Manor House Norfolk

Win a night at Manor House Inn, Norfolk

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:52:33 GMT

Rest. Reflect. Reconnect.

Tucked into the Litchfield Hills, Manor House is a restored Tudor estate where the pace of a weekend changes you quietly — before you've quite noticed it happening. This May or June (2026), one couple will experience a restful retreat as our treat!

What you win

One night for two in your preferred room (pending availability)
Two-course breakfast for two in the morning
Full access to the estate grounds, garden, and common rooms
Valid Sunday–Thursday, May–June 2026 (no black-out dates)

Bonus entry

Share this giveaway to your Instagram or Facebook story and tag @manourhouseinn for a second entry. Not required to win.

By submitting a form, you're providing permission to receive occasional notes from Manor House Inn — seasonal happenings, new programming, and quiet corners of the Litchfield Hills. You can unsubscribe at any time.

No algorithm required. Just your name and your email, and the message "May Giveaway" to be entered.

Official rules & terms

Sponsor: Manor House Inn, 69 Maple Avenue, Norfolk, CT 06058. Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Employees of Manor House Inn, Ray Hospitality, and their immediate family members are not eligible. Entry period: Begins May 4, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET and ends May 18 at 11:59 PM ET. One entry per person, per form fill. A second entry is submitted for sharing and tagging on social media (confirm in this form where you've shared and what your handle is). How to enter: Complete and submit this form during the entry period. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Bonus entry: Share the official giveaway post to your Instagram or Facebook Story and tag @manourhouseinn for one additional entry. Bonus entry subject to verification. Prize: One (1) overnight stay for two guests in a room designated by Manor House Inn, valid Sunday–Thursday, May 1–June 30, 2026. Approximate retail value: $380. Prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and has no cash value. Subject to availability; winner must book by June 30, 2026. Winner selection: One winner will be selected by random drawing on Monday, May 18 from all eligible entries. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Winner will be notified by direct message or email within 48 hours of drawing. If winner does not respond within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Data: Entry constitutes consent to receive communications from Manor House Inn and [Partner Name] if the consent box above is checked. Email addresses collected are used solely for giveaway administration and, where consented, marketing. We do not sell personal data. Disclaimers: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram or Facebook. Participants release Instagram and Facebook from all liability related to this promotion. Void where prohibited. All decisions of Manor House Inn are final. Winner announcement: Winner announced via @manourhouseinn Instagram Stories on May 18, 2026.

The Quietcation

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:20:52 GMT

Why Norfolk, Connecticut May Be the Best Place in New England to Do Nothing at All

There is a particular kind of fatigue that sleep alone cannot fix. It gathers slowly in the bones between the headlines and the humming screens that never go dark: incessant notifications and a current of concerns that follow us from place to place, and even into the sacred spaces in which we have traditionally found rest.

Our nervous systems were not built for this pace, this noise, or this weight.

What restores our energy and replenishes our spirit harkens back to simpler, gentler times, and to what humanity has always known about the conditions for a life well lived. We need spaces to hold us and help us experience deep presence. People who invite us to remember who we are at our core, without the constant chaos and cognitive overload.

One such place exists an hour from Hartford, New Haven, and Albany, and just over two hours from New York and Boston. It's one of New England's hidden gems, and most people have never heard of it.

Norfolk, Connecticut: A Village That Refuses to Hurry

Tucked into the forests, fields, and foothills of the Berkshires in the northwest corner of Connecticut, the village of Norfolk operates at a frequency most of us have long forgotten. There are no chain stores, franchise restaurants, or digital billboards. There is a country store, a quaint café, and a village meadow. There’s the Norfolk library; one of the most beautiful in all of New England. There's a town green where local musicians play on summer evenings in the mountain air. There's Infinity Music Hall, an intimate venue that welcomes world-class performers into an inspired space that holds only 300 people. And there's the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, which has for generations brought together Yale's most distinguished faculty and the finest emerging musicians of our day – a living tradition in which excellence passes between generations as naturally as the music itself.

Norfolk offers an understated, unpretentious elegance. It is the kind of place that doesn't announce itself. Instead, it rewards the traveler who slows down long enough to notice: the historic architecture with its Gilded Age millwork and masonry, handcrafted flourishes, and Tiffany windows that inspire awe and appreciation; the fox that moves along the tree line at dusk; the particular quality of silence that falls after a concert ends and the crowd disperses into the dark; the way the night sky opens up here in a way it simply cannot in the places most of us come from. It is a place that reminds you what human hands are capable of when beauty, culture, and conservation are treated as necessities rather than luxuries – where preservation and progress are given equal priority, and where thousands of acres of protected land sustain wildlife that draws serious researchers, naturalists, and birders from across the region.

The night sky above Norfolk is among the darkest and most awe-inspiring in Connecticut. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. This is not a small thing. Most Americans under forty have never seen it.

What a Quietcation Actually Is

The word is new. The need is ancient.

A quietcation is a retreat, often to a rural setting, oriented around rest, calm, and nature-based wellness, designed in deliberate response to the noise and digital distractions of modern life.

It is not necessarily a silent vacation. Nor is it necessarily a digital detox – a phrase with clinical connotations that imply our tools for organization represent addictions to be purged, rather than habits to be mindfully engaged, allowing our energy and attention to reorient toward those things that are most life-enriching.

A quietcation is the deliberate practice of doing less, more intentionally, in a place and at a pace designed for exactly that. It is an

invitation for your body and mind to arrive somewhere special to exhale and experience deep presence. It is the rediscovery of what leisure was long before anyone could tell you, via a small glowing screen, that you were doing it wrong.

Manor House Inn: Built for Quietcations

The Manor House Inn was built in 1898 as a private estate, and it has retained the unhurried character of that original intention. It is not an inn that happens to be historic. It is a house – a Tudor manor on five private acres of lawn and gardens – that happens to welcome guests.

There are nine rooms, each one distinct, each one quiet. There are no televisions by design. Digital distancing is invited, though not

required.

The absence of screens is a considered position, one that guests either understand immediately or come to appreciate by the second morning – when they find themselves reading by a window or sitting in an Adirondack chair watching the light change through the leaves, realizing they haven't checked their phone in two hours and cannot identify a single thing they've missed.

The common rooms – a great room, a sunroom, a library – are furnished with books that invite reflection and games that welcome connection, with enough space between guests that solitude and society can coexist without negotiation. A fire pit and paired chairs positioned throughout the grounds encourage observation, contemplation, and quiet conversation.

Breakfast is made from scratch each morning: warm dishes, local ingredients, genuine hospitality – the kind of meal that makes you

linger. It is served rather than stationed. It is deeply relational. That is the point.

On Rest and Restoration

Research in environmental and wellbeing psychology has long distinguished between mere rest – the cessation of activity – and restorative experience, which actively replenishes the cognitive and emotional resources that ordinary life, in these extraordinary times, so often depletes. Restorative environments share certain qualities:

They feel removed from everyday demands.

They're rich enough in sensory detail to hold attention without effort.

They offer a sense of extent – of being part of something larger than yourself, yet still suited to your particular needs, inclinations, and desire to connect to what matters most.

A forest path that grounds you to the earth. A piece of music shared in an intimate space. The smell of something delicious wafting from a kitchen, designed to nourish the body and delight the senses.

Norfolk, it turns out, is clinically restorative.

And then, beneath the beauty and the calm, there is something else stirring: a generative, life-giving energy that has drawn artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers to this village for well over a century. There is a particular quality that beckons people on personal and professional retreat – an energy that opens new pathways and possibilities, whether visitors come looking for it or not. Guests often arrive needing rest, but leave having found an insight that opens a door, an idea that awakens new awareness, a rekindled sense of their own creative life.

This is not a coincidence. Restoration and inspiration so often arrive together because the walk in the woods, the conversation over a long breakfast, the music shared in a communal space – these are not distractions from a creative and meaningful life. They are the very conditions that make it possible.

We've written more about the philosophy behind that – and behind everything we do at Manor House – in Our Philosophy of Leisure.

What You'll Actually Do (and Not Do)

This is where a quietcation diverges from resort travel...

You won't be handed a schedule or upsold adventure packages or shuttle tours. What you'll find instead is a village and a landscape that yield their pleasures at a human scale – a place in which you'll feel held, at a pace that feels effortless yet intentional.

Walk. The Norfolk Land Trust maintains trails through protected forest just steps from the inn. Campbell Falls, Dennis Hill, and Haystack Mountain – which offers views across three states – are within minutes. Great Mountain Forest offers forest immersion programs and supports biodiversity initiatives, climate change education, and critical research. These forests are not crowded. You may walk for an hour and see more wildlife than humans.

Listen. Birdsong in the Berkshire foothills is, by any measure, extraordinary. The region sits within a major migratory corridor, and the dawn chorus here in late spring and early summer is the kind of sound that slows your breathing without your awareness. Serious birders come specifically for this. So do people who simply want to remember what the world sounds like without traffic and the trappings of technology that too easily hijack our time and our senses.

Look up. On a clear night, step onto the lawn and look up. Norfolk's dark skies are among the least light-polluted in Connecticut. The Milky Way and meteor showers are often visible. The effect on the nervous system is difficult to articulate, but felt to the bones.

Eat slowly. Breakfast at the Manor House is a leisurely two-course earth-to-table meal for inn guests only – unhurried and unbothered by the outside world. On select evenings, the Greater Good Supper Club gathers up to 36 guests around a shared table: curated dinners with community speakers sharing about their work in the world, a menu built from local and seasonal ingredients, rooted in the belief that how we eat together is inseparable from how we live together and how we sustain the planet we all share. Open by reservation to lodging guests first and to the community by invitation, it is not restaurant dining. It is closer to being a guest at a thoughtful dinner party hosted by people who know where their food comes from, and why that matters.

Hear music. Infinity Music Hall is a short and beautiful walk from the inn. The Yale Summer School of Music, one of the most prestigious music programs in the country, offers free and ticketed concerts throughout the summer at the Battell-Stoeckel Estate's Music Shed. This is not background music. It is the reason many guests return year after year.

Read. The Norfolk Library is, by any measure, one of the loveliest in New England – not merely as a building, though the building rewards attention, but as a living institution. It hosts art exhibitions, cultural programming, and community conversations that reflect the intellectual life of a village that has always taken ideas seriously. For those who prefer their books with a recommendation attached, the area's independent booksellers offer the particular pleasure of a curated shelf and a knowledgeable hand selling what they actually love. Bring something you've been meaning to finish. Leave with something you didn't know you needed.

Ride. The back roads of the Litchfield Hills were made for slow travel – winding through covered bridges, past working farms, conservation land, and villages that still reflect quintessential New England character. Electric bike rentals make the terrain accessible regardless of fitness level, opening up routes that reward the unhurried traveler with the kind of countryside that Back Roads and other luxury tour operators charge a premium to enjoy. Here, it is simply what a leisurely morning looks like. Ask us for a curated route before you go.

Do nothing, deliberately. This is harder than it sounds, and it may be the most valuable thing you do when you visit. The Adirondack chairs, the garden loungers, the sunroom with its particular glow of afternoon light streaming through Tiffany-style stained glass windows – these are not amenities. They are invitations to take the time and space you need to savor life's simplest of pleasures.

For Those Who Come for the Culture

Norfolk is quietly one of the most culturally concentrated small villages in New England, and it is almost entirely unknown outside the region. The Haystack Book Festival, hosted by the Norfolk Hub, brings writers and readers together each year. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival is among the oldest chamber music festivals in the country. The American Mural Project and Whiting Mills in nearby Winsted draw a growing, intentionally and organically evolving creative community to the region that resembles what Lenox or Woodstock once were before they became commercial destinations.

The Manor House is working alongside local cultural institutions to establish Norfolk as a recognized cultural district in Connecticut – a place where artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers can find what serious creative work requires: quiet, beauty, community, and time.

The Greater Good Supper Club is part of that vision – a gathering rooted not only in good food but in good conversation, and in the conviction that how a community eats and talks together shapes what it is capable of becoming.

If that sounds like what you've been looking for, you are exactly who this place is for.

Planning Your Quietcation in Norfolk

Getting here. Norfolk is two hours from New York City, and about one hour from New Haven, Hartford, and Albany. It is most beautiful in late spring, at the height of summer, and in autumn, when the Litchfield Hills turn colors that seem implausible until you see them.

When to come. Manor House Inn is open Memorial Day weekend through Halloween in 2026. Summer brings music and long evenings. September is quieter, cooler, and a season of transition and reflection. October is foliage heaven – the most sought-after time in the region, and when the dark sky is often the sharpest and the air has the smell of something ending beautifully.

What to bring. Comfortable walking shoes. A book you've been saving. Someone you want to talk to, or a willingness to be alone with yourself and your thoughts for a while. That's enough.

Coming in 2028: A nature-immersive Nordic-Inspired Spa in Connecticut's Northwest Corner – an elegant, unpretentious hydrothermal circuit designed to extend the restorative experience of a Norfolk stay into the body itself. The spa, like the supper club and the music and the forest, is another invitation to receive rather than to produce – to inhabit and experience what genuine leisure makes possible. Day passes will be available. More details at manorhouse-norfolk.com.

Endnote

The distinction between rest and restoration, and the four qualities of genuinely restorative environments – a sense of remove, effortless fascination, extent, and compatibility with one's own nature – draws on Attention Restoration Theory, developed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan and foundational to the field of environmental psychology. Their framework has since been widely adopted within wellbeing research. See Kaplan, S. (1995), "The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework," Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182.

See also The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier and More Creative by Florence Williams.

The Gift of Presence: How Thoughtful Travel Nourishes the Mind & Spirit

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:29:07 GMT

Finding Connection and Renewal at Manor House Inn

There's a particular quality of time that exists outside our ordinary schedules: time that doesn't rush forward but rather deepens, expands, becomes porous enough to let the unexpected in. At the Manor House Inn in Norfolk, Connecticut, we've been privileged to witness this kind of time unfold in countless ways, weekend after weekend, as guests arrive carrying the weight of their daily lives and gradually, almost imperceptibly, set it down to connect with themselves and with one another.

Last weekend, two of our guests drove past Infinity Hall Norfolk on their way back from dinner. They noticed Martin Sexton 's name on the marquee: an artist whose music had been part of their life soundtrack for years. In an instant, they made what they later called an "in-the-moment decision" to stop. At the door, they were gifted tickets from two no-shows. The next morning at breakfast, still glowing from the intimate concert, they found themselves in deep conversation with other guests who'd also been there. Before they parted ways, one of those breakfast companions (Keith, a returning guest) disappeared briefly and returned with boxes of Neutrogena hand cream (a welcome commodity in the "icebox of Connecticut"), distributing them to each couple at the table, to our innkeepers and even to their daughter Emma, who'd slept through breakfast but whose presence he'd somehow intuited mattered.

This is the kind of generosity that spontaneously emerges when people feel truly at ease.

The Architecture of Wellbeing

What we're discovering here in Norfolk is something positive psychology has long understood: wellbeing isn't merely the absence of stress, instead, it's the presence of conditions that allow human flourishing. When we create spaces (physical, temporal, relational) that invite people to slow down, to notice, to engage with beauty and with each other, something essential shifts.

Another couple recently returned to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary at the Manor House, where they'd stayed the weekend of their wedding. They held their cocktail reception in our sunroom and their reception at what's now the Norfolk Pub. Fifteen years later, they came back to see Shaun Cassidy perform (their third time seeing him), and over breakfast, they shared their story with two other couples who'd also attended the concert. The synchronicities piled up like small gifts: the shared love of this performer, the convergence at this particular inn, the willingness to linger over breakfast and really talk.

"I have never felt more relaxed and at peace," one guest wrote to us recently. "From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcome and comfortable." She and her husband had been exploring a new inn each anniversary for several years, creating a tradition of seeking out beauty and quiet in unfamiliar places. After staying with us, they declared the Manor House "by far their very favorite."

The Practice of Presence

What makes these experiences possible isn't necessarily magic, though it can feel that way. It's intentionality. Our innkeepers, Blair and Fell, understand that hospitality is fundamentally about creating conditions for connection: not inserting themselves into every moment, but attending to the details that matter. Fresh flowers. House-made baked treats. A thoughtful note inviting guests to a rustic Saturday night pop-up dinner. Poinsettias on display from our high school helper's band fundraiser; a welcome opportunity to support the community and celebrate the beauty of the holiday season together.

Intentionality is about seeing and supporting one another as the seasons of life unfold. Great innkeepers aren't just focused on professional pleasantries; they're committed to cultivating human connection. Travelers aren't just moving through space; many are seeking rest and renewal. We all long for opportunities to step outside the relentless productivity of contemporary life and remember what it feels like to simply be. To sit by a fireplace and use all the wood. To lose track of time in a great conversation or playing a traditional board game. To discover that the musician you love is playing the day you've chosen to visit, and the universe has saved you a seat.

The Topography of Transformation

Norfolk offers something increasingly rare: a landscape that hasn't been optimized, packaged, or stripped of its particularity. The trails through Great Mountain Forest don't promise anything other than trees, the wildlife, and the play of light on the water and through the leaves. Dennis Hill State Park and Haystack Mountain State Park offer summit views that inspire not Instagram posts but introspection: the time and space to hear yourself think and take in the beauty all around you.

