Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Dream stay: Winvian Resort

Luxurious Retreat Offers Timeless Elegance, Hospitality

By Andrea Valluzzo

Nestled into 113 acres bordering woodlands, lakes, and meadows in Morris, Winvian is anything but a bustling resort. The path to serenity literally begins at the gate, where guests are buzzed in. Outside cares fall away on the drive through the hotel’s property.

Past an allée of mature King Maples is the Condé Nast Traveler award-winning spa. Soothing music fills the air, setting the tone as co-manager Lauren Beecher bids arrivals to change into fluffy terry robes and sandals. 

A popular service is the 90-minute Le Grand Classique facial, which begins with lying on a heated bed under a blanket and breathing in botanicals, to promote relaxation. Beecher works her magic with exfoliation, essential oils, and steam hydration, finishing clients off with a hot towel under the neck and a massage.

Some guests follow their service with a visit to the sauna; others decamp to the relaxation lounge to sip tea while enjoying unspoiled views of the farm, courtesy of the tall picture windows.

Seeking post-spa libations, guests often gather in the tavern to sip a Smoked Paloma or a mocktail while awaiting dinner.

Executive chef Chris Eddy, who joined Winvian in 2006, employs a farm-to-fork approach to his seasonal menus, sourcing many ingredients from Winvian’s own organic gardens, greenhouses, apple and peach orchards, and root cellar. Not surprisingly, the four acres of gardens supply about 70% of the vegetables that Eddy uses. Under his direction, the restaurant delights patrons and accrues many accolades, including a Five Diamond rating from AAA. After leaving his native Vermont, Eddy cut his teeth working for renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse before joining the Winvian family. 

And family is at the heart of what makes Winvian a magical place to visit. Winvian’s proprietress, Maggie Smith, was a teenager in Waterbury when she first experienced Winvian, while dating the son of then-owners Winthrop and Vivian Smith. The couple bought what was a local doctor’s “gentleman farm” in 1948, creating its portmanteau name. 

After they passed, their family was determined to preserve the property and honor their legacy. “I just felt it was so important to keep it in the family if we possibly could,” she says.

Having already renovated an inn in Vermont before relocating to Connecticut, Smith was up to the challenge of turning Winvian into a destination getaway. Friends joked that she was insane, but she remained undaunted. She worked closely with a dozen-plus architects to add roads, fiber optics, and design 19 buildings on site, including 18 guest cottages. The cottages, which pay homage to Connecticut, delight and surprise guests with themes such as the Helicopter Cottage, which contains an actual Sikorsky helicopter.

“I still pinch myself that we built it and that people come to Winvian,” Smith says. She takes pride in a team that she considers her extended family. “Anybody can build buildings, but it really takes a dedicated team to deliver the heart and soul of what I think is Winvian.” —winvian.com

Dig In!

Growing Flowers, Friendships, and more with Community Gardens

Whether you’re looking to grow your own produce, donate to a local food bank, or simply enjoy time outdoors in a shared green space, joining a community garden can make a healthy change to your life—and allow you to nurture your roots within your family, neighborhood, and town. Litchfield County is home to several community gardens, each with its own history, setup, and mission. Some are dedicated to donating food; others encourage you to grow vegetables and/or flowers for your own use. Garden plots are often limited in number; now is the time to find out if any are available for this season. 

Produce to the People

At the Lorch Farm Community Garden in Cornwall, volunteers can help tend to and harvest the seasonal produce grown at the site, which is then donated to area food pantries to help fight food insecurity, which is a hidden but significant problem in Litchfield County. The project is under the auspices of the Cornwall Agricultural Commission.—produce2thepeoplect.com

Barkhamsted Community Garden
Near the center of town at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, the Barkhamsted Community Garden offers 10×4-foot raised beds with high-quality soil and full sun exposure. Water is available on-site, and participants receive monthly gardening tips and assistance from a Connecticut Master Gardener. Barkhamsted residents can secure a plot for $25; non-residents can participate for $30.—barkhamsted.us

Bowman Community Gardens
Located in Torrington, Bowman Community Gardens offers residents space to grow vegetables and flowers while promoting healthy eating and social connections. These gardens serve as an important hub for community members looking to engage in sustainable gardening practices. —torringtonct.org

Judea Garden

Established in 2009 by the Steep Rock Association at Macricostas Preserve in Washington, the Judea Garden provides fresh produce to local residents in need. Supported by volunteers, it has distributed over 20,000 pounds of food. In 2023, it added 74 raised beds to improve productivity and accessibility.—steeprockassoc.org 

