If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. I've been spending weekends there every year for…read moreabout 11 years. Mostly, I've attended with a group of country dancers, but recently began going with my grandson, just for a mini-vacation. First: The accommodations. There are several buildings that offer a variety of rooms. We love the cottages, which are actually a three unit structure just outside the main inn. Each includes a sitting room, bathroom and two bedrooms (1 queen and the other with 2 twins.) The knotty pine walls make you feel like a kid at camp again, but the cottages were renovated within the past couple of years and are up to date and well appointed. No telephone or television, just a small refrigerator. I have also stayed in several of the rooms in the Main Inn, which are also very nice. They can accommodate a single person or an entire family, with several different arrangements. There are other, pricier rooms on the property, some of which include television or air conditioning. To each his own, but I love the old time feel of the inn and the cottages.
The amenities: There are 3 pools (1 indoor) and 2 hot tubs (1 indoor) as well as a sauna. They are very well maintained and use at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards. There's shuffleboard, swings, sandbox, etc. but the best attraction is the animals. It is a working farm and you're welcome to visit the barns to see the sheep, goats, pigs, horses, cows, ponies, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, bunnies, etc. They've recently cut back on the feeding because too much bread is not good for them. But you can visit and pet them. There are often babies - a goat was born during my recent stay. You can milk a cow and a goat or pick your own eggs from the chicken coop.
Extra activities: In summer months, there's boating on the lake, hikes, kayaking, horseback riding and pickup games of kick ball on the lawn. In winter, they have an indoor ice skating rink, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. (You can rent them right there.) Most weekends include new stop family activities, like crafts, games, cooking and animal related activities.
Food: This is a highlight. Meals are family style, all you can eat and absolutely amazing. Your overnight stay includes 3 full meals. My grandson and I had our own table reserved for us every night with the same wait staff assigned. They are most accommodating to any dietary requests and very kid friendly. The service is incredibly efficient. I've included many pictures from a recent group dance weekend. In addition to the 3 meals, there's a happy hour style event in the late afternoon with an adult table of hot & cold appetizers and cocktails as well as a kid version with snacks and lemonade.
The setting: Right at the base of Mount Monadnock, the farm offers beautiful views of the lake and mountain. If you prefer the indoors, there are comfortable, cozy common areas, including living rooms with fireplaces, library, game room with television, ping pong and board games. They also have a lovely little giftshopIf you are adventurous and tire of the farm (gasp!), the town of Keene is a short drive away.
I can not recommend this place enough. It's unlike any vacation you'll take anywhere else. We love East Hill Farm!
Update: Just returned from yet another amazing farm experience. The thing that impresses me the most about The Inn at East Hill Farm is that the quality of the visit never waivers. We've all gone to places that were really above and beyond, only to find things slack off after many years (or less) in business. But this place delivers EVERY TIME and I have been coming consistently for more than a decade, visited in three seasons. The accommodations are beautiful, the service impeccable, the food a highlight and the farm experience unique. Thanks for another great little vacation, East Hill Farm!