This is terrain that invites what philosopher Josef Pieper called leisure: not idleness, but the quiet cultivation of receptivity and the capacity to perceive beauty and meaning. It's the opposite of tourism's extractive rush, where we collect experiences like stamps in a passport. Instead, it's an invitation to truly inhabit a place and a moment.

Life-Enriching Travel

What we're learning (what our guests teach us again and again) is that thoughtful travel enriches life not through accumulation but through attention.

The couple who never left the inn after Saturday afternoon wasn't missing out; they'd found exactly what they needed. The guests who arrive and spend mornings in conversation over breakfast, afternoons exploring Norfolk's historic district or cycling to Norbrook Farm Brewery , evenings by the fire with conversation cards: they're not following an itinerary. They're following their own rhythms, their own curiosity, their own need for connection.

Research in positive psychology consistently shows that experiences (particularly shared experiences that foster connection and awe) contribute more to lasting well-being than material possessions. But not all experiences are created equal. What matters is presence; that state of deep attention and engagement where self-consciousness falls away and we feel most grateful to be alive.

Returning to Ourselves

Perhaps this is what draws people back: not just to the Manor House specifically, but to the practice of intentional retreat itself. In our always-on, perpetually connected world, we've become estranged from our own capacity for stillness, for quiet, for the kind of unstructured time in which insight and inspiration emerge.

When guests tell us they felt "so welcome and comfortable," they're describing something profound: the experience of being seen without being scrutinized, held without being managed. Of entering a space where the architecture itself (the Tiffany windows, the vintage furnishings, the reading nooks, the screen-free days) whispers that beauty and craftsmanship matter, that aesthetics aren't superficial but essential to human thriving.

The Unexpected Gift

Keith, giving away hand cream to strangers at breakfast, or the couple receiving concert tickets at the door; these aren't anomalies. They're what becomes possible when we create containers for genuine human encounter; when we trust that people, given the right conditions, will find their way toward generosity and delight.

This is the work we've committed ourselves to at the Manor House: not merely providing accommodations, but cultivating a culture of creativity and well-being. It's why we're developing a Nordic spa , why we're planning a full-service restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, and why every detail matters.

We want to honor the deeply human need for beauty, nourishment, and connection.

An Invitation

If you're reading this and feeling a pull toward this kind of experience, I'd encourage you to trust that impulse. The longing for rest isn't weakness; it's wisdom. The desire for beauty isn't frivolous; it's fundamental. The need for connection (with a partner, with strangers who become friends over breakfast, with landscape and music and silence) is what makes us human.

Northwest Connecticut and the Village of Norfolk are waiting. Not with fanfare or overstimulation, but with quiet confidence that what we offer (space, time, attention, possibility) is exactly what many of us need most.

Come find out what emerges when you allow yourself to slow down, to notice, to engage with life at a more human pace and a more human scale. Come discover what happens when you create space for the unexpected gift.

We'll be here, tending the fire, setting the table, and saving you a seat.

#IntentionalTravel #MindfulTravel #WellbeingTravel #PositiveHospitality

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Rachel owns the Manor House Inn in Norfolk, Connecticut, with her family and dedicated innkeeping team. The 1898 estate is being thoughtfully transformed into a cultural sanctuary for artists, entrepreneurs, writers, musicians, and anyone seeking meaningful rest and renewal.

The Art of Reflection: Grounding Ourselves in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:22:26 GMT

A contemplation on place, presence, and the profound restoration that comes from stepping into landscapes that connect us to ourselves, one another, and the beauty all around

There's something that shifts when we step away from the relentless hum of our modern culture and into places where time moves differently. The rolling hills of northwestern Connecticut hold such quiet wisdom, inviting us into a deeper conversation with the natural world and historic villages that beckon us to presence, reflection, and communion.

In an age where “wellness” has become commodified, lesser-known pockets of the Litchfield Hills offer something far simpler and more substantial to support eudaimonic wellbeing: a sense of rootedness that comes from connecting with the earth and the communities that are deeply steeped in New England history; reorienting our perspective to align with long-held values. Here, in Norfolk , we cherish our community, where culture and conservation are both revered; where natural and human-made beauty are savored and celebrated.

The Sacred Ordinary: Manor House Inn as Sanctuary

The Manor House Inn in Norfolk is more than accommodation. It's a threshold space, a place where both the landscape and architecture invite transformation. Built in 1898 as the Alders Estate, this Tudor sanctuary sits on five acres that have witnessed more than a century of residents and visitors finding refuge in its embrace.

What strikes visitors first isn't necessarily the understated elegance of the spaces or the gourmet breakfasts, though these are designed to nourish and delight the senses. It's the intentionality woven into every detail; the way our innkeeping team curates not just a hospitality experience but offers a genuine welcome and an invitation to linger long enough to appreciate the simple beauty all around.

The bowl of homemade caramels at the entry is not just a small ritual of sweetness, but a reminder that care can be made tangible in the smallest and simplest of gestures. The peaceful piano music isn’t peripheral to experience, but curated to calm the body and ease the mind. The calligraphy set in the library invites thoughtful, unhurried, expressive communication – harkening back to simpler, gentler times. Space and time seem to operate differently here.

The practice of presence is built into the very foundation: uniquely furnished guest rooms and common areas where digital distancing isn't enforced but invited, where the absence of televisions creates space for the kind of conversations we often neglect to have in our everyday lives, where unstructured time invites reflection. The whirlpool tubs and wood-burning fireplaces aren't luxury for luxury's sake; they are invitations to slow down, to inhabit our bodies differently, to remember that we are more than our productivity.

In the dining room, the Tiffany windows catch the light, animating spaces with a subtle glow that shifts throughout the day. Mealtimes become an opportunity to connect, not just with Connecticut's local bounty, but with one another in conversation. The pain perdu topped with fresh fruit compote at breakfast isn't just food; it's a reflection of abundance — on the sweetness that emerges when we take the time to truly savor. The resident hummingbirds, chipmunks, foxes, and fawns just outside the window challenge us to remember how closely connected to nature we actually are, and to consider our role in protecting the delicate ecosystems of Connecticut’s northwest corner.

The Living Laboratory: Great Mountain Forest as Sacred Ground

Just minutes from this respite of human hospitality lies another kind of sanctuary entirely – the 6,000-acre Great Mountain Forest , where the beauty of the forest inspires awe and appreciation. This is more than a preserve. It's a working forest that embodies what it means to tend the earth with reverence and wisdom.

Great Mountain Forest's mission is to be a leader in forest stewardship, practicing sustainable forest management while promoting biodiversity and resilience to climate change . Here, the invitation to well-being reveals itself most clearly in the quality of awareness we bring to each step along the way. The trails are a testimony to the community’s commitment to conservation, where 6,000 acres of contiguous forest and woodland habitat support resident populations of wild turkey, white-tailed deer, coyote, black bear, and moose.

The Iron Trail to Stone Man Mountain invites a walking meditation on interconnectedness. The journey through mixed hardwood and coniferous forest offers glimpses of the forest's research mission, where scientists study everything from tree decay rates to bear and moose populations, reminding us that observation and stewardship go hand in hand.

The network of 13 miles of forest roads invites exploration through landscapes where hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing become forms of moving meditation. These pathways wind through working research sites where, among other initiatives, the American chestnut plantation project unfolds – a decades-long commitment to healing what seemed irreversibly damaged, teaching us about hope made manifest through patient, persistent action.

The forest serves as subject, focal point, and source of inspiration for many painters, photographers , writers, and musicians, reminding us that beauty and utility need not be separate pursuits. In the sugar house during maple season, where Great Mountain Forest taps its sugar maples and boils down the sap to produce syrup, we witness the ancient art of receiving the forest's gifts with gratitude and restraint.

The Village & Woodland Connection

The short walk between the Manor House and the Village center isn't measured only in steps but in the awareness that comes from moving through spaces that have been tended and treasured across generations. The historic architecture, parklands, and Village layout are in harmony with the natural topography; a terrain that shapes consciousness as much as consciousness shapes terrain.

In Norfolk, we appreciate the intimacy and intention of the village scale, where the walk from Manor House Inn to Infinity Music Hall reminds us that culture and nature aren't opposites but dance partners. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival , the Yale Summer School of Music – these aren't merely entertainment but collective practices of beauty-making, reminders that humans at their best create a culture of harmony rather than discord.

The trails outside the village, including those at Haystack Mountain , Campbell Falls , and Dennis Hill , aren't just recreational opportunities but pathways of reflection; each offering its own form of elevation, both literal and metaphorical.

At Haystack Mountain State Park , the climb to the 34-foot stone tower offers a meditation on perspective. From this vantage point, seeing across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, we're reminded that our daily concerns, while real, exist within much larger contexts. The tower, one of eight hikeable observation points across Connecticut, stands as a testament to the human desire to see further, to gain perspective that can only come from stepping outside our usual frames of reference.

Campbell Falls offers different medicine entirely. Here, with towering trees, birdsong, and the sound of falling water, we encounter the quality of presence that transforms ordinary moments into something special. The natural amphitheater created by moss-covered boulders and mountain laurel becomes a space where listening isn't passive but transformative.

Dennis Hill State Park features an accessible road that culminates in panoramic vistas stretching toward the Berkshires. The hills' open meadows and mixed forests change dramatically with the seasons, from spring wildflowers to the blazing autumn colors that make this a favorite destination for artists, photographers, and philosophers seeking spaces for inspiration and quiet contemplation.

The Seasons of Flourishing: When to Practice Presence

Each season in the Litchfield Hills offers its own curriculum in wellbeing:

Spring arrives as resurrection made visible – wildflowers at Great Mountain Forest, rushing waters at Campbell Falls, the tender green that speaks of life's irrepressible impulse toward renewal. This is the season for beginning again, for allowing ourselves to be surprised by growth.

Summer extends the invitation to fullness – long days that encourage deep exploration, festivals that celebrate human creativity, the abundance that comes when we align with natural rhythms rather than fight them.

Autumn teaches us about beauty in transition, about letting go as a form of grace. The legendary fall foliage becomes a master class in impermanence – showing us that endings can be the most beautiful part of any story.

Winter offers the gift of contemplation, the deep rest that makes renewal possible. By the fires of Manor House Inn, in the quiet of snow-muffled trails, we remember that dormancy isn't emptiness but preparation.

The Economics of Enough

Planning a journey to the Litchfield Hills becomes its own practice in intentionality. This isn't about frenetic activity and consumption-driven travel for “Instagrammable” moments, but about slowing down and savoring spaces that allow transformation. It’s about engaging with time and space in a different way . It's about communion and connection with the people, places, and things that awaken in us what matters most. Our invitation to guests is:

Choose presence over productivity: Real restoration doesn't happen on the timeline of a weekend getaway but in the spaciousness that comes from intentionally releasing the urgency that drives our daily lives.

Practice gratitude as a discipline: The inn's commitment to local sourcing and the community’s commitment to conservation become opportunities to consider the web of relationships that bring sustenance to our tables and nourishment to our minds. Each experience becomes communion with place and people.

Embrace digital distancing: The inn's encouragement of digital distancing offers the chance to remember that our awareness is our most precious resource. Where we place it determines not just what we notice and how we move through the world, but also who we become and how we influence others.

Beyond Recreation: Toward Regeneration

What the Litchfield Hills offers isn't just an escape from the everyday, but an invitation to a deeper reality – one where our wellbeing is inseparable from the wellbeing of the places and people that sustain us. The region's commitment to conservation, from Great Mountain Forest ’s educational mission to Husky Meadows Farm ’s commitment to sustainable food production, to the Manor House Inn’s practices as a Green Hotel , reminds us that true flourishing is always reciprocal.

The trails through Great Mountain Forest, the village greens where community gathers – these aren't simply amenities but avenues for inspiration; time-tested spaces that cultivate the kind of wellbeing that allows us to be fully present and grateful for the gifts of being alive.

The journey toward wellbeing isn't about reaching some final destination but about learning to inhabit wherever we are with greater depth, awareness, and appreciation. A visit to the Litchfield Hills is an invitation to both presence and possibility; a reminder that we belong to something larger and more beautiful than our individual cares and concerns.

As guests plan their travels to the quieter corners of Connecticut – the Manor House Inn with its intentional hospitality, Great Mountain Forest with its patient teachings, the Norfolk Village center that remembers what human-scale community can look like – we encourage visitors to remember they're not just planning a break from the hustle of modern life. They're accepting an invitation to practice presence, to cultivate awareness, and to remember that our collective wellbeing and the world's wellbeing are in one conversation.

#AuthenticTravel #LitchfieldHills #NewEnglandTravel #HiddenGems #MindfulTravel #NatureTherapy #SustainableTravel #RestorationNotEscape #ConsciousTravel #TravelForTransformation #LocalCulture #BeyondTheGuidebook #RegenerativeHospitality #CTConservation

Leadership Retreats in Connecticut: Inspiring Connection, Reflection, and Innovation at The Manor House Inn

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:23:43 GMT

We're Only Human... Navigating A Super-Cycle of Change

Today, leadership teams face unprecedented pressures: navigating a relentless “super‑cycle of change,” where AI shifts, economic uncertainty, climate anxiety, and geopolitical tension all collide. Combine that with the pressure to drive innovation, protect workplace wellbeing, and lead hybrid teams in a world of constant disruption, and it's no surprise that leaders struggle to find the space and time to reflect and connect meaningfully.

Many leaders across industries are quietly reaching a tipping point; a phenomenon wellbeing experts now call “quiet cracking”, when sustained stress silently erodes clarity, creativity, and connection.

At The Manor House Inn in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, we offer more than a venue for corporate retreats. We provide a transformational space where leaders step away from daily demands to restore their energy, reconnect with their values, and reimagine the future in private and purposeful spaces.

Our onsite executive coach and innkeeping team specialize in curating spaces and experiences that foster psychological safety, deep reflection, and meaningful breakthroughs.

Grounded in applied positive psychology and coaching psychology, we combine clear facilitation, nature-immersive practices, and hospitality excellence to help leaders decompress, think deeply, and leave aligned.

Leadership teams can expect structured conversations, well-held silence, and practical next steps—without the performative fluff.

Located just 2.5 hours from New York City and Boston and about an hour from Albany and Hartford, we offer an ideal setting for leadership retreats.

Why Leadership Retreats Matter

Research shows that leadership stress has reached historic highs, with many executives reporting "quiet cracking", decision fatigue, and an inability to “switch off.”

As organizations adapt to AI integration, hybrid work, and rapid market change, space for deep reflection and intentional strategy is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Leadership retreats at The Manor House Inn allow your team to:

Step away from daily demands to gain clarity and perspective
Connect to your organization’s deeper purpose and values
Invest in wellbeing to prevent quiet cracking and burnout
Strengthen team cohesion through curated shared experiences
Reignite innovation to reimagine the future in uncertain times

BYO Workshop or Retreat Leader or Have us Facilitate

Our team offers research-based workshops tailored to times of disruption which are designed to address the most urgent challenges leadership teams face, including:

Quiet Cracking: Leading Through Invisible Strain

Objective: Address the silent stressors that erode leadership capacity before they surface.

Includes:

Recognizing signs of “quiet cracking” in yourself and your team
Practicing self-awareness and real-time stress regulation techniques
Building peer support frameworks within leadership teams
Leveraging reflective time and restorative environments to foster resilience

Poor change management ranks among the top three psychosocial risks in the workplace, but most models for negotiating change overlook the neuropsychology of uncertainty, fear, and doubt. This workshop combines research from the Michelle McQuaid Group with nature-immersive experiences to help teams pause, reflect, and reconnect with their capacity for creation and collaboration.

Outcomes: Psychological safety increases, leaders reconnect with their capacity for creation and collaboration, and teams gain a repeatable playbook for managing invisible strain.

Reconnecting to Purpose & Values (Group or Team Coaching)

Objective: Designed around Kim Cameron’s Positive Organizational Scholarship, this workshop re-anchors people and decisions in shared purpose and lived values to unlock positive, durable performance. Clifton Strengths assessments and VIA Strengths assessments can also be integrated into retreat sessions.

Format: Coach-led group or team coaching and/or facilitation using appreciative inquiry and strengths-based approaches.

Includes:

Purpose → Behaviors → Norms cascade: Translating values into daily, observable actions
Virtuous Practices Map (e.g., compassion, integrity, gratitude) to build a positive climate
“Best-of-Us” story circles (appreciative inquiry) to surface peak moments and repeatable strengths
Keystone commitments and recognition rituals that reinforce positive deviance and momentum
Simple tools for supporting strengths and tracking leading indicators post-retreat (e.g., belonging, energy, clarity)

Outcomes: Stronger psychological safety, faster value-aligned decisions, and a visible uplift in climate and collaboration.

