About Us
The Manor House Inn is perfectly situated for awe-inspiring nature-immersive getaways to rest, reset, and reconnect with the people and things that matter most. We welcome guests who are eager to craft their own "Back Hills" adventure -- inspired to experience all that Litchfield Hills offers whether you're visiting for outdoor activities or to savor local flavors.
The Manor House is an independently owned boutique inn in Connecticut, managed by Ray Hospitality, and distinguished by its commitment to supporting human flourishing through sustainable development and eco-conscious practices. Recognized as a Green Lodging Hotel and a member of the Conscious Business Collaborative, we prioritize not just profits but also the well-being of people and the planet we all share.
As stewards of the historic 125+ year-old estate, we are dedicated to preserving the past while thoughtfully planning for the future. Our goal is to develop the Alders Estate responsibly, reflecting the values of our community – historic preservation, conservation, culture-creation, and well-being. To that end, we are developing the first intimate outdoor Nordic Spa in Northwest Connecticut.
Norfolk is a village that offers respite from the hustle of city life; a place in which nature and culture converge. Surrounded by unspoiled forests and rolling hills, it’s a haven in which community convictions and quality-of-life commitments drive both preservation and progress. We offer an enchanting alternative to a traditionalBerkshires getaway in Litchfield Hills.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to inspire moments of connection, reflection, and celebration. Whether you’re planning the perfect proposal, a romantic getaway, group retreat, or a wellness vacation to unwind, we would love to welcome you.
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are curated with rest and reflection in mind. Digital detox is highly encouraged. Each of our luxurious suites and rooms are designed to offer a sense of relaxation to ensure your private stay is comfortable. We do not offer TVs in guest rooms intentionally, however highspeed WiFi is available.
If you are interested in booking a relaxing getaway, we encourage you to contact us today! We are proud to host guests visiting Litchfield Hills and the Berkshire Mountains with a focus on exploring Norfolk, Litchfield, Washington, Morris, CT and Sheffield, MA.
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Our Values
Mindful Presence: We aspire to model mindful presence and to invite guests to embrace the present moment to savor life as it unfolds. We encourage people to consider a digital detox / screen-free experience to cultivate mindfulness.
Connection: We are nourished by meaningful connections – with one another, our guests, and our environment. We aspire to collaborate, communicate, and connect authentically in all interactions.
Excellence & Beauty: We aim to create experiences that are lovely, life-affirming, and awe-inspiring; awakening our collective capacity for creation, curiosity, and wonder, and celebrating the best in each other and the spaces we inhabit.
Health & Human Flourishing: We support well-being ~ body, mind, and spirit and savor our corner of Connecticut, where the farmlands, forests, and foothills of the Berkshires offer unparalleled therapeutic benefits.
Preservation & Progress: We believe preservation is an act of reverence – cherishing the irreplaceable beauty and meaning inherited from the past, and protecting the natural resources around us. We also seek opportunities to innovate and elevate guest experiences with modern amenities, ecoconscious cuisine, and the conscientious development of new offerings ~ ever-mindful of our impact on the environment and our community.
The History
A Taste of the Gilded Age
In the late 1800s, Charles Spofford commissioned architect Ehrick Rossiter to build a Victorian Tudor estate in Norfolk, CT, for his family. The area was becoming a popular destination for New Yorkers to escape the city for fresh air. “The Alders,” as the elegant Gilded Age estate was named, was completed in 1898.
Watch a brief virtual tour of the estate’s unique architectural features and history below.
The Spofford Family
Charles Spofford was the son of Ainsworth Rand Spofford, 6th Librarian of Congress. Ainsworth was appointed to the position by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and is said to be the creator of the modern library - he transformed the small reference library that served the U.S. Congress into a national institution that served the American public.
Charles graduated from Cornell University and worked in Boston for a few years before moving to New York City, where became associated with Henry Villard, one of the country’s wealthy railroad financiers. Spofford became a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Milwaukee Street Railway, the North American Company and the Crocker-Wheeler Company. One of the first to see the possibilities of the inventions of Thomas A. Edison, Spofford helped organize the New York Edison Company and the Detroit Edison Company. In 1900, he went to London as the representative of American interests in the electrification of the Underground Railway, and upon his return to this country in 1905, he retired from active business and moved with his family to Norfolk permanently.
