You won’t find many places like Winvian in New England, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Set on 113 acres of pastoral hills in Litchfield County, CT, this wildly whimsical Relais & Chateaux compound began as the clapboard home of an eccentric doctor who would take a coffin along to house calls in 1775, and now comprises 18 vastly different cottages and one suite across its expansive footprint.
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The transformation to a AAA Five-Diamond hotel required a team of 15 architects, plus the mother-daughter duo Maggie Smith and Heather Smith Winkelmann, who remain the sole proprietors and beloved innkeepers of the property.
While each sprawling cottage boasts its own thematic charms, in addition to screened-in porches and spa-like bathrooms, we’d be remiss not to mention a few of our favorites. These include the kitted-out Beaver Lodge with an intricately carved dam suspended over the bed and Treehouse, for those who wish to slumber high in the sky.
Then there’s the Library, housing hundreds of tomes for bookworms to peruse, plus a library ladder leading to a second floor and a celestial skylight. This lair was designed with bibliophiles in mind. Golf is a luxe little clubhouse that’s very above par, and Artist, Music, and Helicopter employ thoughtful details throughout, with a nod to these extra circular pursuits.
Fancy a bit of wellness during your stay? Winvian Farm Spa offers every kind of pampering, transformative service you could wish for—in the most zen setting. Whether you’re seeking a therapeutic massage, mind-clearing sound bath, or facial to boost your glow meter pre-dinner, you’ve come to the right place.
The Restaurant at Winvian also comes with a long list of accolades acknowledging the artistry involved in creating haute-country cuisine. The fine dining experience takes place upstairs, in a warm-wooded space bedecked in floral textiles that echo the lush vegetation peaking in through the window.
Executive Chef Chris Eddy also takes his culinary cues from the grounds, sourcing many of his ingredients from their onsite gardens and greenhouses. Expect vibrant salads studded with fresh berries, hand-rolled pasta entwined in an earthy ragout, and local game perfectly roasted and served alongside just-picked root vegetables.
After dinner, venture down to Maggie’s Tavern, a cozy little refuge with a welcoming bar and fireplace. There’s even a shuffleboard table fit for game night. The more casual restaurant concept of the two, Maggie’s is open for lunch (and dinner) with a menu that knows exactly what you came for during a weekend in the woods: cheesy paninis and soup, charcuterie boards, and a knockout cocktail or glass of wine from their ample cellar.
Once you’re refreshed and well-satiated, hop on your cottage bike for a leisurely ride back to your quarters. Or, if you happen to be visiting in the summer months, head to the 40-foot pool fronted by towering trees to cool off and admire the tranquil beauty surrounding this New England slice of paradise.
Top Takeaways
Location: Morris, Connecticut
Address: 155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT
Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: Designer cottages built for an idyllic stay in the rolling hills of Litchfield County.
Food + Drink: Maggie’s Tavern for lunch and dinner; The Restaurant at Winvian for breakfast and dinner. Don’t feel like leaving your cottage? The room service menu isn’t an afterthought here. Expect nothing less than 5-star eats from their 5-diamond kitchen.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: The serene, sun-drenched spa. Winvian’s lead-esthetician Lauren has been with the hotel for years and gives a good face—her restorative sculpting facials will leave you glowing for days.
Amenities: Spa, infrared sauna, outdoor pool, two restaurants and a bar, complimentary cottage bikes or rentable electric bikes, a Volvo house car program, and an extensive roster of fitness, cooking, and art classes.
What’s Nearby?: White Memorial Conservation Center and Mt Tom State Park for nature trails, Bantam Cinema for blockbusters with a side of Litchfield Distillery cocktails, plus antique dealers and auction houses galore in Litchfield, Kent, Woodbury, and New Milford.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recommendations? Although you could easily eat every meal at the Winvian and never grow tired, Materia Ristorante and Arethusa al Tavolo are worth a visit and are only a town over in Bantam. The latter boasts a dairy farm that’s garnered a cult following for its creamy-as-can-be ice cream flavors, and we highly recommend sampling a few while there. Then there’s Ore Hill. Only a scenic 30-minute drive away, they have an outstanding tasting menu that shifts with the seasons. In the mood for pizza? You’ll find a variety of wood-fired Neapolitan pies at their sister spot Swyft next door.
Rooms: 18 cottages and 1 suite
Pricing: Between $825 to $1,600 a night
Closest Airport: Hartford Airport (BDL)