An Immersive Setting for Reflection and Growth

Set against the backdrop of the Litchfield Hills, The Manor House Inn combines exclusive property use, upscale accommodations, and nature-immersive surroundings to create the perfect balance between deep work, meaningful relationship-building, and restorative practices for workplace wellbeing and success. We offer:

Upscale Comfort: Eight elegantly appointed guest rooms with eco-conscious amenities and luxurious bedding. Up to 16 overnight guests (double-occupancy) with the ability to host up to 30 people for workshops and breakout sessions.
Scalable Hosting: Partnerships with local inns expand capacity for larger groups while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
Inspiring Spaces: Indoor sunroom, library space, garden patios, and woodland clearings—ideal for strategy sessions, mindfulness practices, and small group circles.
High-Tech Meets Low-Distraction: Quiet meeting spaces with high-speed internet to support working sessions.

Curated Team-Building & Wellness Experiences

Enhance your leadership retreat with optional, curated activities designed to deepen connection and foster collective wellbeing:

Forest Bathing & Guided Mindfulness Walks
Therapeutic Art & Photography Workshops
Cooking Classes & Culinary Team-Building
Kayaking, E-biking, Disc Golf, and Hiking Excursions
Farm-to-Table Private Dining

These experiences immerse your team in the natural, cultural, and culinary richness of Northwest Connecticut, creating shared moments that strengthen bonds and inspire new perspectives.

Sustainability Aligned With Your Values

As a proud member of the Conscious Business Collaborative , The Manor House Inn embodies eco-conscious practices in everything we do. From locally sourced menus to partnerships with neighboring artisans, experts, and hobbyists, your leadership retreat will reflect your organization’s commitment to people, purpose, and the planet.

Plan Your Leadership Retreat in Connecticut

Start planning your retreat today.
Contact Us | Explore Activities

#LeadershipRetreats #ConnecticutLeadershipRetreats #QuietCracking #WorkplaceWellbeing #AILeadership #GroupCoaching #PositiveLeadership #ConsciousBusiness

Hiking & Wholeness: Nature-Based Coaching

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:20:51 GMT

N ature is Nurturing

Coaching Through Seasons of Change

There are seasons in life when clarity feels just out of reach. When the questions we’re carrying – about work, the world, relationships, or purpose – feel too big to unravel from behind a screen or across a coffee shop table. In these seasons of transition, nature has a quiet way of offering us what we need most: space, perspective, and rhythm.

Nestled in the quiet beauty of Litchfield County, Norfolk offers more than scenic charm. It's a place where you can pause long enough to hear your own thoughts and reconnect with what matters most. At The Manor House Inn in Norfolk, we believe in the power of place; not just for rest and romance, but for reflection, reconnection, and renewal. That’s why we’re offering nature-immersive coaching experiences designed for anyone navigating meaningful change.

Whether you’re stepping into something new, letting go of something old, or simply sensing that something’s stirring beneath the surface, this is a space to slow down and listen. Through reflective walks, gentle prompts, and guided inquiry, our coaching invites you to step outside – literally and figuratively – and explore new ways of being.

Walk. Wonder. Witness.

Here, your feet meet earth and your thoughts unfold with each step. The trail becomes your co-facilitator – offering metaphors, momentum, and moments of insight. You may notice how a winding path mirrors your own uncertainty, or how the persistence of a fern breaking through stone reminds you of your own resilience.

This is coaching held outdoors, where the boundaries of conversation expand with the horizon and the awareness of just how many possibilities exist in the world. We walk together – side-by-side rather than face-to-face – not to fix or solve, but to notice, to wonder, and to witness what emerges. And there’s something deeply human about being witnessed in this way, not in a formal or contrived setting, but beneath an open sky. Surrounded by the songs of birds, the scent of pine, and the quiet crunch of leaves underfoot. These elements – simple, grounding, ancient – have supported seekers and sojourners for centuries. We are simply remembering what they’ve always offered.

Lessons From the Landscape

These coaching sessions are designed for anyone navigating life’s thresholds: career shifts, identity changes, new leadership roles, or creative reawakenings. Nature reminds us that all growth requires letting go, enduring discomfort, and trusting the process.

What emerges is often surprising. Without the pressure to produce an answer, insight arrives more gently. The mind settles. The body exhales. The inner voice – so often drowned out by noise – rises with clarity. Nature, in all its wild wisdom, becomes both a mirror and a guide.

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker. All you need is a willingness to show up – to the trail, to the moment, and to yourself.

Whether you’re facing a crossroads, feeling stuck, navigating life-altering change, or simply craving a deeper connection to self and something bigger, we invite you to explore this offering. Trust the forests and the foothills of the Berkshires to hold space for your questions. Because sometimes the most powerful conversations happen not in a room, but on a walk, with sky above and soil below.

Plan Your Personal Retreat in Connecticut

Sessions can be booked privately or as part of a seasonal retreat.

#NatureBasedCoaching #NatureAsCoach #ForestWisdom #WellbeingRetreatCT

September Stillness at The Manor House Inn

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 21:42:09 GMT

A Season for Stillness, Savoring & Secret Spaces

September Secrets

Norfolk feels like Connecticut's best-kept secret in September: quiet woodland trails, peaceful ponds for kayaking, dark night skies for stargazing, and the first hint of fall color emerging in the forests and foothills of the Berkshires.

September unfolds gently in the Litchfield Hills — a season suspended between the lingering warmth of summer and the energy of harvest season in the autumn. The rush of summer fades momentarily into a softer rhythm as the landscape begins its slow turning. Early fall wildflowers bloom along country roads, evenings are cool enough for backyard bonfires, and the sun casts a golden glow that lingers between the branches of the slowly changing trees.

The late afternoon light in Norfolk's woodlands is beautifully captured by the Japanese word Komorebi (木漏れ日 --- pronounced "ko-mo-reh-bee"); a term that describes the dappled light and shadows created as the sunlight filters through the leaves and branches of trees... the gift of nature's unexpected enchantments. There's a magical, mystical quality to the way we experience the world here.

At The Manor House Inn, September is a transitional time of year—a brief pause between summer and leaf-peeping season; one that shifts our sense of time and space, reminding us to exhale, to linger, and to savor. This time of year offers a soft invitation into moments rich with meaning, contemplation, and calm. And this year, the local calendar aligns beautifully with that ethos.

Why September Feels Like Home Here

As the village nestles into early fall, the energy shifts. Days still carry sunlit promise; evenings whisper of turning leaves and backyard bonfires. Trails like Dennis Hill and Campbell Falls are quieter, nature’s palette richer, and the air crisper.

A beautiful new bookstore with new and vintage books has opened in the Village Center near the picnic tables in the plaza, adjacent to the walking trails of City Meadow.

Guests often tell us that the memories of September in Litchfield linger in the heart long after departure. Sometimes it's hard to leave...

Our breakfasts now brim with both the last of summer’s berries and the first cider-sweet hints of apple. Each dish nurtures mindful presence, connection, and gratitude. And this season’s gifts extend beyond the Village Center. The Manor House and our friends offer events attuned to curiosity, creativity, and well-being:

Local Events to Enrich Your September Stay

Feast with Fungi & Folks — Saturday, September 6, 5 PM – 9 PM at Huskey Meadows Farm
Enjoy four courses celebrating mushrooms, prepared by Chef Billy Ross. His dishes blend farm-fresh produce and foraged mushrooms into a sensory, slow-food experience—just the kind of mindful gathering our guests adore. Limited seats available. Reservations required.
Cultural Exhibits and Tours — Saturday, September 6, 10 AM – 3:30 PM at the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center
Step into a restored castle of ancient wisdom. Explore curated exhibits across Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian, and Inca traditions through immersive storytelling, Tea Art Demonstrations , and cultural seminars that lift the spirit. Reservations required.
Wellness Seminar: Insights from Nature — Sunday, September 7, 2:30 PM at the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center
As nature begins its quiet transformation, this seminar invites you to ponder your own. Through mindful movement, nature-based meditation, or reflective dialogue, you’ll discover how deeply we resonate with the rhythms beyond ourselves.

Why These Moments Matter

These gatherings mirror the meanings we cultivate at the Inn:

Culinary Connection — savoring both taste and company in a locally-rooted meal.
Cultural Resonance — steeping into traditions that offer depth beyond the surface.
Mindful Exploration — moving deliberately, listening closely, and noticing what often flows past.

A Gentle Itinerary for a September Stay

Begin softly — wander the Inn’s property, sunrise coffees, shared breakfasts.

Midday connections — pair a local walk with one of the featured events:

Saturday morning: cultural exhibits & tea at the castle,
Saturday evening: a communal mushroom‑inspired dinner,
Sunday afternoon: a wellness seminar attuned to nature’s unfolding.

Epilogue to the day — unwind on the porch, perhaps with a journal in hand, or watch the stars spark against the turning hills.

Book Your September Retreat

If September calls to you—for spacious mornings, season’s edge, and deep-hearted connection—you have a place with us.

Rooms are filling thoughtfully— reserve your stay or call (860) 542‑5690.

Together, let’s savor this threshold moment between seasons.

#SavorSeptember #MindfulTravel #WellbeingRetreat #ManorHouseInn #LitchfieldHills #IntentionalFall #ConsciousTravel #LocalEvents #PositivePsychologyTravel

Savoring Summer at the Manor House Inn: A Retreat into Presence and Wellbeing

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:46:35 GMT

Savoring Simple Summer Activities

There’s a certain kind of light in the Litchfield Hills—soft, golden, and unhurried. It lingers. It rests. And in that pause, something opens. At the Manor House Inn in Norfolk , Connecticut, summer becomes more than a season—it becomes a threshold. A chance to slow down, to listen, and to savor.

This is not simply poetic indulgence. In the lexicon of positive psychology , savoring is a conscious act—a way of tuning the heart and mind toward joy, toward meaning, toward the fullness of lived experience.

The Quiet Science of Savoring

Fred Bryant, a founding figure in this field, describes savoring as the practice of "stretching" positive emotions . It isn’t passive. It asks something of us: attention, presence, reverence. And in return, it gives us a deeper sense of wellbeing.

Research shows that this practice—of noticing, of lingering in what’s good—can increase happiness and life satisfaction . Whether it’s watching mist rise over Haystack Mountain , or simply feeling the warmth of the inn’s sunlit porch beneath your bare feet, the Manor House Inn creates space for those kinds of moments.

The science identifies three stages of savoring:

Anticipation : The spark of joy before a trip, a meal, a conversation.
Immersion : The full-bodied presence we feel when we’re in the middle of something beautiful.
Reminiscence : The afterglow, when memory becomes a kind of sanctuary.

The Manor House Inn is thoughtfully designed to support all three.

A Landscape That Invites Reflection

Anticipation begins the moment you start imagining your stay. Perhaps you see yourself walking the wooded trails of Campbell Falls , or curling up with a book in the sunroom while summer rainclouds roll gently over the hills.

Immersion comes easily here. You might wander barefoot through gardens. Listen to birdsong in the early morning. Or spend an afternoon in digital silence—letting your attention return to its natural pace.

Reminiscence is woven into the way guests depart. They leave with pressed leaves tucked in journals, with stories to tell, and often with a small shift inside—a sense that something quiet and real happened here.

Summer Activities for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Hiking the Litchfield Hills : Trails like Haystack and Dennis Hill offer natural beauty with spiritual resonance. Time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and restore mental clarity. It’s no wonder that many guests return from a morning hike feeling not just lighter, but more grounded.

Leisurely Breakfasts : Mornings at the Inn begin with seasonal, locally sourced meals—perhaps baked French toast with fresh berries, or a frittata made with herbs from the garden. These shared meals echo research showing that shared meals and mindful eating are powerful contributors to lasting wellbeing.

Cultural Immersion : Norfolk in summer is alive with concerts on the green, art exhibits, and nature-immersive learning experiences at Great Mountain Forest 's Woodlands Academy and more. The photos above are from Weekend in Norfolk , a town-wide summer festival with historic tours, live music, novel learning experiences, and more.

These experiences contribute to a sense of meaning—what Martin Seligman calls one of the five pillars of flourishing . To stroll through the village and to engage with community is to touch the hum of human creativity and connection.

A Savoring Ritual to Try

Before your arrival, try this:

Anticipate : Choose one moment you’re looking forward to—perhaps sipping wine at sunset or reading in the Adirondack chairs.
Immerse : Once you arrive, notice something small each day. A scent. A texture. A phrase overheard. Let it anchor you.
Reminisce : Before you leave, create a memory box: a pebble, a photo, a phrase scribbled on a notepad. Reflect later and revisit the experience in quiet moments at home.

Why the Manor House Inn?

In a culture that often chases quick thrills—bright lights, instant wins, constant stimulation—it’s easy to confuse excitement with fulfillment. Casino getaways, amusement overload, and endless activities promise hits of dopamine, but leave many feeling strangely hollow in the aftermath. By contrast, a retreat rooted in savoring offers something deeper and more enduring. It nourishes the quieter parts of us—the ones that long for meaning, connection, and beauty. At the Manor House Inn , joy doesn’t flash and fade. It settles in, stretches out, and stays with you long after you leave.

Built in 1898 and lovingly restored, we offer eight spacious suites, some with fireplaces or whirlpool tubs. Our eco-conscious approach — earth-friendly amenities, local ingredients, sustainable practices—embodies the spirit of purposeful alignment and wellbeing . This is not just a getaway. It’s a place where your inner life has room to unfold. Located in the historic Village of Norfolk, but only steps away from hundreds of acres of protected lands with beautiful hiking and biking year-round, our enchanted corner of Connective offers a nature-immersive escape perfectly suited to active outdoor adventures or restful retreats in Litchfield Hills .

Come Savor With Us

The invitation is simple: Come as you are. Stay as long as you need. Leave more fully yourself.

Book your summer retreat now and rediscover the beauty of lingering, of presence, of joy.

We’d love to hear what you’ve savored. Share your reflections and stories using the hashtags:
#WellbeingRetreat #SavorSummer #ManorHouseInn #PositivePsychology #LitchfieldHills

A Celebration of Intimacy and Beauty: A Magical Microwedding at The Manor House Inn

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:49:10 GMT

Microweddings & What Matters Most

A Meaningful Microwedding in the Heart of Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills

There are moments when time seems to pause—when the presence of love, nature, and intention come together in a way that feels both sacred and deeply human. This July at The Manor House Inn , we had the privilege of hosting a Connecticut microwedding that embodied all of this and more.

Set in the heart of the Litchfield Hills , our 1898 historic property offered the perfect setting for a wedding that was as personal as it was picturesque. Within a space that has drawn visitors for over a century, and beneath the canopy of our grand maple tree and in the glow of golden summer light, a young couple exchanged vows surrounded by just a handful of their dearest loved ones. There was no performance, no production—just the gentle breeze rustling the trees, the scent of blooming hydrangeas, and the quiet joy of a shared promise, witnessed in stillness and sincerity.

An Intimate Celebration, Thoughtfully Designed

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to wander through our gardens before enjoying hors d'oeuvres and signature beverages. The couple then gathered with guests for a customized five-course wedding meal inside the Inn—every dish curated around their favorite flavors. From grilled summer fruits to poached salmon, tenderloin filet, and wild mushrooms harvested just up the road at Husky Meadows Farm , each course was a delicious reflection of their shared story and our shared love of Litchfield Hills.

Our all-inclusive microwedding packages are designed with simplicity and ease in mind. At this event, floral arrangements—crafted by our innkeepers—reflected the soft palette of high summer: creamy whites, soft greens, pastel hues and smokey blues. The effect was elegant, organic, and effortlessly beautiful.

A Wedding That Nourishes the Soul

But beyond the beauty and ease, what we aim to offer at The Manor House Inn is something deeper: a sense of wellbeing, presence, and peace . Our weddings are intentionally small in scale so that they can be expansive in meaning. As research in positive psychology has shown, it's in slowing down, savoring joy, and cultivating intentional connection that we access the most profound sources of happiness and resilience.

A microwedding is not just a trend—it’s a choice to prioritize love over logistics, intimacy over impression, and meaning over spectacle. For couples seeking a celebration that feels authentic and grounded, it’s the ideal way to begin a marriage.

Hospitality with Heart

Our team is small, and that's by design. We believe that great hospitality is inherently relational—not transactional. As an independently owned inn, every guest experience here is personal. From your first planning call to the final toast, you’re not just another booking—you’re a story we’re honored to be part of.

The Greek word for hospitality, philoxenia (φιλοξενία), means “love of the stranger.” This ethos guides everything we do at the Manor House Inn. We welcome couples and their guests with warmth, care, and an open heart, offering not just a venue, but a sanctuary for meaningful connection .

Your Love Story, Beautifully Told

Our inn is nestled in one of the most scenic corners of Connecticut—surrounded by gardens, walking trails, and the timeless beauty of the Litchfield County countryside . Whether you dream of exchanging vows under the trees, dining with candles and farm-to-table fare, or simply spending a weekend with the people you love most, we’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.

If you're seeking a Connecticut microwedding venue that offers natural beauty, personalized attention, and a heartfelt sense of welcome, we invite you to reach out. Let your wedding day be more than an event. Let it be a moment that lingers—a beginning that reflects your values, your love, and your story.

Learn more about our all-inclusive microwedding packages at The Manor House Inn .