Kent Community Garden
Sponsored by the Kent Land Trust, the Kent Community Garden is located east of Kent Center School, behind Kent Greenhouse & Gardens. It offers 10×4-foot plots for a seasonal fee of $30, with additional plots available for $15 each. The garden is pesticide- and herbicide-free. Centrally located water is available to all participants. According to organizer Gwynne Seufert, “While we would give preference to Kent residents, we have never ‘sold out’ and have always been able to offer beds to gardeners who do not live within Kent. Any interested gardener should inquire!”—kentlandtrust.org/community-garden

Litchfield Community Garden
Established in 2009, the Litchfield Community Garden was founded through a grassroots effort, and now provides 40 plots for local gardeners on the Graham Thompson Land Preserve. Managed by the Litchfield Community Center, the garden fosters community engagement through gardening, educational workshops, and seasonal gatherings. Over the years, it has expanded with Eagle Scout projects, a pollinator garden, and accessibility improvements. It serves as a valuable resource for fresh produce and a space for outdoor connection. The garden currently has a waitlist. For more information, contact the Litchfield Community Center at litchfieldcommunitycenter@gmail.com.—litchfieldlandtrust.org

New Milford Victory Garden
Designed to encourage residents to grow their own food, the New Milford Victory Garden provides resources and support for home gardening. The program aims to help gardeners discover the joy of growing fresh produce while also providing for their families and neighbors in need.—newmilford.org

Rentrayage Transforms Fashion’s Footprint

 ‘Lifestyle’ Store in Kent Emphasizes Sustainability

By Andrea Valluzzo

Photographs by Cedric Gairard

Longtime fashion designer Erin Beatty found inspiration across the globe, from the bold prints of African textiles to the flowers of India used to create whimsical effects on fabric. It was not until she left the fashion hub of New York City to settle in Bantam with her family, however, that she fully embraced a new way to create fashion.

Troubled by the carbon footprint and waste generated by the fashion industry, Beatty was determined to create something new and sustainable. After years of working for brands like the Gap and Tory Burch, and developing brands like the award-winning Suno in 2008, she’s found inspiration in the Northwest Hills and the sense of community she’s found here. After several years of running short-term fashion pop-ups for her brand Rentrayage (which she launched in 2019), she gave it a permanent space in October, in Kent Barns at 12 Old Barn Road.

“I was getting tired of luxury, and I hated fast fashion. I felt like there was a space and opportunity for something you can buy without feeling guilty in fashion that is sustainably made,” she says. “I had decided to do a pop-up through Christmas and by the end of November, I knew I wanted to keep this going. You can come in to buy fashion and home, and it all speaks to one another. It’s all made sustainably, by artisans, and locally, and when you put it all together, it really starts to make sense.”

Beatty’s clothing designs occupy one wall in this artfully curated space while textiles, candles, handmade glassware, and decorative pieces are displayed on tables. Soft-as-butter colorful blankets from Spain hang in one corner near glasses made in small batches from recycled glass in Portugal that echo the blankets’ hues. Embroidered pure linen Indian napkins are dyed with flowers recovered from the floors of Mumbai temples. 

Working with artisans and small businesses, Beatty notes one of her most popular items, women’s jeans, are created sustainably in Los Angeles using ozone wash to reduce the amount of water typically needed. 

Her website remains robust but the storefront is the centerpiece. “To me having a space that is so experiential when everything feels so disgustingly digital is actually exactly what we need. And the other thing is a sense of community,” she says. “That’s what I think so many of us who have moved up here have found. It’s what I’m so grateful to this area for—this beautiful community for my children and family, where we are surrounded by nature. Any way we can find to enhance and expand that, it just feels like what the world needs.”

Named for the French word meaning “to mend and make whole again,” Rentrayage mixes vintage clothes with new pieces to create one-of-a-kind items. Spotted recently wearing a vintage sweatshirt with sleeves taken from a military jacket and paired with her “insanely comfortable” Silverlake jeans, Beatty doesn’t just manage her brand. She lives it.—rentrayage.com 

Civil War Letters Bring Romance to Goshen Stage

Now the Magic Begins

By Jack Sheedy

Photographs by Ryan Lavine

Goshen resident Kathleen Kelly learned in 2023 about a trove of Civil War love letters. Her theatrical instinct told her the story cried out for the stage.

“Civil War love letters. You can say that in a nail salon, and heads will turn,” she says.

Kelly is an actor, producer, and director. She inquired at the Goshen Library about a book based on the letters. Cinzi Lavin, a noted Litchfield County novelist, musician, and playwright, overheard her.

