds were comfortable and we had a massive bathroom with a bathtub. The owners were friendly and welcoming. In the morning we got a delicious and plentiful breakfast cooked "on demand". Also, our wish for late checkout was no problem for the owner. We mainly came for the foliage and for that it is an amazing place - maple trees are all over the place! Just a short drive away is a nice little hike (The Rock House Reservation) as well as a pond with a restaurant right at it. Also, the local pumpkin festival just happened the day we arrived. All over - the perfect place for a cozy weekend getaway.

My boyfriend and I stayed here to enjoy the Brimfield antique flea market for the weekend. The…read moreowners made us feel like family. This place is charming without being stuffy. Breakfast was yummy, our room was clean and cozy... couldn't have had a nicer stay. We've already booked another stay. Highly recommended!

This was such a beautiful experience! Our host Candy was extremely accommodating complete with…read moredelicious gluten free breakfast!!!! Thanknyou!!

We were here to visit our kid at UMass over Parents Weekend and had a very pleasant stay in the…read moreupstairs suite with two bedrooms. The rooms are stocked with snacks and there's some local artwork you can purchase if you like. The upstairs suite doesn't have any kind of a kitchen, though there's a mini-fridge and I believe a microwave, so dishes are bussed out as you use them; don't plan on doing any food prep on your own. The hostess brought breakfast to the room (there's not a common dining room like most B&Bs) and pointed out the local ingredients including eggs from her chickens and vegetables from the garden. This is a real working mini-farm and it's fun to stroll the grounds and see what is going on. And it's VERY close to the northeast corner of the campus; we were able to leave our car and walk to his dorm (Van Meter) in about 20 minutes. Like the website says, the grounds are very rich in animals and there's an extremely friendly cat who wouldn't stay out of our room in spite of the management's desire to keep the premises pet-free. Keep this in mind if you have allergies.

My wife and I just finished a wonderful winter escape at the Blue - Inn on the Beach for our…read moreanniversary. The drive to Plumb Island through Newburyport was the perfect introduction to our romantic, north shore getaway. Being from Phoenix, we look forward to our cold, winter adventure each year and neither of us had been anywhere north of Boston before. Before our arrival, communication with the Blue was informative and hand a personal feel. Obviously, the Blue caters to summer beach-goers, and the reserved parking area near the hotel would definitely be a huge plus for folks competing for parking spots, but in winter, there are very few people or cars on the entire island. The Blue is a quaint little hotel nestled on the beach in a neighborhood of New England beach homes. We were happily greeted at the front desk by Blue staff and the General Manager. They tendered to our every need and surprised us with a fabulous fruit and chocolate anniversary gift waiting for us in the room. The room was beautiful with a classic and modern beach feel. Sliding glass doors open up to a wooden deck with a fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean. We could hear the crashing waves while sitting inside beside the gas fireplace to read. It was magical! Also magical was the bed! We haven't slept that well in years! The bed was so comfortable and my wife loved the pillows so much that she bought the very same ones for home the day we returned. And don't forget the two hot tubs! There is nothing quite as enjoyable as relaxing in a steaming, bubbling hot tub while it's snowing all around you. Honestly, the "hot tubs available" filter was probably what highlighted the Blue to me during my search for this trip. One hot tub is on the second floor deck, overlooking the beach and the second is hidden under the pine trees at the end of a short sidewalk across the street from the main building. Both were large enough for probably 6 people, clean and well maintained. Again, it was February so we had them all to our crazy selves the whole week. The beach is beautiful! There is direct, private access from the second floor of the Blue, via a wooden boardwalk. The beach is sandy with very few rocks. I didn't see any seaweed or anything washing up on shore, but it was February, so I didn't expect to see a whole lot of anything living coming out of the water. Every morning we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the ocean while we drank some local coffee delivered direct to the room. Oh yeah, breakfast! Each morning the staff dropped off and adorable wicker basket with fresh, local breakfast offerings plus that wonderful carafe of coffee. We had different breakfast each day, to include quiche, overnight oats, fresh fruit, biscuits, and bacon. Just the right amount for the two of us and we couldn't wait to see what breakfast surprise would arrive each morning. Although Plumb Island may feel remote from the business of the Boston-metro area, the location was great for dipping down to Salem without hitting any traffic, or popping up to New Hampshire for a sleighride through the forest. One morning, after a small nor'easter blew through, our SUV got stuck in the parking lot snow. No worries! The General Manager of the Blue came out to hail down a plow and personally helped push us out. Now that's service! Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Blue -Inn on the Beach to anyone looking for a romantic beach getaway. If you're looking for a less Metropolitan vacation with the proximity to get to Boston in under an hour, the Blue can't be beat. We will definitely be coming back. Maybe even in the summer next time!