To begin planning your meaningful Connecticut microwedding, contact us today.
✉️ innkeeper@manorhouse-norfolk.com

# microweddingvenueLitchfield Hills #all-inclusivemicrowedding #microweddingConnecticut

Welcome to Spring's Embrace

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:18:42 GMT

Savor the Spring in New England

There’s a quiet revelation unfolding just beyond our doors at the Manor House Inn in Norfolk, Connecticut. The azaleas are blooming—luminous clouds of pinks and purples that arrive not with fanfare, but with a kind of quiet joy. If you listen, truly listen, the warblers are already singing—a reminder that life returns, often before we realize we were waiting.

After a long and sluggish spring, the world here feels awakened. Recommitted to its own beauty. And we, too, have opened our doors again—for the 2025 season.

This year, we’re honored to be joined by Innkeepers Blair Jennings and Chef Fell Cadwallader. Their presence is a kind of alignment, a shared devotion to what we hold dear: that hospitality, at its best, is about so much more than comfort—it’s about cultivating connection. Their care is evident not only in the meals they prepare or the rooms they tend, but in the way they meet each guest as if they, too, are part of the living landscape we inhabit.

Why Spring in New England Feels Like a Homecoming

At the Manor House Inn, we’ve been welcoming guests for more than fifty years. And one truth has emerged again and again: the seasons here don’t merely color the trees or shift the temperature—they change us. They ask us to reorient our attention. To notice differently. To live more generously in the moment.

June arrives here in layers—filtered sunlight dancing through Tiffany stained glass, birdsong rising in the mornings, chipmunks darting across stone paths, and hummingbirds suspended midair like prayers. Foxes make quiet appearances in the distance; fawns appear at the forest's edge. All of it unfolding in the Berkshires as if to say: You are part of this.

And our guests know it. You can see it on their faces after a morning hike to Campbell Falls or an afternoon winding through the Litchfield Hills on e-bikes, or arriving at Norbrook Farm Brewery for a laughter-filled round of disc golf at early dusk. There’s something sacred in the rhythm of a day spent this way—feet on the ground, senses alert, spirit softened.

Of course, science affirms this ancient knowing. Dr. Martin Seligman’s work on wellbeing reminds us that flourishing begins with positive emotions and engagement[i]. And spring in these hills offers both, in overflowing measure. But even more than that, we believe spring is an invitation. To awaken. To return. To remember what it feels like to be alive in a world that’s finding its way back to life, too.

It's why so many city-dwellers are drawn to Northwest Connecticut for a nature-immersive escape . Research shows that just twenty minutes in nature can lower your cortisol levels—that's your body literally relaxing into peace[ii]. But we think there's something even more profound at work here: the simple joy of being alive in a world that's coming back to life, and being in a place with people who honor our interconnectedness to one another and the earth. Norfolk is a community that is deeply devoted to conservation and nature-preservation.

Three Invitations to Wellbeing

We don't just offer activities at the Manor House—we offer connections that we believe are life-affirming. Here are three ways we'd love to share spring's gifts with you:

Hiking: The Soul in Motion

There is something elemental about walking a trail like Haystack Mountain . It begins gently, almost like a conversation. And then it deepens. By the time you reach the summit, the Connecticut River Valley opens up before you—not as a spectacle, but as a kind of silent benediction —a living map of spring's progress.

This is what psychologists call “flow” —that wonderful state where you're completely absorbed in what you're doing; when the challenge before you is aligned with your level of skill and engagement [iii]. But we think of it as spiritual alignment. Body, breath, attention—moving as one. As if the forest were inviting you into coherence.

Your mind quiets, your breathing deepens, and for those precious moments, you're exactly where you need to be. And wellbeing research confirms what we already know: hiking genuinely lifts mood and builds confidence [iv].

Jennifer, one of our recent guests, captured it perfectly when she returned from Haystack practically glowing: "After so much rain early spring, the climb made everything feel fresh and alive again — the smell of the forest and the vista at Haystack tower were breathtaking and a totally different experience than in years' past when I've been here in the autumn for leaf-peeping season ".

For gentler walks, Dennis Hill offers an abundance of wildflowers and soft forest trails, and the Norfolk Land Trust protects over 20 miles of paths that bloom in their own particular poetry.

For guests who want to make a day of hiking, we’re always happy to pack trail lunches—because food, when shared beneath sky and trees, becomes more than sustenance. It becomes communion.

Forest Bathing: The Art of Simply Being

The Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, asks so little and gives so much. It’s not about distance or achievement. It’s about presence. Listening. Receiving.

There are places on our five-acre grounds—and nearby, at Campbell Falls —where the forest speaks fluently in the language of renewal. You might sit beside a stream. Feel the texture of bark. Smell the green of unfolding leaves.

One guest called it a “soul reset.” And we’ve found that language to be true. Yes, there’s data about lowered cortisol and phytoncides when forest-bathing (v). But there is also this deeper knowing: that to sit among trees is to remember you are not separate from the living world.

After your forest hike, we invite you to our sundrenched three seasons room with a warm cup of tea and a journal. Writing down five things you noticed—the sound of wind in pine needles, the feel of moss, the play of light on water—helps preserve these precious moments.[vi]

Birdwatching: Practicing the Art of Wonder

Each spring, Norfolk becomes a corridor of song and color as migratory birds return to our woods and wetlands. The scarlet tanager, the cerulean warbler, the thrush whose song is as ancient as the forest itself. These moments can stop you mid-sentence, mid-thought. Not for their rarity, but for their beauty. They remind us—without needing to explain—why wonder matters. Many of our guests visit the Norfolk's Birding Hotspots include Kelly Swamp , and leave with a deepened sense of awe and appreciation; a kind of wonder and delight that is essential to wellbeing. [vii]

Imagine stepping into your morning and being greeted by the flash of a scarlet tanager's red wing or the liquid song of a wood thrush. These moments stop time. They remind us that beauty exists simply for its own sake. Such experiences of awe effortlessly increase life satisfaction. [viii]

Some guests walk the trails of Kelly Swamp with guides in hand. Others linger by our feeders, a mug of coffee beside them. The joy is not in the method, but in the noticing.

A Simple Practice We'd Love to Share

A Daily Practice of Presence

There is a rhythm we’ve discovered that turns a getaway (or "Connecticut staycation") into something lasting:

Morning : Over breakfast, set a simple intention—to notice one moment of delight.
Midday : Let yourself be found by it—a scent, a sound, a shimmer of movement in the trees.
Evening : Reflect. What moved you? What softened in you? What did you remember about what it means to be here, now?

Even this small ritual of reflection can change us; amplifying the benefits of positive experiences [ix]

Why We Love New England Hospitality

The Alders Estate —this Manor House — holds more than its Gilded Age history. It holds stories. Restorations. Renewals. It holds the quiet work of hospitality, which we believe is not about perfection but presence. About preparing spaces for connection—not only with each other, but with the deeper parts of ourselves.

Each room is its own kind of sanctuary—some with fireplaces, others with whirlpool tubs—and each with a view toward nature, reminding you that life is still unfolding all around you.

Our commitment to Green Lodging and sustainability —like everything else we do—is rooted in relationship. To land. To future generations. To the truth that when we care for the earth, we are also caring for the parts of ourselves that long for beauty and belonging, honoring our interconnectedness. [x]

We invite digital stillness not as a rule, but as an opening. A way to listen differently. When we put down our screens and lift our eyes to birds, to the trees, to each other—we remember what connection feels like.

The Season is Singing. You’re Already Welcome.

Norfolk’s Village Green comes alive in spring with poetry readings, nature-inspired art, and the quiet hum of shared purpose. Our neighbors at the Norfolk Hub and Norfolk Library remind us that wellbeing is not only personal—it is communal. We are most content when we experience a shared sense of connection and belonging. [xi] As the seasons unfold, our community offers an abundance of invitations, from the Haystack Book Talks , Great Mountain Forest Woodlands Academy programs, Weekend in Norfolk events, Tour de Forest bike race, and seasonal events throughout the year ...

Whether you’re searching for “spring hikes in Connecticut” or seeking “forest bathing in the Litchfield Hills,” whether you’re called by birdsong or a longing you can’t quite name—we believe what you’re really seeking is a return. A reconnection. A remembering. And we are ready to welcome you.

Come. Your room is waiting. The azaleas are in bloom. The woods are whispering.

And your place in it all is already set.

Savor spring in New England at the Manor House Inn .

________________

References:

[i] Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.

[ii] Hunter, M. R., et al. (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 722.

[iii] Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.

[iv] Pretty, J., et al. (2007). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 17(5), 319–337.

[v] Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 9–17.

[vi] Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848

[vii] Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297–314 .

[viii] Shiota, M. N., et al. (2007). The nature of awe: Elicitors, appraisals, and effects on self-concept. Cognition and Emotion, 21(5), 944–963.

[ix] Lyubomirsky, S., et al. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111–131.

[x] Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13–39.

[xi] Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.

Nordic Spa Coming to the "Icebox" of Connecticut

Wed, 14 May 2025 13:36:26 GMT

Why Cold Plunge is Hot in Hospitality

Nordic Wellness Traditions in New England

The historic Alders Estate is bringing Nordic wellness traditions to New England with a hydrothermal circuit planned for 2027 at the Manor House Inn . Located in Norfolk -- the "Icebox of Connecticut" -- a century-old moniker derived from its consistently cooler temperature in CT, the Manor House provides the ideal setting for this European-inspired wellness experience.

The planned Nordic Spa at Manor House Inn will feature an outdoor hydrothermal circuit designed to highlight Norfolk's natural beauty and unique climate advantage in Connecticut. The project embraces:

Respect for authentic Nordic wellness traditions
Minimal digital distractions to create a contemplative environment
Thoughtful integration with the historic property's landscape
Biophilic design principles which integrate nature into built environments to enhance the well-being
Silence as sacred

What is a Hydrothermal Circuit?

A hydrothermal circuit follows the centuries-old Nordic tradition of cycling between hot and cold environments to promote wellness. This practice has deep roots in countries like Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark where thermal contrast has been part of daily life for thousands of years.

The experience follows a three-phase cycle:

Heat Phase (15-20 minutes) – Time in hot pools or traditional saunas
Cold Phase (10 seconds to 5 minutes) – Brief immersion in cold plunge pools
Rest Phase (15-20 minutes) – Quiet relaxation in designated rest areas

Unlike conventional day spas with multiple treatment offerings where group reservations are common, the Nordic Spa at the Manor House Inn will focus on a self-guided, introspective experience. Massage is the only service that will be offered onsite, yet guests will not be required to purchase any services to enjoy the facilities. This distinction will make the entry price point more accessible than that of a traditional day spa. To enhance their stay, visitors will also have the option to dine before or after their experience.

Nordic Wellness Traditions

Different Nordic countries have contributed unique elements to this wellness practice.

The term "Nordic" refers to a broad geographical and cultural region encompassing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, while "Scandinavia" is essentially a subset of the Nordic countries and a term primarily referring to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Finnish Sauna Tradition

Finland's sauna culture dates back thousands of years. The earliest versions of Finnish saunas are believed to date from around 7000 BC. In traditional Finnish culture, saunas were considered sacred spaces for physical and spiritual cleansing.

Norwegian "Friluftsliv"

Norwegian wellness incorporates "friluftsliv," often translated as "forest bathing," although it more broadly means enjoying fresh air outdoors. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature for overall well-being.

Swedish Wellness Practices

Sweden has contributed both thermal bathing traditions and the concept of "friluftsliv" (open-air living) to Nordic wellness culture. While Sweden is internationally recognized for its Swedish massage, the country also boasts a rich tradition of outdoor thermal bathing.

Icelandic Geothermal Traditions

Iceland's natural hot springs have shaped its unique bathing culture. The mineral-rich waters of Iceland are traditionally believed to have healing properties, particularly for skin conditions. Bathers traditionally alternated between the hot springs and the cold air to induce a deep state of relaxation.

Danish Bathing Culture

While Denmark lacks natural hot springs, it has developed its own distinctive bathing traditions centered around hot-cold contrast therapies. Modern Danish spas have embraced the Nordic thermal circuit concept, often combining it with "saunagus" (a practice combining traditional sauna with aromatherapy and mindfulness) and seaside cold plunges.

Health Benefits of Nordic Spa Practices

Research suggests several potential benefits from the contrast therapy central to Nordic spa experiences:

Improved circulation – The alternating hot-cold cycle stimulates blood flow
Muscle recovery – Beneficial for post-exercise recovery and joint comfort
Stress reduction – Many users report mental clarity and relaxation
Better sleep quality – Regular practice may support improved sleep

Silence is Sacred

The Manor House Inn will prioritize a Silent Spa Experience to encourage deep relaxation and meaningful introspection. By eliminating noise distractions, guests can fully immerse themselves in the restorative benefits of silence -- accessing deeper states of serenity and mental clarity. This priority is aligned with the Manor House Inn's Values and commitment to wellbeing.

Physical Benefits of Silence

Reduced Stress
Silence can lower blood pressure, cortisol levels, and heart rate, leading to a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels. The absence of noise pollution allows the body's systems to regulate more effectively.

Improved Sleep
Quiet environments promote better sleep quality by reducing external stimuli that can disrupt natural sleep cycles. This leads to more restful and rejuvenating sleep patterns.

Boosted Immune System
Research suggests that spending time in silence may strengthen the immune system. Regular periods of quiet can help the body allocate resources toward immune function rather than stress responses.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Silence

Enhanced Concentration
Silent environments often facilitate focus and concentration, enabling more efficient task completion and deeper engagement with complex thought processes.

Improved Mental Clarity
Silence can help quiet racing thoughts and promote inner calm, leading to greater mental clarity and improved decision-making abilities.

Increased Self-Awareness
Quiet moments often provide valuable opportunities for introspection and observation of thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering greater self-understanding.

Fostered Creativity
Silence can stimulate imagination and innovative thinking, creating an ideal environment for creative pursuits and problem-solving.

Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Silent retreats and practices help individuals develop mindfulness—the ability to be fully present and aware of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without being overwhelmed by them.

**On a handful of select days, and only during specific hours , the spaces will be open for a Social Spa Experience for guests wishing to come in groups or those who prefer to enjoy quiet conversation with their friends and partners.**

Follow the Manor House Inn's Development

The first phase of this project is expected to be complete by autumn 2027. When finished, it will offer both overnight guests and day visitors access to this unique wellness tradition.

For those interested in following the Manor House Inn's Nordic Spa development, updates will be shared periodically on the Manor House Inn's Instagram and Facebook pages, or you can subscribe to our newsletter below!

Best Hidden Romantic Getaway in New England

Mon, 12 May 2025 01:32:35 GMT

The Perfect 3-Day Romantic Escape in Litchfield Hills

Ultimate Couples’ Getaway at Manor House Inn Norfolk

There’s nothing like escaping to a picturesque New England Inn for a romantic getaway . And, while Connecticut offers no shortage of country inns and B&Bs, the Manor House Inn Norfolk might just be its best-kept secret; off the beaten path, but offering the perfect blend of elegance, intimacy, and the arts, with easy access to the forests, fields, and foothills of the Berkshires.

Nestled in the heart of Connecticut’s charming Litchfield Hills in the historic Hamlet of Norfolk, the Alders Estate harkens back to simpler, gentler times where conversation and connection are celebrated and savored.

Day 1: Arrival & Cozy Beginnings

Welcome to Understated Elegance

Upon entering the Manor House Inn, you're immediately enveloped in a profound sense of warmth, welcome, and timeless elegance. This 1898-mansion exemplifies old-world charm and authentic hospitality. The experienced innkeeping team effortlessly creates a distinctive "sense of place" that inspires meaningful moments throughout your stay. We pride ourselves on subtle accessibility—never imposing yet readily available to curate moments of connection.

Unlike larger commercial Connecticut country inns that can feel more like tourist attractions than romantic retreats, the Alders Estate is an intimate escape that is independently-owned and operated. Over the past three years, the proprietor family has meticulously renovated seven of the eight guest rooms and most common areas, with plans underway to unveil a full-service restaurant and Nordic-inspired hydrothermal spa for both overnight and day guests.

Eight distinctively appointed guest rooms feature curated vintage furnishings, luxury linens, and serene garden views—creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Select suites include fireplaces; others offer private balconies or oversized soaking tubs. All accommodations provide comfortable reading chairs with plush blankets for cozy relaxation.

The common spaces include a sun-drenched three-season room, the Great Room with its oversized hearth and woodburning fireplace, and the Library stocked with board games, calligraphy supplies, and conversation cards designed to spark meaningful connection and reflection. The 1898 Gilded-age architecture, Tiffany stained glass windows, and richly textured woodwork embody an era of refined craftsmanship. While the spaces are elegant, they are also understated in the most welcoming way. Beyond offering accommodations, the Manor House has become a sanctuary for visitors to truly unplug and unwind, far from the urban bustle and dopamine-driven experiences that hinder true relaxation. Although we offer complimentary high-speed WiFi, we encourage digital detox, and are intentionally TV-free to support couples who are committed to devoting undivided attention to one another.

Throughout the property, you'll discover reading nooks, eclectic books, lawn games, and an Alice in Wonderland-inspired corridor that feels whimsical, wonderful, and entirely enchanted.

