A restorative weekend

The title says it all: our stay at the B&B was bliss.

D and I were there for only one night, but the place was so tranquil and relaxing that you would have thought we'd been there for three by the time we left. The inn itself is a converted 1920s farmhouse with all renovations done by the couple that runs the place -- including the refinished woodwork, lighting, updated kitchens and baths, and a second floor addition. The grounds were also completely transformed by them from dry, open fields to shady tree-lined expanses of grass surrounding a sizable duck pond and antique barn. The whole place was clearly a labor of love -- it's been hosting guests for just over one year but it took seven to bring it all to fruition.

We weren't able to check in until after 3 p.m., so before that, we got lunch at the local greasy spoon and then went to a pick-your-own vegetables produce farm (one of many in the area). More on that later; it deserves its own post.

We also checked out several wineries. Most had free tastings, and one even offered special nibbles (as well as, more importantly, the recipes for them) to pair with what was on the pour list. We had a lovely time talking with the people running the tastings (especially here) -- no wine snobbery, just fun and interesting chit-chat about the region, tourism, and the ins and outs of running a family business.

We got to the B&B in the early evening, which gave us time to go for a leisurely walk around the duck pond before dinner and take a few photos as the sun was beginning to set. D also scoped out places he wanted to return to in the morning for more pictures. Here are some of the shots we ended up with.

First, the outdoor seating. These spots have a view of the gardens and apple trees at the back of the house. When we arrived, the owner had votives burning in hurricane lamps by every cluster of chairs, which set a lovely mood.




The duck pond is a short stroll from the house in a field surrounded by a rustic wood fence covered in roses.





On the other side of the inn, an old barn houses curios and antique machinery. My favorite item is the little wooden horse in the loft.



I'll close with my favorite shot, an old wheelbarrow we found hidden among some purple sage. I think this sort of embodied the aura of the whole place: a retreat from time at its usual pace, a sanctuary in tune with the land it's built upon, a home that's both luxurious and lived-in. The idea of work isn't hidden here -- you see and appreciate the effort that goes into creating such a beautiful space, the not quite nine decades of history that have given it its charm -- so the rest you take in its presence is that much richer.


We'll definitely keep this on our list of favorite getaway destinations -- perhaps a return visit in the spring once the thesis is done. It'll be a good way to celebrate a year of hard but hopefully worthwhile work.