Welcome to the Mayflower

A mere two hours from New York City, nestled in the heart of rural Connecticut, sits an idyllic luxury resort resembling more English country house than 5 star hotel.

Mayflower

With a timeless sense of civilized gentility, yet fully equipped with contemporary creature comforts, the Mayflower Inn is a lush private retreat of understated elegance. This summer I was thrilled to receive an invitation to visit.

MayflowerAfter a leisurely drive through the back roads of beautiful Litchfield country, and down a long winding driveway, one arrives at what looks like a gracious country estate.

Mayflower Originally a private school for boys, the Mayflower Inn was founded in 1920. In 1990, after years of neglect, the property was acquired and the 19th century Shingle style structure restored by Washington residents Adriana and Robert Mnuchin.

MayflowerIn 2004, 30 more acres were purchased and a spa house and additional accommodations were built. Now with new owners, and updated interiors by Rod Pleasants of McGiver Morgan, the Relais & Chateau property, on over 58 manicured acres, remains the perfect weekend getaway.

Mayflower

Immediately upon arrival, my car was parked and baggage brought to my room. Elegantly filled with an eclectic assortment of American and European antiques, the entry is like a grand manor.

Mayflower Everywhere you look are charming vignettes

Mayflower Inn lobby and check in

Even the halls are filled with antiques and stylish accessories

Mayflower Inn hall

and brass name plates announcing each room or suite.

Mayflower Inn brass room plate

Each of the thirty guest accommodations, in four buildings on the property, is individually designed, offering a different luxurious experience. As with many of the spacious rooms, mine featured an enveloping four poster, with the sink-in comfort of a feather topped mattress,

Mayflower

views as lovely from the inside as out,

Inside of canopy bed at Mayflower Inn

and attention to detail. In peeking under the especially full looking dustskirt, I discovered it was lined with tulle – a clever trick.

Mayflower Inn decorating details

Thoughtful touches abounded in the beautiful bedroom

Mayflower Inn bedroom turn-down service

with a handsome mahogany wainscotted bathroom to match.

Mayflower Inn mahogany paneled bathroom

Like the best English country estate, there are many rooms in which to relax and luxuriate. From the quiet front parlor

Mayflower Inn front parlor

to the fabulous library, which must be the perfect location for a hot toddy on a crisp fall afternoon after a long walk in the neighboring Steep Rock Nature Preserve.

Mayflower

I’m already plotting another cold weather visit just to be able to hang out here

English library at the Mayflower Inn

Happily there were many appealing spots for warm summer unwinding as well.

Wicker furniture at the Mayflower Inn

Mayflower Inn vintage wire chairs

When all this lounging creates a hunger or thirst, you can grab something in the casual tap room.

The bar in the top room at the Mayflower InnWhen I visited, old movie posters adorned the walls,

Tap room at the Washington, CT Mayflower Innbut local gallery KMR Arts currently has a satellite photography installation in the space of “sultry, sophisticated images of models and muses by Lillian Bassman, Jean Moral, Roger Mayne and Norman Parkinson as well as Leo Fuchs’ stunning unguarded shots of Shirley MacLaine (below), Cary Grant, Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn.” The gallery will continue to present revolving exhibits throughout the fall and holiday season.

KMR Arts gallery  photo exhibition

For a more formal meal, the dining room awaits. The beautiful space features bucolic murals and curved leather and paisley banquettes,

The murals at the Mayflower Inn dining room

creating cozy individual spaces for guests to dine.

Green leather and paisley banquettes

Dining room table at the Mayflower InnI can personally attest to the quality of the food, from starter to dessert, with attentive, knowledgeable service and professional staff

Caesar salad at the Mayflower Inn

And for those who need a little retail therapy during such a luxury escape, fear not, the tiny jewel box of a gift shop has an incredible selection, from exquisite handcrafted Bernard Maisner stationery (especially handy if hosting a dinner or in need of a thank you)

Bernard Maisner stationery at the Mayflower Inn

to vintage designer goods to Loro Piano, Paul and Shark

Vintage Hermes at the Mayflower Inn

and a wonderful selection of unusual jewelry, both new and old.

ARtisanal jewelry at the Mayflower Inn

Stop by tomorrow to visit the incredible state of the art spa and see why the Mayflower Inn & Spa was ranked in the top 10 of the 2012 World’s Best Awards by Travel & Leisure.

10 thoughts on “Welcome to the Mayflower

  1. Absolutely gorgeous, Stacey. This is why fine hotels continue to fascinate me. I love the precision with which of an entire world is created to give a wonderful experience. Lucky you! And yes, I imagine that a visit in Autumn would be heavenly…

  2. Thanks for the heads up on this beautiful place Stacey it’s only two hours south of me so I’ll have to plan a little getaway for the husband and I. I love places like this and I hope you had a wonderful stay!

    XX
    Debra~

  3. I’m so thrilled that you were able to experience The Mayflower Inn, it is truly one of my favorite places. It’s rustic, refined and chic. The main inn was restored to it’s original charm while the spa was designed by one of my all time favorite designers, the late Randy Ridless. I do my best to pamper myself there once a year and, coincidentally I’m booked for Columbus Day weekend…I’d be happy to report back to you on my stay.

  4. What a gorgeous escape. All the attention to detail is so lovely, and would make me feel like a guest at someone’s grand estate. I bet it would look absolutely gorgeous in the fall – I think you need to start planning your next trip!

  5. this is gorgeous :))
    I like your blog a lot. I love to look at vintage hotels and houses and see their decoration and all. Thanks. Come visit my blogs sometime

  6. Absolute heaven! Just went thru all of your Mayflower posts, about 5 years ago I spent a week of pure bliss at the spa…alone! Adam joined me for the last two days, it was in the middle of the winter and the best thing ever. I need to go back!

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