Savor Signature Spaces

Arrive early and bicycle to the award-winning Norbrook Farm Brewery where you can experience disc golf or enjoy alfresco dining on the patio with fire pits and live music most weekends. Alternatively, explore the village with a stroll through Norfolk Historic District and wander through City Meadow, offering spectacular views of Haystack Mountain . Then visit the Norfolk Pub housed in the historic Royal Arcanum Building .

Throughout summer, enjoy complimentary concerts on the Town Green every Friday evening. There are countless Activities near Norfolk .

Pre-order a charcuterie package or chocolate-covered strawberries and end your day with thoughtful conversation over a glass of wine or cup of hot tea in the Great Room before retreating to your suite for a restful night.

Day 2: Adventure & Intimate Moments

Morning Stroll & Gourmet Breakfast

Wake up to a delicious two-course breakfast , prepared fresh each morning, and served at tables for two in the bright Victorian dining room filled with fresh flowers, vintage place settings, and peaceful piano music to start the day. Enjoy seasonal ingredients, homemade pastries, and signature Manor House Inn coffee, as sunlight streams through the Tiffany stained glass in our tranquil morning spaces.

Explore Litchfield Hill’s Romantic Activities

Spend the afternoon discovering nearby attractions for couples:

Connect with Nature – Explore Campbell Falls , Great Mountain Forest , or Dennis Hill and take in breathtaking summit views.
Arts & Culture – Secure tickets to the renowned Norfolk Chamber Music Festival or Infinity Hall for cultural enrichment.
Literary Retreat – Visit the enchanting Norfolk Library to appreciate monthly art exhibits, special events, and one of Connecticut's most beautiful historic spaces.
Vineyard Experience – Enjoy a scenic drive to Sunset Meadows Vineyard for an exquisite wine-tasting experience. Many weekends, enjoy wine tasting with chocolate pairings around noon and early evening live music. For additional exploration, continue just 10 minutes further to the quintessential New England town of Litchfield with its boutiques and cafés.

Active Adventures

Discover the best nearby attractions for active couples:

Covered Bridge Electric Bike Rentals & Tours (12 min)
Sue Grossman Still River Greenway, 3.4-mile asphalt rail trail for inline skating (BYO rollerblades): 18 Lanson Dr, Winsted (12 min)
The Marina at Highland Lake (12 min) offers boat rentals and pontoons , or BYO kayak or canoe
Rustling Wind Horseback Riding - Advance reservations required (15 min)
Norbrook Farm Brewery , Professionally Designed Mountain Bike Trails & Disc Golf Course, BYO-Bike (5 min)
Catamount Aerial Adventure Park & Zip Line Tours , Hillsdale, NY (30 min)

Evening Relaxation & Fireside Magic

After a day of adventure, retreat back to Manor House Inn for a quiet, intimate evening. Indulge in a soothing bath, candlelit hearth, and tranquil ambiance , inspiring genuine moments of connection.

Day 3: Leisure & Farewell Walk

Enjoy one final gourmet breakfast before taking a leisurely morning stroll through Manor House Inn's gardens or exploring Norfolk's charming town center. To capture memories of your getaway, consider contacting local photographer/artist Jennifer Almquist for a casual photo session.

Plan Your Next Romantic Escape

Before heading home, savor the moments of your retreat and start planning your next getaway to Connecticut’s most romantic inn during a different season to experience all Norfolk has to offer —because romance and relationships deserve cultivation over time. Save 10% by booking your return trip at the time of your departure. Consider booking your next special event with us --- including anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, or any other milestone moment that deserves recognition. And please be sure to tell us what you're celebrating so we can curate an unforgettable experience!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for Nordic Spa updates!

The Manor House Inn (Alders Estate) Improvement Project FAQ

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:11:00 GMT

*The below FAQ is intended to address common questions and misconceptions regarding the pending zoning application for The Manor House Inn. Readers are encouraged to review the zoning application itself for additional information and to consult with ZEO Stacey Sefcik for accurate information. Hard copies are available at Town Hall. Updates are posted on the Town News Website. For links to additional documents posted by Town Hall, Click Here and select from the options in the right-hand column.*

For a realtor’s assessment on how the proposed development may impact Norfolk and nearby property values, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Property History and Operations

Q: What is the history of The Manor House Inn?

A: The Alders Estate was built as a private residence over 125 years ago in 1898 when Norfolk was a bustling resort community, and Maple Avenue was the hub for recreation and accommodations, acting as a corridor — connecting culture and community to the water and woodlands.

The Manor House has hosted overnight visitors for nearly 50 years, first with room rentals (1977), then as a B&B (1986), and for almost three decades as a Country Inn (1996). In the 1960s, the property was abandoned for several years before changing ownership, and eventually, it became a boarding house in the 1970s. 69 Maple Avenue has not functioned as a private residence for the better part of a century.

Q: How is The Manor House permitted to operate in the Village Residential zone? Doesn’t the zoning permit only residential uses?

A: Country Inns are permitted with special permit approval in the Village Residential Zone, as are other commercial enterprises.

The Manor House received its special permit to operate as a Country Inn in 1996, and that permit is still valid today. The special permit allows up to 25 guest rooms with the following “related uses” to be enjoyed by both overnight and daytime guests of “no more than 150 people”:

Other businesses/organizations operating on Maple Avenue (past and/or present) include Town Hall, a construction company, a massage therapist, Norfolk Farmer’s Market, a realtor, an artists’ studio, a funeral home, and an antique store, among others.

Maple Ave is recognized as an important corridor in town and serves as a parking location during town-wide events that attract residents and visitors alike.

Most residents living in the Village understand that visitor traffic is critical to sustaining a vibrant Village Center. Norfolk’s zoning regulations differentiate the Village Residential Zone from the Residential Zone for this reason; the zones are distinct from one another, with different zoning regulations. See the bottom of this page for a realtor’s assessment of the impact that property improvements will likely have on nearby property values.

1st Selectman Matt Riiska indicated that Norfolk was awarded a $500,000 STEAP grant from the state of Connecticut for the recent road work on Maple Avenue in no small part because there are businesses that operate on Maple Avenue.

Q: Did prior owners use the Manor House as a Country Inn?

A: Yes. When the 1996 permit was issued, the then-owners of The Manor House focused on hosting events, including concerts and weddings, supplementing their lodging income to ensure the Inn’s viability and to allow for the continued maintenance of the estate. Their focus on events and desire to have up to 150 people onsite was an important factor in acquiring a special permit. They invested in significant renovations during their tenure. During that time, guests parked in the existing 16-space lot; overflow parking was designated on additional grassy areas (10 spaces), and additional parking occurred on the paved area in front of the inn and along Maple Avenue.

The property was sold in 2004 for $1.4 M (MLS #: L104270), and the subsequent owner focused on overnight lodging when Infinity Hall was flourishing and Norfolk welcomed travelers and tourists consistently. Unfortunately, the building and grounds suffered deferred maintenance during this time, and the property value depreciated significantly before the Inn was sold again in 2017 for $900,000 (MLS #: L10139715).

The next owners again focused on lodging revenue while still hosting retreats and events. They also invested in property updates. However, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted tourism, including Infinity Hall and all nearby hospitality properties, including the Inn, thereby inclining them to sell.

Three Stewards Real Estate LLC purchased the property in 2022 after it had been on the market for over a year, as compared to residential properties in CT, which, on average, sold in less than 30 days in 2022. While many prospective residential buyers are drawn to the Manor House, most recognize the capital needed to update historic structures and further retrofit the property for residential purposes is cost-prohibitive; hence, 69 Maple Ave was ultimately sold with its commercial uses in mind.

It is also essential to understand that operations have shifted at the Manor House to reflect changes in the Village Center over the decades. Although Infinity Hall was formerly a major driver of travel and tourism to Norfolk, the inconsistency of concerts has dramatically impacted the viability of small businesses, including the Manor House Inn. The future of Infinity Hall is unclear. For Norfolk to maintain a vibrant village that draws in younger demographics and generates business-associated tax revenue to offset personal property taxes, additional anchor businesses and attractions are needed. The Manor House seeks to be one such business, utilizing its existing Special Permit to serve visitors and residents alike.

Q: Does The Manor House currently host guests? Does it offer outdoor recreation and services to those guests today?

A: Yes, The Manor House currently hosts overnight guests in eight guest rooms within the Inn building; daytime guests are welcome with advanced reservations and are subject to Fire Code limitations. The Manor House offers a variety of amenities and services to its guests, including food service, lawn games, massage, picnic packages, nature walks, birdwatching, and the like. Recognizing that most people come to the area to enjoy nature, the Manor House also provides hiking trail guides and promotes all outdoor activities that characterize lifestyles in Litchfield Hills.

Q: Why propose improvements to The Manor House Inn now? Can’t the Inn continue to operate as-is?

A: The Manor House cannot continue on as-is, and doing nothing will jeopardize not only the future of the Inn but of the entire 5-acre property, which could have an adverse effect on other nearby property values, and the town overall. These large, historically significant buildings are expensive to maintain, and interest in visiting Norfolk has dwindled over the last decade. Further, the Inn’s outdoor recreational features are relatively few and outdated, and the parking, lighting, and walkways on the property are not zoning-compliant or safe for guests and emergency access and circulation. To keep up with competitor inns and B&Bs, many of which offer enhanced food services and more modern recreational amenities, and to ensure The Manor House’s future, Three Stewards needs to modernize and beautify the site and the inn’s offerings for guests, as well as ensure that parking and safety updates can support winter operations.

The goal is to create a rural, year-round, nature-centric respite where guests may relax, reflect, and enjoy all that Norfolk has to offer. Improvements are also designed to draw visitors to the area for several days, enticing some to become new residents.

Q: Has Three Stewards done anything to preserve The Manor House Inn to date?

A: Yes. Three Stewards have invested well over half a million dollars into The Manor House already by, among other things, replacing the roof, painting the exterior of the Inn building, addressing structural repairs, completing various Fire Code upgrades and electrical / plumbing system updates, and addressing various landscaping concerns, including pruning overgrown trees and vegetation on-site. But there’s far more work to be done.

Site Improvement Plan

Apart from the parking area, the proposed changes are located in the back and the forested areas of the property, maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood and befitting the existing scale of a grand residential estate .

The parking area will be screened from the view of the road with evergreens.

3D Rendering of Backyard Amenities

Q: What are Three Stewards proposing to do with this new zoning application?

A: Three Stewards is proposing various site improvements, including:

The application does not include any proposed changes to the use of the property (lodging, conferences, restaurant, recreation, or similar uses). As such, the terms of the 1996 special permit are not within the scope of the application and will not change. The plan taps into the growing market for rest and recreational travel, particularly for visitors who want to stay at an intimate, unpretentious, yet elevated Green Lodging-certified property.

“Understated elegance” will be the market differentiator for the Manor House Inn, as compared to large-scale, high-end, high-volume establishments that feature similar, though far more abundant, services and amenities. This is not an attempt to mimic properties like Canyon Ranch, Kripalu, or similar properties with robust programming and services.

The intimacy of the property, coupled with simple amenities and easy access to both the village and the woodlands, will be the draw. Further, this plan will attract eco-conscious, nature-minded visitors into town who will support other local businesses in the Village Center.

Rendered Site Plan of the Proposed Changes

Q: Are the proposed improvements within the scope of the 1996 special permit?

A: Yes.

Q: I heard that Three Stewards proposes adding a 10,000 SF “complex” on-site – is that true?

A: No. Proposed improvements to the site include a net increase of building structures totaling approximately 1,663 SF of gross coverage area. The backyard terrace and walkways total approximately 1,334 SF, within which sit a small lounge-style relaxation pool (approx 120 SF) and small cold plunge pool (approx 49 SF), all hidden from the view of the road with the landscape design plan. Backyard landscaping, including ponds, plantings, and grassy areas, are not included in zoning calculations per the zoning regulations. The proposed Nordic-style cabins have since been removed from the plans.

In the Village Residential zone, zoning regulations and definitions dictate the specific scale and scope of permissible updates, including structures relative to the size of the existing buildings and lot.

Drawing on biophilic design principles, the proposed buildings and structures are designed to integrate into the natural topography of the property to create small pockets of intimate spaces that simultaneously feel expansive precisely because they are nature-immersive. For instance, although the new building is technically one story by zoning definitions, the vaulted ceiling, coupled with a walk-out basement below grade, allows for a large window to draw in natural light and a peaceful view of the outdoor areas and plant life.

The Manor House Inn sits on 5 acres of property, representing nearly 30% of acreage available on Maple Ave, excluding town hall. This proposal includes building coverage of less than 6% of the estate.

Comparatively, the combined average building coverage for all other Maple Ave residences is nearly 15% of the total combined acreage; and this doesn’t account for driveways and parking areas. Even when accounting for parking areas, the Manor House’s proposed total developed coverage area is less than 13% — far less than the 20% maximum developed coverage permitted in the zoning regulations for the Village Residential zone.

Q: Will the improvements be completed at once or in phases? How long will it take?

A: The improvements will be completed over three phases, with breaks in construction between phases. Three Stewards hope to complete the first two phases within 18 months and anticipate completing all improvements within five (5) years.

Q: Do the improvements to the site include a restaurant? A spa? Aren’t those new businesses outside of the scope of the 1996 special permit?

A: The Manor House already has zoning authorization to operate a restaurant on-site under its 1996 special permit, and it has historically offered food service to its overnight and daytime guests, specifically breakfast, picnic packages, charcuterie boards, and lite bites for their comfort and convenience. Today, The Manor House Inn has a Class 3 Food Service License from the Torrington Area Health District, and the Norfolk Fire Marshal has confirmed that the Inn may have up to 44 dining seats within the Inn building for food service. While Three Stewards intends to enhance its food service offerings for its guests, doing so is within the scope of its special permit and does not constitute a new business or different use on-site.

The proposed wellness amenities and landscaping at the rear of the site are also within the scope of the 1996 special permit and do not constitute a new business. The recreational spaces will service the Inn’s guests by providing a designated and tranquil space for rest, recreation, and massage – already offered on-site today and dating back to when the permit was issued in the 1990s. The new building will also include a Nordic-style hydrothermal circuit that combines hot and cold water features and quiet rest areas.

Multiple revenue streams are needed to subsidize the lodging revenue so the Manor House can remain operational. This shift is operational: towards revenue-generation-through-recreation, and relies less on revenue-generation-through-events.

The property will remain open to daytime guests, just as it has been when hosting monetizable special events. However, the proposed recreational spaces shift the focus of activities to permitted uses that are more subdued than special events, and activities which involve staggered arrival and departure times.

As with all of the Inn’s offerings, advanced reservations will be required, limiting the number of guests that may use the Inn at any given time.

Q: I’ve heard people refer to the proposed additions as a Nordic Spa or Hydrothermal Circuit. What does that mean? Will this be a new, standalone day spa business?

A: A Nordic Spa or a Hydrothermal Circuit is a wellness experience inspired by traditional Nordic recreational practices that combine hot and cold therapies using various water features. Guests will use the hydrothermal cycle at their own pace. There will be one staff member checking guests in and another circulating the facilities. A massage therapist will also be on-site when guests have made advance reservations.

The addition of new amenities is not a standalone business but one of the various recreational activities offered to overnight and daytime guests who are at the property, enjoying the Inn and its various offerings.

Hydrothermal circuits are often used for their therapeutic benefits, including athletic recovery. The core principle of a hydrothermal circuit is the therapeutic use of contrasting temperatures, typically following a cycle of: 1) Heat exposure (15-20 minutes) through features like hot pools and saunas (traditional dry or steam), 2) Cold exposure (10-30 seconds to 3 minutes) via cold plunge pools or cold rain showers, followed by 3) Rest period (15-20 minutes) in relaxation rooms, heated loungers, indoor/outdoor rest areas. Some visitors may choose to supplement their hydrothermal experience by scheduling a massage, though this is not the primary purpose of visiting.

Compared to a typical day spa that offers a variety of personal care services, a Nordic Spa is a facility-based experience, not a series of treatment-based offerings, thus requiring less staff, less parking, less space, a lower price-point for entry, and a longer duration of stay to minimize guest “trips” and the volume of traffic visiting the property over the course of a day. The Manor House will continue to offer massage on-site, as it has since the 1990s when the initial special permit was approved.

The amenities will be “a digital detox zone” focusing on quiet contemplation. Accordingly, they will draw a respectful demographic.

Q: What are the benefits of this type of recreation?

A: The hydrothermal circuit has mental and physical health benefits. Specifically, a hydrothermal circuit can reduce stress, tension, and fatigue and improve memory and mental alertness. The hot, cold, rest, & repeat cycle can release endorphins followed by a deep state of relaxation and mind-body well-being. Physical health benefits include healing and recovery from overworked muscles and aching joints, as well as reducing swelling and inflammation. The hot and cold baths can help eliminate toxins and tone the skin. The repeated cold plunges of the Nordic Cycle can help improve immunity. Most people find improved sleep as a result.

Q: Will The Manor House continue to host events?