Lavin recalls that she said, “I can probably help you with that.”

Lavin had read the late Ernest B. Barker’s 2002 book Fred and Jennie: A Civil War Love Story, which tells of the letters that led to a 35-year marriage between Sergeant Major Frederick Lucas and Sarah Jane “Jennie” Wadhams, both of Goshen.

Lavin and Kelly teamed up, and in 2024, Lavin wrote A Goodnight Kiss, a two-act play slated to be mounted by the Goshen Players in June. Kelly will produce and direct.

“There are two narrators, one white and one black,” Kelly says. “They’ll be working the audience throughout.”

Characters also include Fred, Jennie, and two gossiping women who help establish the mood of Goshen in the 1860s. Jennie’s father, John Marsh Wadhams—who first opposed the marriage—also makes an appearance, as does Fred’s war buddy, Thomas Huxley.

The future lovers met in 1862, when Fred was being mustered into the Union Army at Litchfield Green. Jennie gave him a pocket-sized Bible.

“I’m sure he thought, ‘This was an angel, giving me this,’” Kelly says.

Barker was descended from both the Wadhams and Lucas families. When the Wadhams homestead was sold in 1974, letters from Fred to Jennie were found and entrusted to him.

Four years later, Barker moved with his family to a former Lucas family homestead in Goshen. There, in a shoebox, were the letters from Jennie to Fred. Barker’s book contains both sides of the correspondence.

The letters now reside at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in Hartford.

In the correspondence, Fred describes the horror of battle, including carnage at Cold Harbor, Va., in 1864: “I have seen men fall by my side, shot & dead at once.… This is war without romance. It is the reality of the picture.”

Far from the battlefields, Jennie writes to Fred about more innocent activities: gathering flowers in the woods, and having her photograph taken.

They married in 1867. Fred became a respected Goshen merchant and Connecticut General Assemblyman. Weakened by war wounds, he died in 1902. Jennie taught school in New Britain and died in 1909.

Anticipating opening night, Kelly says, “Now the magic begins.”

Lavin predicts, “This will be the historic event of the year.”

A Goodnight Kiss: Goshen’s Civil War Love Story will be presented at Goshen Old Town Hall, 2 North St., June 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee followed by a panel discussion June 8. For ticket information, call 860-491-9988.

—goshenplayers.org.

Trade Secrets, Finding the Roots of a Renowned Garden Event

Photos by Anne Day

By Cynthia Hochswender

Trade Secrets draws thousands of plant enthusiasts from all over America each year for curated tours of Litchfield and Dutchess County gardens, and a massive Rare Plant and Garden Antiques Sale.

But 25 years ago, when it was founded by New York City designer Bunny Williams, it was a tiny sale held on the Falls Village estate where Williams and husband John Rosselli make their home.

“It’s hard to believe that 25 years have flown by since the first Trade Secrets was held on our property, the brainchild of myself and Naomi Blumenthal,” Williams recalls. “We had extra plants we decided to sell; and I suggested that we ask some antique dealer friends to join. The sales, if there were any, would benefit Women’s Support Services (now called Project SAGE).

“Every year now from November to May, “with the help of Deborah Munson and countless helpers, we work to create an event that will be so organized it will be a pleasure for all who attend, as well as for the vendors who work so hard to bring their merchandise and set up their booths.”

About 600 people attended Trade Secrets in 2001; more than 2,000 turned out for the 2025 sale, held for the third time at the racetrack at Lime Rock Park. In 2001, there were 30 vendors at the Rare Plant and Garden Antiques sale. This year there will be close to 50. 

Garden enthusiasts travel each year from as far away as California and Texas to shop the tents featuring garden design items from New England artisans and famed design retailers. The plants are also, as the name suggests, usually rare variations on beloved plants, with some vendors specializing in a specific bloom such as peonies or daffodils. 

The sale has changed locations over the years and is now held at the Lime Rock Park racetrack, on Sunday (when there is no racing); the garden tours are Saturday. 

One tent at the Sunday sale this year will be an information center about Project SAGE, a nonprofit domestic violence agency that serves several Litchfield County towns. The services that the organization offers are wide ranging, with everything from a 24-hour crisis hotline to legal advocacy and help with finding housing. The community in towns served by SAGE in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts steps up, serving on the board, offering support to clients, and literally rolling up their sleeves each year to plan and execute Trade Secrets.  

“Months of work happen before the event weekend,” Williams says. “Organizing vendors, tents, catering, underwriting. On the days of the actual events, hundreds volunteer to host gardens, and to coordinate and run the many aspects of the sale. It is this dedication by the whole community working together that has made Trade Secrets such a success. We are also grateful to Lime Rock Park for providing us with such a perfect location.”