This is a very comfortable accommodation. I love the breakfast baskets. They are allergy friendly…read morehere. They had hazelnut creamer for the coffee which I like a lot, but it should be separated in the room so it's not accidentally used by someone with a nut allergy. The sheets and pillows here were so nice I took notes to buy my own. They feel like down but are an alternative so that is allergy friendly too. The have Apple TV with casting which I don't often get in hotels, even expensive resorts. The AC and heating are highly responsive so you're going to be comfortable. They also have a remote control fan which is nice for anyone who regularly sleeps with the fan on. I would come back for a summer stay, but they do get fully booked easily so plan your summer visit before Spring starts.

When people have asked "How was your wedding?" My answer has been, "More beautiful than I could…read morehave ever imagined!" and that's thanks to Wendy and the Phineas Wright House. Seriously. If you're considering an event here, book it now and you won't be disappointed. First off, the property is stunning. The house has beautiful rooms to get ready in with great light; the facade of the house makes for beautiful photos; the barn is iconic and warm; the gardens were stunning in full bloom; there are fences and paths through the woods galore. We had our ceremony at the top of a hill overlooking a scenic New England field and pond. The reception was in a beautiful field under a big tree for shade. And for those worried about unsteady grandparents, there were easy ways to help them get around. Everything was beautiful, a real classic New England farm. Then, the decorations! Every small detail was perfect. All of the flowers were fresh from Wendy's garden and the arrangements were PERFECT. The signage and table settings were gorgeous and involved freshly stripped bark with calligraphied names of all of our guests. There were blankets on the back of all of the chairs for when it got chillier at night! Seriously, Wendy thought of everything. And last, but certainly not least, Wendy! You couldn't ask for a better planner, friend, and kind soul. She has been a wedding planner for decades and now she and her husband run the Phineas Wright House. I didn't stress once on the day of the wedding because I knew Wendy had it all under control. From the moment my husband and I started planning the wedding, she was alongside us supporting and cheering us on. I would often say "I'm so grateful for Wendy!" We had started our wedding planning with Wendy when we were going to have a 100 person wedding elsewhere, and by the end we had a 12 person, socially distanced wedding at her home, and honestly it was absolutely perfect. I still dream of the Phineas Wright House and our magical wedding day. I wish you the same joy!

From the owner: The Phineas Wright House is a historic bed & breakfast on a small New England flower farm. The barn…read moreand property are available for private rental for parties of 25 or less. Located in Bolton's historic town center, the Phineas Wright House is the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot, Indy film project, retreat, elopement, or epic dinner with friends. The best feeling after a dreamy day arranging flowers, learning a new skill or enjoying a fabulous field dinner is knowing you can also stay the night in the bed & breakfast. Plan your own dreamy experience here or join a hosted event put together by the owner, a 30-year veteran of the wedding industry who concentrates on curating experiences where guests feel welcomed, anticipated, and celebrated.

