Need a Room?
Some of the New and Newly Renovated Hotels of Litchfield County
By Jamie Marshall
As a travel destination, Litchfield County strikes all the right notes. It’s sophisticated and easy-going. Outdoorsy and cultural. There are restaurants and cafes, art galleries and boutiques, cute villages to explore, farms and vineyards to visit, glorious hiking trails, watersports, and cycling routes. The only kink in the works? For years, the area has been hampered by its lack of overnight accommodations, especially during the high season. That’s about to change. This summer the region will welcome a number of new—and newly renovated—properties, a win-win for visitors and residents alike. “It’s wonderful to see all these new hotels,” says Stephen Brighenti, a hospitality industry veteran and owner of POSH Pads luxury home rentals. “It’s a phenomenal story of change that’s 30 years in the making.”
Lost Fox Inn
Litchfield
Just a mile from the town of Litchfield, on the site of the former Tollgate Hill property, the Lost Fox Inn retains much of its historic charm but the vibe is “old-world chic,” says owner Eliza Clark. With a pool, formal garden, and plenty of privacy, the three-building compound is ideally suited for weddings and family gatherings. There are ten rooms in the main house and an adjacent former schoolhouse sleeps four. The old Tavern Building dates to 1765; here the chef will serve up hearty New England-style fare with a rustic twist in a beautiful atmosphere. Rates from $250 to $600. —lostfoxinn.com
The Abner
It’s been three years in the making, but this September the old Litchfield Courthouse will start its second act as The Abner, a boutique hotel with 20 guest rooms and suites, rooftop bar, and a restaurant in the former courtroom. During the renovation, the owners retained much of the building’s original feel. “Judges benches, balustrades, and even the millwork has been repurposed,” says Kevin O’Shea, chief creative officer of Salt Hotels. Rates from $195. —salthotels.com
Belden House and Mews
Belden House and Mews, one of the most eagerly anticipated newcomers, is set to open this fall. The property is the latest luxe offering from the folks behind Troutbeck in Amenia. Located just off the Litchfield Green, the two-acre estate will feature 31 guest rooms and suites, dining, wellness, a seasonal pool, and lawn games. —beldenhouse.com
The Litchfield Inn
With its beautifully landscaped garden, the 32-room Litchfield Inn is a bucolic spot. Owners Syed and Pari Bokhari took advantage of the pandemic downtime to give the inn a total refresh—a project that is ongoing. Downstairs, the feel is laid-back luxury; upstairs each of the 12 “bespoke” guest rooms was inspired by a local landmark, such as Bantam Lake and the Boardwalk at Little Pond. There’s even a fully equipped gym onsite. Rates from $250 to $500. —litchfieldinnct.com
Kent Collection
In nearby Kent, the three properties that comprise the Kent Collection are all within walking distance of the village. Each has its own distinct personality: The five-bedroom Victorian dates back to 1890 and was fully renovated in 2022. The three Garden Cottages—including an 1880s baggage car transformed into an open studio space with modern fabrics and train memorabilia—center around the old Kent train station. The Firefly Inn (formerly the Starbuck Inn) has rooms for up to 18 guests. Rates from $375 to $1000. —kentcollection.com
Falls Village Inn
Over in Falls Village, the venerable Falls Village Inn has spiffed up its five guest rooms with new John Robshaw textiles—think linens, duvets, throw pillows, and more—all of which are available at his shop up the road. The inn continues to draw record numbers for its classic “Burger Night” on Mondays. That’s thanks in part to the lovely privet-edged bluestone patio, which was added post-pandemic for outdoor dining. Rates from $259 to $359. —thefallsvillageinn.com
Mayflower Inn & Spa
In Washington, the Mayflower Inn and Spa celebrated its centennial in 2020 by hiring interior designer Celerie Kemble for a complete makeover of the rooms and public spaces. Drawing inspiration from English and Scandinavian country houses, the palette is a mix of faded Gustavian tones with vibrant pops of color. Be sure to visit The Well, the 20,000-square foot spa, which sits at the heart of the 58-acre estate. Rates vary. —aubergeresorts.com/mayflower
Winvian
Winvian broke new ground when it first opened in 2006 with a collection of individually designed cottages with playful names—Treehouse, Library, Beaver Lodge, Stone—spread across 113 acres. After a recent refresh, they are more appealing than ever. Visitors can do as little or as much as they like—for starters there’s a discreetly placed pool, a world-class spa, a fleet of bikes, chef Eddy’s seed-to-table cuisine with produce from the farm’s organic gardens, and guided activities—hot air ballooning anyone? Rates from $825. —winvian.com