A: Yes. The inn has hosted town-sponsored and non-profit events for organizations, including the Haystack Book Festival, WIN, Great Mountain Forest, and Northwest Chamber of Commerce, among others. The Manor House has hosted events for decades and will continue to do so in keeping with its 1996 special permit provisions. However, the current owners have intentionally shifted operations to cater to more subdued activities, including team-building retreats, group/family outings, and intimate weddings of less than 50 people.

The Inn specifically markets its grounds for nature-centric, restful, and reflective practices. Hours of operation will remain the same as they currently are.

Q: Why are you proposing 45 parking spaces when the Inn has operated with far less for years? Won’t the headlights disturb the neighbors?

A: In response to community feedback, and since the initial application was filed, updated plans have been submitted to include a large evergreen hedge to shield the parking area entirely from the view of Maple Ave.

The existing parking area is not only too small to service the Inn but does not reflect its historic location or size and is deteriorating and unsafe for guests and employees. The inn cannot be open in the winter because specific asphalt sections can no longer be plowed without crumbling. As noted above, prior owners have used the existing parking area but have allowed additional vehicles to park on the grass or along Maple Avenue. Three Stewards do not want to encourage guests to continue to park on the grass or off-site and have, therefore, proposed a parking area that is zoning-compliant and safe based on today’s standards. The proposed parking area will have 45 parking spaces because the Zoning Regulations require 45 parking spaces based on existing uses.

Moreover, parking updates address a critical need identified in the POCD to strengthen the Village Center with an enhanced sense of place and vitality and with improved parking and pedestrian networks (p 12), all of which the Manor House Inn is ideally situated to do.

Three Stewards’ design team has designed the parking area to minimize impacts by, among other things, selecting dark-sky-compliant lighting fixtures and low-to-the-ground walkway lights, utilizing the existing wall along Maple Avenue, and incorporating additional evergreen plantings to screen the area, shielding headlights and most vehicles from view. A rendered elevation of the property from Maple Avenue is below.

Proposed Rendered View From Maple Avenue – Including the recent addition of a 6’+ tall evergreen hedge.

Q: Isn’t the scale of the parking lot and hardscaping beyond the scope of what zoning regulations allow?

A: No. Section 3.04 of the zoning regulations related to dimensional standards allows up to 20% for developed coverage. Even when adjusted for parking lots and pathways, the total developed area will be less than 13% — far less than the 20% maximum developed coverage permitted in the zoning regulations for the Village Residential zone, and less than the combined average developed coverage of all other residential properties on Maple Ave as compared to overall acreage.

Q: Who designed the proposed improvements?

A: The site was designed by Lead Designer Bob Gilchrest and Engineer George Johanassen from Allied Engineering Associates. Allied also designed the renovation of Robertson Plaza and City Meadow Connector, located in the Norfolk Village Center. Rob White Architect Co., located in Bethany, designed the proposed amenity building. Kloter Farms designed the proposed garage, which is a stick-built (wood) structure, and which resembles the home at 68 Maple Ave.

Q: How will The Manor House Inn contribute to and support the broader Norfolk community?

A: The Manor House Inn is committed to community enrichment by providing a hub for:

The Inn’s commitment reflects its belief that a thriving community requires responsible businesses alongside strong cultural institutions, environmental stewardship, and social support systems.

Comparative Scale

When comparing scale, Norfolk zoning regulations consider the existing structures on site and the overall coverage and acreage of the property.

By design, the proposed one-story amenity building is far smaller than the Manor House proper and has a much lower roofline, yet the walk-out basement and subterranean terrace, coupled with a large window and vaulted ceiling, create an elegant yet understated space. While there is an attic, it will be used for mechanicals and is not accessible to the public.

When compared to the one-story Church of the Transfiguration, which also has a vaulted ceiling, the illustration below shows an accurate comparison, depicting the relative topography and grades onsite, demonstrating a scale that will integrate beautifully into the neighborhood and which is aligned with zoning regulations relative to the acreage available.

Privacy & Progress are Possible

Below are autumn views of the trees that line Mills Way, demonstrating visibility into and out of the private backyard.

Additional evergreen trees will be planted along Mills Way for increased privacy.

Proposed Amenity Building / Rest Area – 3-D Rendering

Proposed Lily Garden – 3-D Rendering

Proposed Landscaping – 3-D Rendering

What is the Expected Impact on Property Values?

Stacey Matthews, owner of William Ravels Lifestyle Realty, offers a professional assessment of how the proposed property improvements could impact Norfolk and nearby property values, based on local examples and informed by 25 years of experience as a realtor in Litchfield Hills, selling both residential and commercial properties.

Realtor Assessment of Property Value Impact

Download

Economic Impact of Tourism in Connecticut

Read the Most Recent CT State of Tourism Report

2024 State of Tourism Report CT

Download

Letter From the CT Department of Economic & Community Development

CT Dept of Economic and Community Development – Manor House Inn Letter of Recommendation – November 2024

Download

Letter From the Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Northwest Hills Council of Governments Letter of Support (please note: cabins have since been removed from the application)

Download

Letter From the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut, Inc.

Letter of Support From the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut, Inc

Download

The post The Manor House Inn (Alders Estate) Improvement Project FAQ appeared first on Manor House Norfolk .

Sustainable Luxury Travel at the Manor House Inn, Norfolk, CT

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:23:00 GMT

As Earth Day approaches, many travelers agree that sustainability is more important than ever. Green hotels aim to lead the way in responsible hospitality. But finding a hotel that offers an elevated eco-conscious experience can be challenging.

To that end, The Manor House Inn is making ongoing improvements to offer sustainable luxury travel while minimizing our environmental impact. Your personal pampering and the planet’s well-being can go hand-in-hand.

We are proud to be one of the few boutique properties to earn the Connecticut Green Lodging Certification . This certification is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Our goal is to provide the perfect blend of comfort and affordable luxury for eco-conscious travelers. When you stay in our 125+ year-old historic property, you can feel good knowing your stay supports conscious hospitality. From the vintage furnishings to the seasonal menu items, we infuse every aspect of your experience with care for the environment.

Energy Efficiency Practices

We embrace energy-efficient technologies to reduce our carbon footprint. Some of our practices include:

Water Conservation

Staying at a green hotel doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. We find ways to reduce water consumption without compromising your experience, such as:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle… and Upcycle

Pioneering a culture of sustainability, our strict waste reduction and recycling practices include:

An Elevated Experience with a Clear Conscience

When you choose The Manor House Inn, you support environmental stewardship, community conservation, and a healthier planet for future generations. You can also enjoy the therapeutic benefits and natural beauty of the farmlands, forests, and foothills of the Berkshires along with:

See our Activities page for more ideas on how to spend the day.

SEE ROOM DESCRIPTIONS & PHOTOS.

CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE!

Learn more About Our Commitments to Conservation & the Community here.

The post Sustainable Luxury Travel at the Manor House Inn, Norfolk, CT appeared first on Manor House Norfolk.

New Life, New Look: The Manor House is 125 Years Old!

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:45:00 GMT

New Life, New Look: The Manor House is 125 Years Old!

2023 marks the 125th birthday of the Alders Estate!

Over the past 16 months under the new ownership of Ray Hospitality, Inc, the Manor House Inn has undergone a transformation both inside and out, and is slowly evolving as an eco-conscious boutique inn that accommodates romantic getaways, micro-weddings, intimate reunions, and retreats.

Best-suited for guests who want a quintessential New England experience outside of the typical chain hotel offerings, the inn caters to adults looking for both rest and romance with the goal of offering a storybook stay.

Photos left to right: The Alders Estate 1898, The Manor House Inn 2017, The Manor House Inn 2023

After new exterior painting, new handcrafted spires (made by our very own Property Manager, Nate), a new roof, “new” vintage furnishings sourced from CT estate sales, newly refinished hardwood flooring, complex plaster repairs, lime wash walls in select rooms, and stunning antique chandeliers throughout, the innkeeping team is excited to welcome guests after being closed for seven months on the heals of CT’s biggest gas spill nearby which affected the property. Seven of the nine guest rooms were redecorated including The Morgan, Spofford, Lincoln, La Chambre, English Garden, Victorian and Country French Suites. See photos here !

The newly refinished floors, walls, and décor for Country French, The English Garden, and Victorian Suites

The Alders Estate, as the gilded-age property was originally known, was designed as a tranquil private retreat for Charles Spofford and his family. Spofford commissioned famed architect, Ehrick Rossiter to build a Victorian Tudor estate in Norfolk, CT at a time when the area was becoming a popular destination for New Yorkers to escape the city for fresh mountain air. You can read more about The Alders History here .

With its expansive lawns, English gardens, forested pathways, and a babbling brook, our aspiration is to honor its tradition while providing modern-day conveniences and comforts ~ offering a place for guests to relax, reconnect, and recharge.

Today, the Manor House Inn still epitomizes a bygone era of timeless beauty and old-world charm where quality and craftsmanship matters. To that end, many couples are discovering it offers an ideal destination to escape from busy households and modern life. The overall ethos of the property, including TV-free guest rooms, means that kids under 13 generally don’t stay onsite unless a private group has reserved all rooms. This adult-focus makes it an increasingly popular couple’s destination for engagement proposals, honeymooning, and anniversary celebrations.

The updates at the Manor House feature a blend of classic and contemporary design elements with an aesthetic that is curated to be warm and welcoming, and with small glimpses of the mystique and magic that captivated the Victorian imagination 125 years ago. Look closely and you might see a fairy or two, a tribute to Alice in Wonderland, vintage board games, and books exploring early 20th century curiosities. With period finishes and subtle whimsical décor, the spaces are meant to evoke a sense of elegance and enchantment. Seven of the nine guest rooms were renovated during the winter of 2023 and more changes will follow over winter 2024.

Continued property improvements and plans are well-aligned with our purpose: To inspire moments of connection, reflection, and celebration .

Over the next few months, watch for Facebook posts that chronicle the choices and challenges that accompanied the transformation of the house in an effort to balance much-needed updates with a commitment to honoring the history of the estate.

It’s been a journey and we’re grateful for our many return guests who are enjoying the evolution of The Alders.

Things to Do In Connecticut During All Four Seasons

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:44:00 GMT

Things to Do In Connecticut During All Four Seasons

Originally Published on January 17, 2023 by Ryan Castillo; reposted with permission

Connecticut is renowned as the “Constitution State,” having been the birthplace of the first written Constitution of a democratic government. Approximately 3.6 million people call this state home, which is known for its beautiful fall foliage, the headquarters of ESPN, Yale University, and its captivating coast.

Whether you live in a house in Bridgeport, CT, or rent an apartment in Stamford, CT , there is no shortage of activities to do. But as the weather changes, you may wonder what activities are open. To help you get started, we reached out to locals to share their favorite activities to do in Connecticut during all four seasons. From exploring Parkville Market to Hawk Week, keep reading to see what they had to say.

Click here to see our suggestions from The Manor House Inn!

Spectacular Fall Events and Activities

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:53:00 GMT

Spectacular Fall Events and Activities

Stunning fall foliage and crisp, cool weather make fall a wonderful time to visit Connecticut’s northwest corner. With thousands of acres of preserved land and 3 state parks, Norfolk offers many fun activities for celebrating autumn’s incredible beauty. Below are some of the exciting upcoming fall activities in Norfolk and the surrounding area that will make your autumn visit a memorable one.

Plus, there’s always our Craft Brewery Guide or Hiking & Picnic packages to round out your weekend!

Spectacular Fall Foliage Drives

Head to the northwestern corner of Connecticut for a memorable fall foliage drive featuring historic New England architecture, covered bridges and scenic farmland. We recommend Loop 2!

Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but leaves in the northwestern corner typically start changing in late September and get more and more vibrant through the end of October.

Grab a picnic and enjoy five acres of glorious foliage around the picnic tables throughout the property. Nearby is Norbrook Farm Brewery with disc golf and a mountain bike trail surrounded by forests.

There’s no better place to view fall foliage than from the top of Norfolk’s Haystack Mountain , one of Connecticut’s highest peaks. The historic stone tower provides 360 degree views of peaks in 3 states: New York, Massachusetts and Vermont. Hikers can either take a longer trail with a gradual incline from the park entrance (~1.5 miles) or drive up to a small parking area and hike just ½ mile up to the tower. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view no matter which hike you choose.

Tour-de-Forest

The Tour-de-Forest is a 13-mile ride with an even mix of gravel and paved roads. All roads are very rural, scenic and, for the most part, very lightly traveled. Half of the Tour-de-Forest is on a private gravel road with no cars allowed. Bikes with extremely thin tires are not encouraged. A hybrid or mountain bike is best. Free refreshments (both before and after) and a cash bar will be available at the curling club after the ride. Registration starts at 8 am. The Icebox Gravel starts at 9:30 am. The Tour-de-Forest starts at 10 am. The event is on Saturday 10/18/2025. Registration is $50 for adults, $25 for teens, and 12 & under is free. All proceeds go to supporting the Norfolk Rails to Trails and Great Mountain Forest .

Haystack Mountain Challenge

Looking for a fun fall challenge? On Sunday, October 5, 2025 the Norfolk Land Trust will hold its Annual Haystack Mountain Challenge . Choose either the 5k route, a challenging and scenic race through picturesque Barbour Woods, or the 10k route which continues up Haystack Mountain. Or, for the extremely adventurous, run the half marathon!

Haystack Book Talks

Tucked away in the beautiful hills of northwestern Connecticut, Norfolk provides an intimate setting for this literary festival. Haystack Book Talks will facilitate engaging conversations with writers and thinkers from October 3-5, 2025 . This year’s festival requires advance registration for in-person attendees (limited number of seats).

Black Bear Americana Music Fest

This exciting music outdoor festival, held at the Harwinton Fairgrounds from August 22-24, 2025 includes 3 days of music by more than over 50 bands on four stages, covering rock, blues, folk, and bluegrass. With food trucks, and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect way to close out summer in Connecticut.

Berkshire Botanical Garden

A showcase of horticulture and garden design and a “museum of living things,” Berkshire Botanical Garden, in nearby Stockbridge, MA, features more than 20 acres of display areas that are educational, functional, and ornamental, with collections emphasizing plants that are native to the Northeast. Among the oldest in the region, their spectacular gardens have evolved and expanded over the years in breadth and variety, with its newest, “Lucy’s Garden” featuring topiary animals and other ‘live’ sculptures.

After your day of exploring, come back to the inn and relax by the massive fireplace in our Great Room or book one of our fireplace suites.

Fall reservations go quickly so book your Manor House Inn visit today!

Best Places to View Fall Foliage

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 12:50:00 GMT

Best Places to View Fall Foliage

New England’s famed fall foliage season will be here soon. While you’re taking in the last days of warm summer temperatures, it’s the perfect time to start planning a getaway to view the spectacular autumn colors. In the northwest corner of Connecticut, we typically start seeing color the last week of September and nature’s brilliant color show will get more and more vibrant throughout October. Here are some of our favorite places to view the spectacular fall foliage.

Fall Foliage Hikes

New England hiking trails are bustling with leaf peepers in the fall. But we prefer the quieter hiking trails that showcase the beautiful fall colors without the crowds found at many of the more well-known parks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Haystack Mountain

There’s no better place to view fall foliage than the 360 degree view from the tower at the top of Haystack Mountain. At more than 1,700 feet, Haystack Mountain is one of Connecticut’s highest peaks. The historic stone tower at the top provides views of mountain peaks in New York, Massachusetts and Vermont. Hikers can either take a longer trail with a gradual incline from the park entrance (~1.5 miles) or drive up to a small parking area and hike just ½ mile up to the tower. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view no matter which hike you choose.

Dennis Hill

Dennis Hill i s a 240-acre estate that was gifted to Connecticut in 1935 by Dr. Frederick Shepard Dennis, a noted New York surgeon. The stone pavilion at the summit, formerly the doctor’s summer residence, sits at an elevation of just over 1,600 feet and offers incredible views. It’s a ¾ mile hike to the top from the park entrance and non-hikers can drive all the way up to the pavilion. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the spectacular view.

Campbell Falls

Campbell Falls is another not-to-be-missed fall hike. The trail begins on a fern-lined forest path which crosses into Massachusetts just before you reach a zigzagging plunge down to an impressive 100ft waterfall. Sit and reflect on the rocks at the bottom and take a few photos of this incredibly picturesque spot.

Fall Foliage Bike Routes

Housatonic Covered Bridge Trail

The Housatonic Covered Bridge Trail is a scenic bicycle route that offers views of farmland and countryside, covered bridges and the Housatonic River. The 45-mile Connecticut route from Canaan to New Milford is broken down into 10-mile map segments so you can choose where and how much you’d like to ride.

Harlem Valley Rail Trail

Rent bikes in nearby Millerton, NY, and ride 16 miles down the old Harlem Valley Rail Trail, through the picturesque town of Amenia and then on to Wassaic. After your ride, stop for a cup of tea at Harney & Sons cafe, or for a bite and a glass of wine at 52 Main.