At the opening night cocktail party this year, Trade Secrets will honor Williams along with founding gardeners Blumenthal and Munson; as well as Judy Sheridan, former executive director of Women’s Support Services / Project SAGE. 

Saturday will be a return to the garden tour’s roots, with some of the earlier featured gardens among the five locations. Williams’ gardens will, as always, be included; returning this year are the garden of Douglas Thomas in Salisbury; the West Cornwall garden of Michael Trapp; and the Millbrook garden of Christopher Spitzmiller and Anthony Bellomo. Also featured this year are the gardens at Innisfree in Millbrook.—tradesecretsct.com.

Q&A with Margo Martindale

We talk to the esteemed actress about her storied career, and Litchfield County 

By Linda Tuccio-Koonz

“Poetically beautiful” is how Margo Martindale describes Dead Letters, the indie movie she’s just finished filming in New Mexico. She stars as a long-haul trucker grappling with loss.

But she shares her talents in lighter fare, too, voicing spiteful Mrs. Twit in a funny, animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits, streaming on Netflix in October.

When not on set or doing voicework, Martindale retreats to Manhattan with her husband, or to their home in Kent. “I love it so much,” says the three-time Emmy winner.

How did you wind up in Kent?

We took our daughter to camp; I think in Lakeville … and came back through this little town called Kent. We stopped at The Villager and had breakfast, and we both said, ‘This feels like home.’ My husband said, ‘If we ever buy a house, I think this is where we’ll buy it.’ Years later, it was my birthday, and he said, ‘Let’s go look for our house for your birthday.’ 

Favorite spots?

Fife ’n Drum is like the hub of Kent. We always go there to see Elissa Potts; she fills us in on all the news of the town. I love Wilson’s; they have great sandwiches.

You’ve played wildly diverse roles, from park ranger Liz (Cocaine Bear, 2023), to crime matriarch Mags Bennett (Justified, 2010-2015). How did you discover acting? 

I discovered acting in high school in Jacksonville, Texas. The choir director said, ‘Why don’t you audition for the musical?’ He said, ‘You’ve got a loud voice’ because I was a cheerleader. I auditioned for Bye, Bye Birdie, got the lead, and the rest is history. I fell in love and never veered from that love of acting. 

In 2024, you nailed it as a disgruntled syrup farmer in The Sticky. How was that? 

I loved the people I worked with. It was a very Fargo-esque comedy drama, a joy from beginning to end. Everything you saw me do, I mostly did …I didn’t saw down  a tree, but I did stand in the snow with a chainsaw.

What can you disclose about Dead Letters?

It’s about a woman who’s trying to hide from the sadness of her life, really. She’s always been a truck driver, but her daughter was murdered, and she drives, you know, to get away … It’s beautifully written, by David Drake. I don’t know when it will come out. Probably a year.

How about The Twits?

Voiceover is tough. It’s wildly fun, but tiring, because the whole thing is your voice, so it takes that much more push. We did it over two years; I was in the studio maybe 20 times. David Byrne wrote all the music, so that was exciting. 

If Margot of today could talk to 20-year-old Margot, what advice would she give?

You’re doing it right, take the next job, take the next job. This is the way I did it. I just took what was ahead of me to keep going and keep at it. I was never worried that I wouldn’t succeed. Being prepared is the most important thing.

What are you most proud of? What matters most?

My family: my daughter, Maggie, and my husband, Bill. And all of our friends.

For 30 years, Denscot Pool & Spa has perfected the art of turning ordinary backyards into luxurious oases. Rooted in passion for family and community, the mission is simple yet profound: to “create enjoyable lifestyles,” one property at a time. The vision, embodied by Scott and Heather Meeker, the couple behind Denscot, resonates through every custom installation and service they provide.

Having established itself as a premier contractor for Litchfield and Dutchess counties, Denscot specializes in inground gunite and fiberglass pools, and spas. Heather fondly recalls the early days when their young family gathered around the pool for simple pleasures and celebrations.

“We created a lifestyle by the pool that we wanted to share with others,” she reflects.
What began as a small service-oriented business has flourished into an award-winning company, known for impeccable design, expert installation, and personalized customer care.

Scott’s journey into the industry, however, began long before Denscot’s inception. As a teenager working for a local pool company, Scott quickly discovered a natural aptitude for the trade. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he transitioned to a full-time position, establishing a successful service and maintenance department.

