Relax in Romantic New England

New-England-Road-Trip
For a restorative seven nights in stunning settings, Lake Shore Travel’s Myrna Shaw recommends three charming, secluded resorts in New England. Winvian Farm in Connecticut, Blantyre in Massachusetts, and Twin Farms in Vermont are each havens of natural beauty, with intriguing architecture and extensive, wooded grounds that make privacy and relaxation effortless.

What’s more, they’ve earned international acclaim for outstanding, locally sourced cuisine and impeccable service. Ideal in summer, all are beautiful in autumn foliage and winter snows.  Whatever you’re after–pure romance, communing with nature, or kicking back to recharge–read on.

First Stop: Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut

Tucked into the Litchfield Hills at the foot of the Berkshires, Winvian has a charming history to go with its lovely country setting. What began in 1775 as a private estate was transformed, mid-twentieth century into a working family farm, before becoming, decades later, the world-class resort it is today. 

 

Guests at Winvian have 113 acres to wander at will, giving it a retreat-like sensibility. While chilling out is a popular pastime, plenty of active diversions abound, including hiking, swimming, horseback riding, spa treatments, hot-air balloon rides, and even race-car driving.

 

Winvian’s most famous calling card may be its 18 uniquely designed cottages, each appointed around an imaginative theme. Picture waking up in a musical conservatory; a posh helicopter; or a lodge built into a giant oak. Each is tucked tucked discreetly into the surrounding meadows and woodlands, and huge, woodburning fireplaces boost their coziness and romance quotients.

 

Winvian’s 5-star, seed-to-table restaurant gets accolades from both first timers and repeat diners alike. Its imaginative menus revolve around the freshest seasonal offerings, sourcing herbs and vegetables from Winvian’s own organic gardens and other, local farms.

Second Stop: Blantyre in Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts

Your second oasis lies some 55 miles north of Winvian in the heart of the Massachusetts Berkshires. Blantyre’s 110 acres of lawns and woodlands reflect its beginnings in the Gilded Age: the comfortable grandeur of the historic main house, a sprawling, Tudor-style mansion from 1902, resonates throughout the resort. The nearby town of Lenox, once a nineteenth-century playground for the wealthy, is a must-see, with quaint shops, art galleries and outstanding restaurants. 

 

The resort prides itself on service, winning raves for above-and-beyond touches and old-world charm. Lodging includes rooms and suites in the elegant Manor House and Carriage House, along with four self-contained residences, The Cottages. Designed by separate architects, each cottage has a distinct personality and an upscale, calming vibe. All accommodations offer amenities galore.

 

Exceptional dining is among Blantyre’s most powerful draws. Each room comes with a sumptuous breakfast, and (as at Winvian and Twin Farms), the innovative fare at Blantyre’s five-star restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients. 

Wine aficionados will especially love the (literally) thousands of fine wine selections on offer.T

 

Diverse summer activities at Blantyre include swimming, tennis, horseback riding and serious pampering at the onsite spa. In winter, guests enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. 

Twin Farms Vermont
Twin Farms Bedroom
Twin Farms Picnic
Twin Farms Spa

Third Stop: Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont

From Blantyre, head approximately 165 miles north to discover the most spacious, off-the-beaten-path retreat of your seven-day getaway. For speed, take I-91 N, but for great scenery, consider US-7 to VT-100 N, called “Vermont’s Main Street” for its north-south footprint through the state’s center.

Seasoned travelers describe Twin Farms as among the best resorts in the world. In 2020, Forbes named it Hotel of the Year. Guests are free to explore 300 mesmerizing acres of hills, forests, fields, and ponds, while relaxing into Twin Farms’ all-inclusive hospitality. Room rates cover lodging; three daily meals from the award-winning kitchen; evening cocktails; and all onsite activities (except for spa services). Along with numerous summer and winter sports, options include unique diversions like box-lunch picnics and tours with the beekeeper behind Twin Farms’ homemade honey. 

 

As an added comfort measure, the resort offers a choice of dining in the main house or in the seclusion of one’s own cottage or suite.

 

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway or trying to organize a trip for three generations, we can assist. Find out how we can collaborate by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our experienced travel advisors.

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