Charles Spofford was married to Ellen Boardman Spofford, and they had one child, Barbara Spofford. In 1905, Barbara was presented at court at Buckingham Palace in the presence of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. She attended college in Germany and the U.S. and received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin, Germany, becoming the first American woman to receive the distinction from the esteemed school. Barbara married Shepard Ashman Morgan, president of Chase National Bank.
The Architect
Ehrick Rossiter was born in 1854 in Paris. His father, Thomas Pritchard Rossiter, was a Hudson River School artist. Ehrick attended the Gunnery School, in Washington, CT, and then studied architecture at Cornell University.
Rossiter is most known for designing more than two dozen country estate homes in Litchfield County, referred to as “summer cottages” for wealthy New Yorkers. Other notable architectural designs include St. Michael’s Church (Litchfield), the Gunn Memorial Library (Washington, CT), and South Orange Village Hall (South Orange, NJ). Other Rossiter designs in Norfolk include the Norfolk Music Shed (1907), now part of the Yale Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Haystack Mountain stone tower (1929).
The Spofford’s elegant mansion is now a relaxing getaway for guests from all over the world. Located on 5 acres on a quiet street, the Manor House Inn offers a quiet respite in a beautiful sun room, gardens and private balconies. It’s just a short walk to the quintessential New England town of Norfolk, with a full service restaurant, country store/deli, and artisan shops. Relax in the luxury of a bygone era, and recharge in the natural beauty that surrounds our inn.
Stunning Architecture
The stunning architectural details of the estate include a grand main staircase of native cherry wood leading to a landing with three wooden Moorish arches. A bright dining room features a unique English tiled fireplace and exquisite Tiffany stained glass windows. The large Great Room with exposed beams boasts a massive fireplace with a bas relief of one of the Elgin marbles. A baronial library, next to the foyer, has built-in wooden shelves and stained glass. The original master bedroom has a mantled fireplace with intricate woodwork, the original marble sink, and a large westward facing balcony overlooking the rear lawn and gardens.
Policies and Common Questions
The below policies were developed to provide an experience that is peaceful and relaxing as well as healthy and safe for all of our guests and employees. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you!
Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. We are able to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs that are pre-scheduled in advance for an additional fee.
Payments/Room Rates
All reservations require a credit card on file. Your credit card will be charged in full 14 days before check-in.
For group reservations, the full amount is charged four weeks in advance.
All room rates are based on double occupancy. There is a $35.00 per person per day fee for an additional guest (only available in the Clemens Suite).
Cancellation Policy
As a small business, cancellations have a significant impact on our operations. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we encourage guests to consider booking with the Flexible Rate or to purchase travel insurance for added peace of mind. A well-known provider offering various options is InsureMyTrip.
To book a reservation a credit card must be on file. Your card is not charged until 14 days before check-in, at which point the full balance is applied. This allows us to offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 15 days before your scheduled arrival (for group reservations, cancellations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance for a refund). We are unable to offer refunds or credits for cancellations made less than 15 days before arrival.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us as soon as possible by calling (860)-542-5690 or emailing innkeeper@manorhouse-norfolk.com.
For added peace of mind, we offer a Flexible Room Rate for an extra 15% per night, which allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before check-in and receive a full refund. Please note that this add-on is non-refundable if you complete your stay, and refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made within 72 hours of check-in. If you are concerned about potential last-minute changes to your plans, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance from a third-party provider.
We reserve the right to cancel or modify reservations if there is evidence of fraudulent or inappropriate activity, or if the reservation was made due to an error or mistake..
Breakfast
Breakfast is Innkeeper’s choice, served at tables for two in our spacious dining room.
We offer one entrée daily, featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Alternative options are available upon request provided one day’s advance notice for guests with dietary restrictions or aversions. Menus are posted the night prior at check-in for guest review.
Breakfast seating is between 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, with service available until 10:30 AM. Simple to-go meals are also available upon request with advance notice.
Youth (16+)
The Manor House Inn is designed to be a quiet adult-oriented retreat, and as such, it is not suitable for young children. Youth ages 16 and over are welcome. Younger children may be permitted in special circumstances, such as full inn rentals, and only with advance approval from the innkeepers.
No Pets
While we love pets, we are unable to accommodate them inside the Manor House Inn. However, Norfolk is a pet-friendly destination, offering great hiking opportunities for you and your dog. For overnight stays, there are several highly-rated kennels nearby:
Pooch Palace Resort (East Canaan, 5 min)
Diamond Creek Pet Retreat & Canine Sports Center (Goshen, 20 min)
Sand Road Animal Hospital (Falls Village, 15 min)
The Manor House Inn assumes no liability for providing these recommendations. Guests agree to use external services at their own risk.