In 1994, with Heather’s support, Scott launched Denscot Pool & Landscape Services LLC, laying the foundation for their family-run business. They worked tirelessly to provide top-tier service, maintenance, and renovations, eventually expanding into custom design and installation.

As Denscot’s reputation grew, so did its vision. By 2000, the company was designing and installing luxury gunite pools. Since then, technological advancements and evolving customer tastes have led to stunning, modern pools that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, enhancing both aesthetic and overall experience.

Modern innovative design elements push boundaries, from elegant bubblers and built-in seating, to mesmerizing LED lights and automatic covers that provide safety, thermal retention,  and reduced maintenance.
“It’s a game-changer for pool owners,” Scott explains. “The convenience and functionality these covers provide have made them an essential element in today’s pool designs.”

Smart automation has revolutionized pool ownership, making it easier than ever to control temperature, lighting, and sanitization—all from mobile devices. This has transformed how people interact with their pools, offering unprecedented convenience and ensuring that maintenance is virtually effortless.

Denscot’s reputation for excellence is underscored by numerous industry awards, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors for innovative designs, construction, and renovation and retail. The work epitomizes a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. As a member of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) and the Connecticut Spa and Pool Association (CONSPA), Scott continues to play an active role in shaping the future of design.

Now, with their children—Allie, Sarah, Austin, and Owen—integrated into the business, Denscot has evolved into a second-generation family company. The Meekers remain committed to providing clients with the highest level of customer care and craftsmanship.

“We’re a pool company, a high-end pool company,” they reflect, “but it’s so much more than that. It’s about creating a lifestyle.”

From locations in New Preston and Goshen, Denscot continues to redefine pool design, fusing beauty, functionality, and effortless luxury transforming each backyard into a sanctuary—one that will be cherished by generations. —denscotpools.com

By Clementina Verge

Maurice Steinberg Presents The Final Baton
A Conductor’s Farewell to the Podium

By Clementina Verge

For nearly 17 years, Maurice Steinberg led the Torrington Symphony Orchestra with an unwavering commitment to musical excellence and a profound appreciation for every note. Contemplating his final performance in May at the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre, Steinberg reflects on a legacy that spanned not just decades, but a community’s heart. 

“It’s been a total pleasure and a most fulfilling end to my career,” he notes, speaking of his deep connection with musicians, audiences, and countless students he nurtured throughout 45 years as a music teacher in the Litchfield Public School system and at Wamogo High School (now known as Lakeview High).
A longtime Litchfield resident, Steinberg’s journey with the orchestra began unexpectedly in November 2008. Stepping in for an ailing conductor, he quickly found his place, leading with a blend of musical theory insight, passion, and emotional intelligence. Under his direction, the orchestra’s repertoire grew to include everything from Baroque and Classical works to contemporary pop hits, captivating a wide range of audiences.

Harris Daigle, orchestra board of directors president and bassist, applauds Steinberg’s approach and “innovative leadership,” noting his unique ability to connect personally with each musician. 

“He went beyond just conducting,” Daigle says, “building a rapport and fostering a sense of unity within the ensemble.”

Though retiring from the podium, Steinberg plans to continue performing with the orchestra, while also enjoying more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren—torringtonsymphony.org

ASAP! Celebrates Possibilities

ASAP! Celebrates Possibilities will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 5:30 to 8 pm at Spring Hill Vineyards. This annual fundraiser is both a joyous celebration and a vital source of support for the arts-infused educational programming that ASAP! provides to Connecticut youth. By attending, you help create a world where young people’s passion for learning is ignited.

The evening will feature live performances by the ASAP! Youth Ensemble, original works shared on stage by top-selected Young Writers, and a Young Photographers exhibition.

Hosted by Ellen McCourt, the event will honor founder JoAnne Torti for her remarkable 26-year legacy, and welcome incoming executive director Ali Psomas. Join us to celebrate ASAP!’s rich history and exciting future.

Families are welcome. Attire: casual cocktail.

• 5:30 pm — Check-in, snacks, and open bar
• 6 pm — Performances
• 7 pm — Open bar, food, and exhibit

ASAP! extends its deepest thanks to presenting sponsor Simon & Schuster, visionary sponsor Elizabeth R. Rea, and event sponsors Peggy and Keith Anderson, Arbor Services of CT, Aspetuck Animal Hospital, Baker Law Firm, Coldwell Banker — Todd P. Sargent, Criana, Fineline Theater Arts, Gallagher Insurance, Litchfield Magazine, National Iron Bank, New Morning Market, The Pantry, Paramount Professional Roofing, Spring Hill Vineyards, Washington Montessori School, William Raveis Lifestyles Realty, and William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.