Nestled deep within the heart of Connecticut's quiet Litchfield Hills is a whimsical resort capable of rousing the idea that fairies do exist in even the most rigid of minds. Winvian Farm, a Relais & Chateaux, AAA Five Diamond resort is located on 113 acres in the middle of woodlands.
I took along my twin brother. As soon as we arrived, we went on a bike ride around the property (on two complimentary bikes). Elizabeth Gilbert allegedly spent time here while writing one of her books and I can see why. The landscape is very inspiring and it is so peaceful. I was motivated to write while there and woke up early in the morning to meditate. Everyone at the hotel is accommodating and extremely friendly, but they leave the guests alone (in a good way). It offers you space to breathe and relax like you're in your own home....and you almost are, since guests stay in luxury cottages complete with landscaping and steam showers. The hotel is definitely exquisite. But even if it were plain and simple - just a log cabin in the woods, I would be happy to be there. It's more about the location and state of mind than it is about the amenities (which include a spa, the option to hot air balloon, complimentary breakfast, and a pool in the middle of a meadow).
I stayed in Beaver Lodge, one of the larger, lofted cottages. The cottage has a king bed and a comfortable pull out couch - it has a glamping feel to it. I love being outside and would stay out all day if I could, so I really enjoyed this cottage, where petrified trees rise up from the ground to the ceiling. My favorite thing about Winvian Farm is its eco-friendly nature (puns always intended). In the building of their cottages, they made an effort not to fell trees. They also do not use plastic water bottles and have saved both money and the environment in doing so. Additionally, they reused wood in the construction process. .....Can you tell I like it here...?
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Dinner At night the dirt road that winds through the cottages and to the main house (a renovated 1700s home of prominent doctor, Seth Bird) is ridden with spotlights perched among the trees. They light up the canopies and cast a magical glow into the forest. The night I visited was a full moon, so the entire path was aglow.   |
*This post was not sponsored, but my stay at Winvian Farm was free.