My boyfriend and I spent a night at the Samuel Fitch House this past weekend, and it was fantastic…read more The website does not do it justice! The house itself is a 300-year-old farmhouse that has been owned by only 5 families throughout its history. Most of the original structure remains today, giving the place an authentic rustic feel -- not kitchy, like so many other bed & breakfasts. The hostess is cheerful and charming, and more than happy to give you a tour of the grounds (including a tunnel in the basement that was part of the underground railroad!). For us, she made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies fresh upon arrival. We stayed in the Carriage House, which really is a bargain for the space. The two-story suite includes a fireplace, kitchenette, television, desk, couch, armchair, and small table with two chairs. This is in addition to an outdoor porch attached to the unit, and the beautiful upstairs bedroom (with air conditioning). Breakfast was delectable, made exactly to our preferences, and served on a screened-in porch overlooking the gardens. We couldn't have asked for a better experience! I'd definitely stay here again, and would absolutely recommend this to any couple looking for a quick getaway from Boston.

My husband and I have stayed here two years in a row on our anniversary/his birthday weekend. Lynne…read moreis a fantastic innkeeper/hostess/chef! She really took the time to get in touch with us before our visit to be sure everything was going to be to our liking. She will make your visit what you wish... if you want the historic tour, you'll get it! If you want privacy and peace and quiet, she'll just be there when you need her. The house has wonderful character and charm and so much history. The fire was roaring when we arrived and the entire visit felt like a special getaway for us from work and the kids, even if it was only a few towns away. I would go just for breakfast if I could, homemade and delicious.

The Mansion at Bald Hill sits on 45 acres site 20 ft from linemaster switch corporation... The…read morefactory next door makes switches for sewing machines and has dumped thinners chemicals paints and metals into the soil creating a 45 acre EPA Superfund hazardous clean up site... The well and Wells are budding the property have been affected by the toxicity of the dumpings.. today they have not been removed and remained on a site which is now used to host weddings and functions... I am shocked that this is not disclosed to every person that uses this facility... This is why they give you bottled water when you're there.. because they're on well is tainted.. if you don't believe me check out the federal website for EPA hazardous website in Woodstock Connecticut and see for yourself.. https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.redevelop&id=0100041#:~:text=The%2045%2Dacre%20Linemaster%20Switch,use%20chemicals%2C%20paint%20and%20thinners.

There is no doubt The Mansion at Bald Hill is a stunning venue to host an outdoor wedding. The…read moregrounds are maintained beautifully, and the gardens are green and lush. We loved the dramatic ceremony aisle, and the cocktail hour patio space was perfect. The ballroom can truly be transformed into something magical and memorable. Though the venue itself was overall perfect, we did not have a good experience with their so called "day of coordinator" (DOC). There was an extreme lack of communication and professionalism experienced during the rehearsal and wedding day with the DOC. As a Type A bride, I planned every last detail to a T and even provided a fool proof binder of my expectations for decor setup and wedding day flow. On the night of our rehearsal...the day before the wedding, we were informed that the DOC and her staff would not be assisting in the setting up of any of our wedding décor. The only portion of the setup they handle are the tables w/ linens (if you choose to use theirs) and the ceremony chairs. This was not discussed or disclosed to us when booking the venue and had it been, we would have hired an actual coordinator. Due to this, one of my bridesmaids and the significant others of the bridal party had to set up everything the morning of the wedding. Due to the lack of eye for detail and overall care from the mansion's DOC, she did not read the binder we provided her with which in turn also caused our ceremony to be mismanaged. She told the groom and bridal party to start walking before the officiant even began reading the opening remarks resulting in our officiant having to skip over the whole beginning of our ceremony script. We would have been better off without her "help" and "services" altogether as several of our other vendors also commented to us about her rudeness towards them. We also want to share our experience regarding their "open bar" pricing. Due to specific wording in the contract, we were charged an additional (quite significant) amount of money for alcohol consumed. You are not paying for an open bar here but rather by consumption so please be sure you understand your contract fully to avoid this unnecessary additional stress. Overall, we feel the venue itself made our wedding perfect, but we are giving only three stars due to the DOC's behavior, lack of care for the bride and groom and subpar services provided. If you fall in love with the grounds like we did and choose to book your wedding here, the major takeaway we have from our experience would be to hire your own coordinator. You will need someone who always has the bride and groom's needs at the forefront of their mind and someone who truly knows and cares about executing your vision. Your wedding day should be stress-free and that will not happen here without an outside coordinator.