Nestled atop a hill in the town of Washington sits a stunning Dutch Colonial Country Inn with breathtaking views, well-appointed rooms, and a gracious lady of the house. (Permanently closed in 2019)
Originally from Holland, Regine Laverge-Schade came to New York City in 1968 as the young bride of a Dutch banker, who later transferred to a job with United Technologies in Hartford. Regine was already familiar with the town of Washington through a Dutch friend who had married a resident, and she visited her friend often with her small children. When Hartford came into the picture in 1977, she and her family moved to Washington.
In 1985 Regine found a beautiful hill in Washington owned by a man who grew up in Hidden Valley and had married a Peruvian wife. His wife vowed never ever to come back to a Connecticut winter, so he moved to California. Regine and her husband purchased, planned, and built the house together — a sophisticated and intimate country home with breathtaking views overlooking the Litchfield Hills — but later they split up. Regine kept the house and property, and in 2009 she received a permit to run a Bed & Breakfast from the home, calling it Hidden Valley. Indeed, it is a genuine treasure. Guests are offered a farm fresh breakfast, Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, gorgeous gardens, and a heated plunge pool. It was rated as “the Best B&B of New England on a Hill” by Yankee Magazine in their 2012 Travel Guide to New England, and it has been awarded five stars by Tripadvisor.com.
The hospitality business was not new to Regine. “I have always been involved with the hospitality business in one way or another. After my Classical studies I worked for the French Ambassador in the Hague, Holland, and in press and publicity in the Netherlands. Later, I had my own business in New York in PR, with a private bank, Brown Brothers Harriman, as my longest standing client of 22 years. I was in charge of their special events and convention planning. So I have always looked at how best to please the client and optimize the surroundings.”
In its 6 years, Hidden Valley has built a steady clientele from all over the world. Because of the boarding schools in the area, there are many parents from the U.S., as well as from different countries. “Lately the State of Connecticut has promoted the Litchfield Hills as a “destination” for tourism, thus many Americans seem to discover this area. I have been very very lucky with the customers I get because people realize that I love this house and they treat is as such,” says Regine.
The Dutch Colonial house is warm, elegant, and cosy — a personal place, with lots of books, privacy, and pampering. Regine has created a lovely retreat, a getaway for those looking to find some peaceful moments surrounded by beauty. “People seem to love the silence, the views over Hidden Valley, and the night sounds of the crickets, even the coyotes.”
Regine explains what she loves about living in Litchfield County, “This area has everything one would want far away from turmoil. Beauty in the landscape, only 2 hours from New York City, a collective conscience about the environment, interesting and interested people, an active cultural life, and the Steep Rock Reservation with 3 magnificent tracts of preserved land. My favorite places are Hidden Valley, the Shepaug River, and the ever changing colors around us.
Hidden Valley B&B seems to have a steady flow of visitors and is booked year round, so we asked Regine what the secrets to her success are. “I don’t know the secret to the success, but it is a unique place with all the amenities of a first class hotel, without the high rates.” Indeed, Hidden Valley has become a treasure in our area and its graceful proprietor, Regine Laverge-Schade is a beloved resident in the community.
Accommodations include: Three Double Rooms. An exquisite ground floor Red Guest Suite with private entry. King size bed, en-suite full bath, kitchenette, and French windows facing the front terrace with far-southeastern views. The Main house has the Blue Master Bedroom with King-size bed, en-suite full thermal spa bath, with sweeping valley views. The Green Bedroom has a Queen-size bed with additional daybed and private bath. The third floor is a playroom for children. The entire house can be rented for extended visits and romantic getaways.
Hidden Valley
226 Bee Brook Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794
860-868-9401
[email protected]
www.hiddenvalleyct.com