Fall Foliage Drives

You don’t have to drive far to see the spectacular hues when you visit the Manor House Inn in the fall. Meander along Norfolk’s country roads and enjoy lovely stone walls, farms, mountain peaks, and lake views. Get out of the car to take in the view from the stone pavilion at the top of Dennis Hill and at the edge of Wood Creek Pond- both are perfect spots to enjoy a scenic picnic. Drive along Rt. 44 through the charming towns of Salisbury and Lakeville (and stop for some antiquing along the way or visit Sweet Williams Bakery for a delicious treat), and drive along the Twin Lakes. Drive north from the inn past the New Marlborough farms and on to Stockbridge and Lenox. You’ll find many quaint shops and farm-to-table restaurants on the way (including the Southfield Store).

The Connecticut Fall Foliage Route included in New England Magazine“s top 10 Fall Foliage Road Trips hits 3 of our favorite spots- Saville Dam, Haystack Mountain, and Thorncrest Farm Chocolates.

The northwest corner of Connecticut can’t be missed in the fall and the Manor House Inn is the perfect spot for an autumn escape. Spectacular fall colors, cozy fireplaces, New England charm and warm hospitality will ensure a memorable trip.

Get Out On the Water This Summer

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:12:00 GMT

Get Out On the Water This Summe r

One of our favorite ways to spend warm summer days is on the water. Northwestern Connecticut has many scenic lakes and ponds that can be enjoyed on a kayak, stand up paddle board (SUP), canoe, or pontoon boat. The Housatonic and Farmington rivers offer kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and rafting for the more adventurous. And of course, there’s nothing like taking a dip in cool, fresh water on a hot summer day!

Twin Lakes

Salisbury’s Twin Lakes are rimmed by forests and surrounded by hills and mountains. They are popular for kayaking and fishing. Bring your own boats and launch at the public launch or rent a kayak or canoe at O’Hara’s Landing Marina for a day of fun on the water. Pontoon boat rentals are also available.

Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) rentals and classes are also available on Twin Lakes from Soulful SUP and Yoga . They offer paddle board rentals on Saturdays and Sundays and fun guided classes, including Paddle Board Yoga, PaddleFit, and Full Moon Paddles. It’s a lovely, relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of one of the areas most scenic lakes.

Housatonic River

The Housatonic River starts up north in the Berkshire mountains in Massachusetts and flows 150 miles southward into western Connecticut before emptying into the Long Island Sound. The waters of the Housatonic River provide excellent white-water and flat-water canoeing and kayaking. Fishing is a major activity along the river as trout, bass, and perch abound. Fly fishing on the Housatonic has been compared with many western rivers and boasts some of the finest trophy trout fishing in the eastern U.S.

Clarke Outdoors in West Cornwall offers kayak, canoe, and raft rentals. You can paddle a 6 or 10-mile section of the beautiful Housatonic River, which provides a mix of moving flatwater and whitewater and is suitable for all levels.

They’ll drop you off in Falls Village in a van in the morning, where you’ll begin your trip. The famous Covered Bridge in West Cornwall marks the halfway point and is a nice spot to have a picnic lunch- or stop at one of the many other scenic spots along the river. When you’ve completed your journey, they’ll pick you up and bring you back to their shop where hot showers are available.

Farmington River

The Farmington River is a nationally designated ‘Wild and Scenic’ resource. It’s known for world class fishing, boating and other recreational opportunities, scenic beauty, and historical importance. The river is a favorite spot for tubing, wildlife sighting, and picnicking. With rapids ranging from flat water to Class III in Satan’s Kingdom, it’s popular with kayakers and canoeists as well.

Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks in New Hartford offers canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals. Choose from an Upper Farmington or Lower Farmington river trip (trips range from 6 to 12 miles). The Upper Farmington river trip offers a beautiful run of quick water and class I-II rapids, which are a safe challenge for the beginner and intermediate paddlers. The Lower Farmington river route offers a variety of beautiful valley scenery of hills, swamps, grassy fields and treed areas as you meander along at a very relaxed pace. The scenic Farmington River has plenty of twists and turns and promises 3 hours of relaxing beauty.

West Hill Lake

West Hill Lake is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Connecticut as it’s water is replaced every 4 to 5 years by its surrounding water supply. Enjoy a relaxing day swimming and boating at West Hill. It’s also a favorite for anglers since the State of Connecticut stocks the lake. Pros are known to hook a brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, pickerel, largemouth or smallmouth bass, and sunfish.

Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks in New Hartford rents canoes, kayaks and paddle boards (SUP) by the day at West Hill Lake. With an advance reservation, they’ll drop it off and pick it up at prearranged times.

Wood Creek Pond

This tranquil 145-acre lake, less than 3 miles from the inn, is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a lovely spot to spend the days if you have your own kayak or stand up paddle board. Or take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grassy or wooded areas overlooking the pond.

Tobey Pond

One of Norfolk’s treasures, Tobey Pond offers a lovely spot to go for a cool, fresh water swim from mid-June until mid-August. The 1/2 mile pond access road goes through the pristine Great Mountain Forest. Let us know at breakfast if you need beach chairs, towels, and a Tobey Pond parking pass.

Explore the Litchfield Hills on an Electric Bicycle

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 13:23:00 GMT

Explore the Litchfield Hills on an Electric Bicycle

The scenic views and quaint villages in Northwest Connecticut make it a popular destination for cyclists. Cycling routes offer memorable views of covered bridges, rolling hills, rivers, horse farms and luscious green countryside. But the hills are- well, a bit hilly, and that makes them the perfect place to get some assistance from an electric bicycle! If you’ve never ridden an electric bike before, it’s basically just a regular bicycle with gears, but it also has an electric pedal assist that you control. You choose how much assistance you’d like- either keep it on all the time so you don’t need to do much work, or just dial it up when you hit big hills so that you don’t strain yourself too much or have to get off and walk the bike. An electric bike provides the opportunity for you to go a little faster and ride a little longer without tiring yourself out.

Covered Bridge Electric Bikes , located in nearby Cornwall, rents bikes by the hour, ½ day, and full day, with friendly service. The owner, Bob, takes the time to show you how to use the bike and he’ll help you find a route that meets your needs.

We recently took a 22-mile ride starting at the West Cornwall Covered Bridge. We rode along the Housatonic River to Falls Village, where we saw the Great Falls, a 60-foot waterfall along the Appalachian Trail, and then headed up a windy country road over the mountain (with generous pedal assist!). Once on flatter ground, we enjoyed riding past picturesque fields, farms, and country estates.

On our way back, we stopped at the Mountainside Café in Falls Village for delicious locally sourced sandwiches, salads and baked goods, to fuel us for the ride back to Cornwall.

This is just one of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy during your Manor House Inn stay. We love helping our guests plan the perfect activities to ensure they have a memorable visit. Check out the Activities page on our website for other ideas or give us a call- we’re happy to share information about the area we call home.

Fun Outdoor Activities

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:58:00 GMT

Fun Outdoor Activities

The Litchfield Hills region offers endless opportunities for spending time outside. Here are some of our favorite spring and summer activities for hikers, paddlers and pedalers:

Hike to scenic waterfalls

The northwest corner of Connecticut is home to some of the state’s best waterfalls. Just minutes away from the Manor House Inn, these lovely waterfalls can be reached easily on short hiking trails.

Campbell Falls

One of Norfolk’s best secrets, Campbell Falls is just a few miles from the inn. The 50-foot drop of the Whiting River is actually just over the MA border in New Marlborough but the trailhead is in Campbell Falls State Park in Norfolk. Hike down to the falls on a one mile gently-sloped fern covered trail. The pool at the bottom of the falls is a wonderful spot to cool off on a hot day! When you\’re done, continue up Norfolk Road to The Southfield Store for a delicious lunch or afternoon treat.

Great Falls

This 60-foot drop of the Housatonic River is located in nearby Falls Village. The main viewing area is just a short walk from the parking area. Walk along the river and watch daring kayakers navigate the river past the bridge below the falls.

Paddle the Housatonic River

The waters of the Housatonic River provide excellent whitewater and flatwater canoeing and kayaking. Gentler currents found north of Great Falls dam in Falls Village and down through West Cornwall and Kent are perfect for flatwater paddling. You’ll be in for a treat as you paddle past picturesque meadows and farms along the way. For expert paddlers, Rattlesnake Rapids in Falls Village and Bull’s Bridge in Kent offer challenging whitewater runs.

The first three sections (sections J, K and L) in the Paddling Guide to the Housatonic River in CT go through the northwest corner of Connecticut from Ashley Falls, MA to Kent, CT and offer all types of paddling conditions. The upper portion offers mostly flatwater and the Sections K and L are mostly Class III and IV rapids in the spring.

Bring your own equipment or book a guided rafting or canoeing adventure at Clarke Outdoors .

Take a Day Hike on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail (AT) travels 52 miles in Connecticut and 91 miles in nearby Massachusetts. The AT follows the Berkshire mountain ridge to the west of the Housatonic River across the northwest corner of Connecticut and continues through western Massachusetts to Vermont. The longest riverfront section of the 2,100 mile AT is located along the Housatonic River near Sharon, CT. And in Massachusetts, the AT crosses Mt. Greylock, the highest point in the state.

Consider taking one of the nearby Appalachian Trail day hikes in Connecticut or Massachusetts recommended by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The hikes range from 1 to 5+ miles so you can hike for ½ day or for less than an hour. If you have a couple of hours, consider taking the River Trail hike past Great Falls. Stop at the Berkshire Country Store on your way out of town and pick up a delicious sandwich to enjoy on your adventure.

Ride the Housatonic Heritage Bike Trails

Avid cyclists will tell you there’s no better way to see the world up close. The Housatonic River Valley has become a popular destination for cyclists, with its scenic views and quaint villages. Cycling routes are quite accessible, even for those who don’t ride often, and offer memorable views of the rolling hills, waterfalls, covered bridges, horse farms and the luscious green countryside the area is known for. The 45-mile Housatonic Bike Trail is broken down into 10 segments and the maps make it easy to choose a ride based on length and terrain. Bring your own bike or rent one from one of the local bike shops.

We love helping our guests find activities to ensure they have a memorable stay at the Manor House Inn. Check out the Activities page on our website for other ideas or give us a call- we’re happy to share information about the fun and exciting area we call home.

Norfolk’s Virtual Winter Festival

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 14:49:00 GMT

Norfolk’s Virtual Winter Festival

Norfolk’s Virtual Winter Festival celebrates the art, history, and nature that our charming village is known for. View free on-demand videos to learn more about the rich history and culture that showcase why Norfolk is a such a wonderful place to live and visit.

We are excited to share a 5-minute virtual tour of the Alders , the grand estate built in 1898 that is now the Manor House Inn. Learn about the unique architectural details, the architect who designed the estate, and intriguing facts about Charles Spofford, the wealthy railroad magnate from NYC who had the Alders built and lived here with his family.

Visit the Weekend in Norfolk Winter Festival website to see the full selection of virtual tours, workshops, musical performances. Here are some highlights:

WIN Winter Festival Events:

Virtual Tour and History of the Alders , Ehrick Rossiter’s Victorian Masterpiece built in 1898 (now the Manor House Inn)
Studio tour: Susan Aziz, puppet maker/costume designer
Winter photography workshop
Guide to Norfolk’s cross-country ski trails
Nature talk from Cary Institute: Climate Change and Northeastern Forests
Architectural tour of Norfolk
Virtual art show: Norfolk Artists & Friends
Workshop on Spanish cooking
Demonstration: How the Norfolk Curling Club makes ice
What farmers do in winter: Lost Ruby, Husky Meadows and Broad Field Farms
Virtual tour: Battell Chapel including Tiffany’s stained glass windows
Norfolk Yale Chamber Music Festival Concert: Brentano Quartet plays Beethoven and Hayden
Performances by local musicians ( click for links )

Don’t miss Norfolk’s Virtual Winter Festival to learn more about the exciting winter activities Norfolk offers for everyone!

It’s not too late to book a winter getaway in Norfolk. Click the link below to book your stay at the Manor House Inn today. Relax in one of our spacious fireplace suites after you spend the day exploring our charming town.

5 Fun Outdoor Activities

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 18:47:12 GMT

5 Fun Outdoor Activities

Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills region is a wonderful place for a fall getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many opportunities to explore the area by hiking, biking and paddling. The natural beauty of the area provides many opportunities to social distance with style! Here are 5 fun outdoor activities you won’t want to miss:

1. Ride the Housatonic Heritage Bike Trail

The Housatonic River Valley has become a popular destination for cyclists, with its scenic views and quaint villages. Cycling routes offer memorable views of rolling hills, covered bridges, horse farms and luscious green countryside. The 45-mile Housatonic Bike Trail is broken down into 10 segments and maps make it easy to choose a ride based on length and terrain.

The quaint town of Norfolk is also a lovely place for a leisurely bike ride. Hop on one of our complimentary cruiser bikes to explore the historic homes, artisan guild, restaurants, and country store. Consider taking a picnic to enjoy on the green lawns of Norfolk’s lovely Stoeckel estate, with meandering streams, stone bridges and flower gardens.

2. Paddle the Historic Housatonic River

The Housatonic River runs through northwestern CT and its waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing for all levels of experience. The gentle currents north of the Great Falls dam in Falls Village and south of the dam between West Cornwall and Kent are known for flatwater paddling. You’ll be in for a treat as you paddle past picturesque meadows, farms or even a covered bridge. Rattlesnake Rapids in Falls Village and Bull’s Bridge in Kent offer challenging whitewater runs for expert paddlers.

Bring your own kayaks or canoes or rent them at one of the local outfitters. Half and full day guided canoe and rafting trips are also available for the adventurous.

3. View New England’s scenic waterfalls

Two of the state’s best waterfalls are in the northwest corner of Connecticut, just a brief drive from the inn and are well worth a visit.

Campbell Falls

One of Norfolk’s best secrets, Campbell Falls is just a few miles north of the inn. The 100-foot drop of the Whiting River is actually just over the MA border in New Marlborough but the trailhead is in Campbell Falls State Park in Norfolk. Hike down to the falls on a lovely gently-sloped trail lined by ferns.

Great Falls

This 60-foot drop of the Housatonic River is located in nearby Falls Village. The main viewing platform is just a short walk from the parking area so you can make it a short hike, or hike along the Appalachian Trail, which runs right along the falls. Grab lunch in the quaint town of Falls Village.

4. Scenic Hikes

Haystack Mountain State Park

The 34-foot stone tower at the summit of Haystack Mountain (1716 ft above sea level) allows visitors to see the mountain peaks in 4 states. The park entrance is just a mile from the inn so you can either walk or drive. There’s a road that goes half way up the mountain. Prominent along the road is an outstanding show of mountain laurel in the spring and summer and a spectacular view of foliage in the fall. From the parking lot at the end of the road, there is a rugged ½ mile trail to the summit. If you’d like a longer hike, you can park at the entrance and walk up the road or take the trail on your right up the mountain.

Dennis Hill State Park

Dennis Hill, a 240-acre estate, was gifted to the State of Connecticut in 1935 by Dr. Frederick Shephard Dennis, a noted NY surgeon. The unique summit pavilion, located at an elevation of 1627 feet, was designed by renowned architect Alfredo Taylor and was formerly a summer residence. You can drive right up to the pavilion and see views of Haystack Mountain in CT, Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts, and the Green Mountains of Vermont on a clear day.

There’s also a hiking trail to a stone and wooden picnic gazebo with lovely scenic views in the park.

Haystack Mountain and Dennis Hill are perfect places for a picnic. Add a picnic-for-2 when you make your reservation- it will include everything you need to make it a memorable day!

5. Explore Historical Gardens

The Gardens at The Mount

Located in nearby Lenox, Massachusetts, The Mount is the home of noted American author Edith Wharton, and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Though the museum and indoor areas are currently closed due to the pandemic, the gardens are open to the public. In Italian Villas and Their Gardens (1904), Wharton elaborated that gardens should be architectural compositions, just like houses. She envisioned her gardens as an elegant series of outdoor rooms, in harmony with the house and the surrounding natural landscape. You can experience much of Wharton’s original design for the gardens today. Enjoy the sunken Italian Garden with a central fountain, French Flower Garden with a rectangular reflecting pool, and Rock Garden with grass steps cut into a sloping hill. Depending on when you visit, you’ll enjoy a colorful burst of blooming phlox, stocks, lilies, hydrangea, dianthus, delphinium, dahlias, begonias, and more.

These are just a few of the activities guests enjoy while visiting the Manor House Inn. We love ensuring our guests have a memorable stay by helping them explore all of the unique experiences the region offers. Check out the Activities page on our website for other ideas or give us a call- we’re happy to share information about the area we call home. Plan your getaway today!

Fun Winter Activities

Sat, 02 Nov 2019 19:00:46 GMT

Fun Winter Activities

New England is a popular destination for winter escapes. For some, spending a couple of days relaxing by the fireplace with a good book is the ideal break. But the southern Berkshires are bustling with activities for those who are looking for some adventure. Here are some ideas for a fun and memorable winter getaway in New England:

Enjoy the beauty of New England while hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing

Time outside is one of the best ways to take advantage of the New England winter. With 3 state parks plus more than 6,000 acres of preserved land in Great Mountain Forest , Norfolk offers dozens of scenic wooded trails for all levels. The view from the top of Haystack Mountain shouldn’t be missed and the 200 ft. waterfall at Campbell’s Falls is spectacular as the water freezes. Bartholomew’s Cobble in nearby Sheffield, MA offers fantastic mountain vistas and has snowshoes for rent on Sundays (weather permitting).