Historic Charm and Considerations
The Manor House is a historic property undergoing thoughtful updates to incorporate modern amenities while preserving its original character and architecture. As with any older home, there are unique aspects to consider when staying with us.
Accessibility: Please note that there is no elevator, and all guest rooms are accessible only by stairs, including some located on the third floor. Each room listing provides details about its location and bathroom type (shower, bathtub, or both). We encourage guests to review this information carefully to ensure their selected room meets their needs and expectations.
Climate Control: Our building is cooled using high-end window AC units and heated through the original steam radiator system. The radiators may produce occasional sounds during operation—some guests find these nostalgic and comforting, while others may notice them more. Earplugs are provided, and white noise machines are available upon request.
Fireplaces: We have two rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and one with a gas stove. These operate from October to April.
As a historic Inn, we are intentionally a TV-free property and encourage a screen-free stay; however, we also provide high-speed WiFi for your comfort and convenience.
Sound Considerations: As with many historic homes, sound sometimes travels in ways that are not common to modern hotels. While we have enhanced insulation, some ambient noise may still be present in select rooms. We provide earplugs and white noise machines for guests who are sound-sensitive. To enhance guest comfort, we provide space heaters, extra blankets, and fans.
The Manor House offers a classic New England country inn experience, blending history with modern comforts. If you are looking for the character of a charming and timless historic retreat rather than a generic hotel, we look forward to welcoming you!
Please note: There are several roads under construction in Litchfield Hills. We recommend using the Waze navigation app to get the most updated info and alternative routes.
**Please mind the speed limits, as we are in a residential neighborhood with many children, dog walkers, and elderly residents.**
Cleaning Procedures
We adhere to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s SAFE STAY standards, ensuring frequent cleaning and disinfection of guest rooms and common areas.
Room refreshes are included in our base rate unless you select our Eco-Stay Rate, which is a discounted rate for guests who want to reduce their environmental impact by opting out of daily room refreshes. If you book this rate and wish to add housekeeping, we can do so for a fee equivalent to the discount received.
Housekeeping services are offered between 11 AM - 3 PM; guests may not be in the rooms during service and all personal items must be removed from the bed.
Sheets are changed every third day of your stay unless they are noticeable soiled or upon request.
For fresh towels please place your used towels on the floor and our housekeeping staff will replace them with clean ones.
To reuse towels simply hang them on a hook or rack to indicate to our staff that you would like to reuse your towel. This small gesture helps us conserve water and energy.
We follow all State of Connecticut guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable stay for our guests.
Damages
Our rooms are furnished with antique furniture and high-end linens. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges for extra cleaning, repairs, or replacement.
Please be mindful when eating or drinking in your room. If a spill occurs, notify us immediately so we can address it promptly.
Permanent stains on linens or upholstery may result in a replacement charge.
No Smoking
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere in the inn, including balconies, porches, and common areas. Guests who violate this policy will be charged a $300 cleaning fee.
Norfolk Restaurants
Many restaurants in the area are known for their farm-to-table menus and use fresh ingredients from local farms. We recommend that you call to make reservations and confirm hours as they change often.
Norfolk restaurants:
The Norfolk Pub (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Nearby restaurants we recommend:
Old Inn on the Green* (New Marlborough, MA) (413) 229-7924
Noujaim’s Mediterranean Bistro (Winsted, CT) (860) 379-0559
Mario’s Tuscany Grill (Winsted, CT) (860) 379-7415
Monaco’s Ristorante (Winsted, CT) (860)379-6648
Arethusa al tavalo* (Bantam, CT) (860)567-0043
Neo (Salisbury, CT) (860) 596-4158
The White Hart (Salisbury, CT) (860) 435-0030
The Woodland* (Lakeville, CT) (860) 435-0578
Black Rabbit Grille (Lakeville, CT) (860) 596-4227
West Street Grill (Litchfield, CT) (860) 567-3885
John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant* (S. Egremont, MA) (413) 528-3469
Bizen Japanese and Sushi (Great Barrington, MA) (413) 528-4343
Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant (Great Barrington, MA) (413) 528-2002
* Properties recognized for their romantic ambiance and nice locations for special dinners.
Privacy Policy
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