Set on the village green and tucked at the base of its own private mountain, this quintessential Vermont inn with its namesake columns and forest green shutters is thriving under owners who have spent the past few years upgrading and refining the amenities.
Surrounded by gardens that burst with color in the summer and hardwoods that bring fall foliage right outside the windows, the inn's setting is picture perfect. Guests enter the inn to find a wealth of hardwood floors, fireplaces, and antiques framing the comfortable sitting areas where afternoon sweets and tea are served. A bountiful breakfast with fruit, cereals and fresh pastries accompanying the day's hot entree is included in the rates.
The historic dining room with its linen clothes, fiddleback chairs and open, brick fireplace framed with copper pots is a popular place. Reservation should be made when booking rooms. An award-winning wine list supplants a menu the chef describes as a combination of New American, French and Asian that takes advantage of local products when possible.
On-site recreation is limited to the hiking trails that
extend throughout the property and beyond. Options for other summer and winter sports are nearby.
Each of the air-conditioned rooms is individually decorated in crisp colors with handmade quilts draped at the foot of the queen or king beds. Luxurious linens and a variety of pillows lend character and comfort. Furnishings are classic country and floral patterns are kept to a minimum, primarily window coverings and rugs atop the gleaming wood floors. All rooms have sitting areas and large, multipaned windows letting in plenty of light, radio and CD players, and high-speed Wi-Fi access. TVs are built-in to Suite Two and above the corner fireplace in Suite Five. Most of the other rooms have cable access and TV/DVD units can be brought to those rooms upon request.
Baths are large and provide hair dryers, plush robes, plump towels and high-quality toiletries. Traditional rooms have standard tub/shower combinations while the suites—which are just larger rooms—have whirlpool tubs. All suites and two of the traditional rooms—both on the first floor overlooking the garden —have fireplaces. The pair of luxury suites have king beds and vaulted ceilings. One has a 12-head shower and overlooks the village green while the other has a private deck with landscape views and its whirlpool tub for two is in the marble bath under a skylight. Small pets are accommodated in some rooms.
Standards are high at this smoke-free inn, but the mood matches that of the town, slow and relaxed. With a warm and welcoming staff that is helpful but not intrusive and a convenient location for a weekend road trip, this is an excellent choice in Southern Vermont. Keep in mind that there is a two-night minimum on weekends during fall foliage, three nights on holidays and cell phone reception is spotty at best.