Go on a tasting tour of local craft breweries

With acres upon acres of farmland, the southern Berkshires is a natural home for an ever-growing number of craft breweries. Norbrook Farm Brewery is just 3 1/2 miles from the inn and has quickly become one of the area’s favorite watering holes. Norbrook offers tastings of their 8 specialty beers, including Dennis Hill Estate Saison, Ol’ Man McMullen’s Porter, and Haystack Ale Belgian Dubbel, in a lovely tasting room or by the outdoor fire pit. In addition to beer tastings, they have a disc golf course (open seasonally) and more than 10 miles of mountain biking and cross country skiing trails on their 472 acres.

Continue to Little Red Barn Brewers just a few miles east in Winsted. True to its name, two brothers started started this business in 2013 in a small red barn in Barkhamstead. In 2017, they opened a large tasting room in Winsted, where they offer a large selection of hand crafted brews, including Mad River Pilsner, Squires Tavern Ale, Rescue Red, Cow Tippin’ Copper Ale, Roll in the Hay Double IPA, and more. LRB is popular for live music and food from some of the best food trucks in New England.

Watch a curling game

Get your groove on at Infinity Hall Norfolk

The stunning arts-and-crafts style building that is now Infinity Hall Norfolk was built in 1883 as a combination opera house, barbershop and saloon. Refurbished with a world-class sound system and incredible acoustics, Infinity Hall Norfolk opened in 2007 as an intimate music performance venue that seats just 300 people, enabling all attendees to get a “front row” feel. Infinity Hall Norfolk hosts more than 200 performances a year across all music genres. Grab your friends for an memorable night out!

Whether you’re looking for some quiet time to reconnect with your significant other or a fun activity-filled weekend with friends, you’ll make wonderful memories on your winter weekend escape at the Manor House Inn .

Culture in the Berkshires: Music, Art, Dance, and Theater

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 19:16:40 GMT

Culture in the Berkshires: Music, Art, Dance, and Theater

The Berkshire region is a thriving cultural scene- offering world-renowned music, art, dance, and theater. Plan your next Manor House Inn stay around one of these not-to-be-missed cultural events:

Tanglewood

The 2020 Tanglewood season, June 19 through August 30, will present major musical events, including an Andris Nelsons-led Act III of Tannhäuser, Paul Lewis performing all five Beethoven piano concertos, a weekend-long celebration of Isaac Stern on the 100th anniversary of his birth, a Boston Pops presentation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back under the direction of Keith Lockhart, Film Night hosted by John Williams, Thomas Adès directing the 2020 Festival of Contemporary Music, and a Popular Artist series with Ringo Starr, Trey Anastasio, and Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie.

Tickets are on sale now. Let us know if you’d like a cheese & fruit picnic basket to take with you!

Shakespeare & Company

Theatre lovers won’t want to miss Shakespeare & Company in nearby Lenox, MA, one of the largest and well-known Shakespeare festivals in the country. Don’t miss Shakespeare classics, as well as their incredible collection of thought provoking contemporary plays.

The theme for the 2020 Season is The Labyrinth of Love, and includes King Lear (June 28 – August 2, featuring Christopher Lloyd), The Comedy of Errors (July 7 – August 8, presented outdoors at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate) and Much Ado About Nothing (August 6 to 30). Other performances include What Rhymes with America, Row after Row, and Betrayal .

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Celebrating its 88th season, Jacob’s Pillow is the longest-running dance festival in the United States, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Medal of the Arts recipient.

The Dance Festival’s 2020 season, from June 24 to August 30, features dance artists from around the world and includes more than 350 performances, world premieres, pop-up performances, exhibits, talks, classes, films, and dance parties.

Infinity Music Hall

Built in 1883, this stunning arts-and-crafts style music venue offers intimate performances for an audience of just 300. Infinity Hall Norfolk hosts more than 200 concerts each year across every genre. And it’s just a short walk from the inn!

A few of the exciting performances this summer include Roomful of Blues, Ana Popovic, The Cast of Beatlemania, Jonathan Edwards, Gaelic Storm, and Crystal Bowersox.

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Yale Summer School of Music)

For over 100 years, music lovers have enjoyed superb performances at Norfolk’s music shed. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival offers world-renowned instruction to graduate students from all over the world who aspire to be professional musicians. Friday and Saturday night performances during July and August feature some of the worlds most renowned musicians, including the Brentano Quartet, St. Lawrence Quartet and Dover Quartet.

Don’t miss the Festival’s free concerts every Thursday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 10:30am at the Music Shed throughout the summer.

These are just a few of the cultural activities guests enjoy while staying at the Manor House Inn. We love ensuring our guests have a memorable stay by helping them explore all of the unique experiences the region offers. Check out the Activities page on our website for other ideas or give us a call- we’re happy to share information about the area we call home!

Winter Weekend Getaway in New England

Sun, 04 Feb 2018 19:28:41 GMT

Winter Weekend Getaway in New England

New England’s winter wonderland offers postcard-worthy snowy scenes everywhere you turn. The town of Norfolk is a hidden gem in Connecticut’s northwest corner and is the perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway . Founded in 1758, this quaint New England town has retained its charm over the years and makes visitors feel as if they are stepping back in time. Most of the town’s buildings date back to the 1700s and 1800s and have been lovingly restored and maintained- including the impressive library and quintessential white-steepled church on the green. Norfolk has been appropriately described as “a spellbinding concoction of natural beauty and cultural connections.” Known since the turn of the century as a place of respite for writers and artists, including Mark Twain, the serenity provided by the town’s thousands of acres of woods and lakes has been preserved indefinitely by land trusts. And with its close proximity to the Berkshires, Norfolk provides easy access to the wide selection of famed theater, dance and music.

Norfolk and the surrounding area offer indoor and outdoor activities to keep residents and visitors entertained all year long. Here are a few unique experiences you can enjoy during a winter weekend getaway in Norfolk :

Norfolk Curling Club

As the world gears up for the 2018 Winter Olympics, people will undoubtedly become intrigued with curling once again. Curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century and is one of the oldest sports. One of only two curling clubs in Connecticut, the Norfolk Curling Club has been around since 1956. It’s entirely run by volunteers who are dedicated to teaching, developing and promoting the sport. There are games at the club almost every night from November to March and spectators are welcome. The Norfolk Curling Club also offers “Learn to Curl” events for those who would like to give it a try.

Infinity Hall Norfolk

The stunning arts-and-crafts style building that is now Infinity Hall was built in 1883 as a combination opera house, barbershop and saloon. Extensively refurbished with a world-class sound system and incredible acoustics, Infinity Hall Norfolk was opened in 2007 as an intimate music performance venue that seats just 300 people, enabling all attendees to get a “front row” feel. Infinity Hall Norfolk now hosts more than 200 performances a year across all music genres. A sampling of the February and March shows include 20-time Grammy award winning jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, guitar legend Eric Johnson, and popular singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleau.

Tasting tour of local breweries and distilleries

Litchfield County, CT and the southern Berkshires are home to an ever-growing number of craft breweries and distilleries. Why not take a tasting tour and stock your bar with fresh spirits made with the freshest local ingredients? If beer is your thing, your dream day begins in Great Barrington at Barrington Brewery . After tasting some of their barn brewed beer made using solar power, make your way down to Big Elm Brewing in Sheffield and order a flight of their award-winning lagers and ales. Wrap up your day at Kent Falls Brewing Company , Connecticut’s first farm brewery with some of the most unique beer names out there (how about some “Air Guitar at Work While No One is Watching” pale ale???) And your day won’t be complete without stopping into Berkshire Mountain Distillers for some Greylock Gin, named the #1 craft gin in the country, as well as their spectacular vodka, rum and bourbons. Many of the breweries and distilleries offer tours on weekends.

Hiking and snowshoeing

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to take advantage of the beautiful New England winter. With 3 state parks plus more than 6,000 acres of preserved land in Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk offers dozens of scenic trails for all levels. The view from the top of Haystack Mountain shouldn’t be missed- nor the 200 ft. waterfall at nearby Campbell’s Falls. And Bartholomew’s Cobble offers fantastic mountain vistas and has snowshoes for rent on Sundays (weather permitting) for those who’d like to give it a try.

Farm-fresh cuisine

Litchfield County and southwest Massachusetts boast more than a thousand farms of all types- including dairy (cow and goat), beef, poultry, maple syrup, honey, orchards, wineries and more. Chefs at many local restaurants use locally grown, sustainable ingredients to create fresh, memorable meals for diners. A few local favorites are Cantina 229 and Gedney Farm , both located in the picturesque town of New Marlborough just across the MA border.

Weekend in Norfolk

The last weekend in February, Norfolk will celebrate its first Winter Weekend in Norfolk , to highlight the many indoor and outdoor winter activities available for residents and visitors. Participants will enjoy two full days of activities including live music, art shows, winter sports including snowshoeing and ice skating, a restaurant crawl, ice carving, stained glass and sugarhouse tours and more. Come and learn why Norfolk is the perfect spot for your winter weekend getaway in New England.

Plan a Romantic Winter Getaway in New England

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:41:59 GMT

Plan a Romantic Winter Getaway in New England

New England has long been a popular destination for cozy winter romantic escapes. Vermont and New Hampshire may come to mind, but Litchfield County, Connecticut , often called Connecticut’s “Secret Corner,” offers a taste of New England without having to venture so far north. When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, the “Secret Corner” becomes a winter wonderland. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll through a charming New England town, hike or snowshoe through the woods, or just relax by the fire with a book and a glass of wine. Here are a few activities to consider when you’re planning your romantic winter getaway.

Go on a wine tasting tour

The wineries on the Connecticut Wine Trail offer breathtaking views and the chance to taste wines from one of the most exciting and fastest growing wine regions in the US. Many wineries are open year round and are less crowded in the winter months, providing visitors with a more intimate experience. Meet the winemakers and learn how the cool climate in the Litchfield Hills allows for intricate flavor development. A few wineries, including Sunset Meadows Vineyard offer chocolate or cheese tastings along with their wine. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon!

Take a scenic hike

With thousands of acres of preserved forestland, Litchfield County boasts an incredible number trails for hiking and snowshoeing. Meander through the woods in the Litchfield Hills and explore the picturesque countryside. Pack a picnic- or let the Manor House Inn pack one for you. The historic stone pavilion at the top of Dennis Hill , with picnic tables and gorgeous views, offers a perfect spot for respite.

Enjoy a romantic dinner

You don’t have to go far to find award-winning cuisine and ambiance in the “Secret Corner.” Romantic dining rooms with cozy fireplaces set the stage for memorable meals. There are numerous farm-to-table restaurants in the area that highlight seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Many change their menus weekly or even nightly since they use the freshest foods available to create innovative and elegant dishes.

Savor a gourmet breakfast in bed

When was the last time you had breakfast delivered to your door? Breakfast in bed is one of life’s little luxuries. Stay in one of our spacious suites and take advantage of a romantic getaway package that can be added at check-out.

Plan Your Romantic Getaway Today

Now that you have a few great ideas for romantic winter getaways, you can begin to plan your own. Browse the Manor House Inn’s spacious suites with features including fireplaces, oversized whirlpool tubs and private balconies. Our cozy accommodations will ensure you have a memorable romantic winter getaway in New England.

The 3 Best Places to View Fall Foliage in Connecticut

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 19:50:04 GMT

The 3 Best Places to View Fall Foliage in Connecticut

Autumn is a spectacular season in New England. Cooler weather and incredible fall foliage make fall a great time to hike in Connecticut. Located in Connecticut’s rural northwest corner, Norfolk is one of the first towns in the state to see fall colors and with thousands of acres of preserved land and 3 state parks, it offers many opportunities to experience the autumn’s incredible beauty.

Where to View the Best View Fall Foliage

New England hiking trails can be quite crowded with leaf peepers in October. But the hiking trails in Norfolk showcase the incredible fall colors without the crowds found in the more well-known parks.

Haystack Mountain

At more than 1,700 feet, Haystack Mountain is one of Connecticut’s highest peaks. The historic stone tower at the top provides 360 degree views of peaks in 3 states: New York, Massachusetts and Vermont. There’s no better place to view fall foliage! Hikers can either take a longer trail with a gradual incline from the park entrance (~1.5 miles) or drive up to a small parking area and hike just ½ mile up to the tower. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view no matter which hike you choose.

Campbell Falls

Campbell Falls is another not-to-be-missed fall hike. The hike begins on a fern-lined forest path which crosses into Massachusetts just before you reach the 100ft waterfall. It’s possible to climb part of the way up the falls on the rocks to the right, but it’s quite steep and slippery so don’t consider it unless you’re wearing hiking shoes.

Dennis Hill

Dennis Hill is a 240-acre estate that was gifted to Connecticut in 1935 by Dr. Frederick Shepard Dennis, a noted New York surgeon. A unique stone pavilion at the summit, formerly the doctor’s summer residence, sits at an elevation of 1627 feet and offers incredible views of 3 states. It’s a ¾ mile hike to the top from the park entrance and non-hikers can drive all the way up to the pavilion. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the spectacular view.

Weddings at Gedney Farm

Sun, 27 Aug 2017 20:01:32 GMT

Weddings at Gedney Farm

Just across the Massachusetts border, in the quaint Berkshire village of New Marlboro, lies Gedney Farm. This lovely farm has become one of the region’s most popular wedding venues- with historic barns with gambrel slate and cedar roofs and beautifully detailed dormers and cupolas. With 37 acres of pastures and open meadows, Gedney Farm provides a picturesque setting for weddings.

Modeled after the great Normandy barns of nineteenth century France, the barns at Gedney Farm were built at the turn-of-the-century as a showcase for fine Percheron stallions and Jersey cattle. The classic buildings exemplify the expansive spirit and passion for excellence of the Berkshire’s gilded age.

If you are staying with us on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night, the Restaurant at Gedney Farm is an excellent dining option. Offering a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable meal.

The Manor House Inn is just brief drive from Gedney Farm. If you’re attending a wedding at Gedney Farm, make sure you call us as soon as possible to reserve your room as there are limited lodging options in the area. And consider staying an extra night so you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of the many local activities , such as hiking, kayaking, wine tasting, antiquing, and more.

Day Trips: Hudson, NY

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 20:20:25 GMT

Day Trips: Hudson, NY

Just a little over an hour from the Manor House along a scenic drive through Egremont, MA and across the border into New York is the eclectic, architecturally rich town of Hudson . Hundreds of historic buildings representing every architectural style of the last three centuries can be found here and if you\’re a photography buff you will find yourself snapping hundreds of photos.

Public art also abounds in this city full of creative people.

The mile long business district on Warren Street has an amazing variety of antique stores.

I always enjoy an Indie Bookstore. At the Spotty Dog I found not just books but ale.

Looking for outdoor patio furniture. You’ll find it here.

And what is a road trip without a visit to a great restaurant? We decided on some tacos, beer, and Sangria at Mexican Radio .

The possibilities are endless in this unique, up and coming city with an edge and a unique personality. Visit the Manor House and check our blog for more ideas on how to make your stay into a weekend getaway with a lot more to do around here than you think. Call us at 860-542-5690 to book your room today.

Manor House Norfolk

Win a night at Manor House Inn, Norfolk

Rest. Reflect. Reconnect.

The Quietcation

Why Norfolk, Connecticut May Be the Best Place in New England to Do Nothing at All

Norfolk, Connecticut: A Village That Refuses to Hurry

What a Quietcation Actually Is

Manor House Inn: Built for Quietcations

On Rest and Restoration

What You'll Actually Do (and Not Do)

For Those Who Come for the Culture

Planning Your Quietcation in Norfolk

Endnote

The Gift of Presence: How Thoughtful Travel Nourishes the Mind & Spirit

Finding Connection and Renewal at Manor House Inn

The Architecture of Wellbeing

The Practice of Presence

The Topography of Transformation

Life-Enriching Travel

Returning to Ourselves

The Unexpected Gift

An Invitation

The Art of Reflection: Grounding Ourselves in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills

A contemplation on place, presence, and the profound restoration that comes from stepping into landscapes that connect us to ourselves, one another, and the beauty all around ﻿

The Sacred Ordinary: Manor House Inn as Sanctuary

The Living Laboratory: Great Mountain Forest as Sacred Ground

The Village & Woodland Connection

The Seasons of Flourishing: When to Practice Presence

The Economics of Enough

Leadership Retreats in Connecticut: Inspiring Connection, Reflection, and Innovation at The Manor House Inn

We're Only Human... Navigating A Super-Cycle of Change

Why Leadership Retreats Matter

BYO Workshop or Retreat Leader or Have us Facilitate

Quiet Cracking: Leading Through Invisible Strain

Reconnecting to Purpose & Values (Group or Team Coaching)

An Immersive Setting for Reflection and Growth

Curated Team-Building & Wellness Experiences

Sustainability Aligned With Your Values

Plan Your Leadership Retreat in Connecticut

Hiking & Wholeness: Nature-Based Coaching

N ature is Nurturing

Coaching Through Seasons of Change

Walk. Wonder. Witness.

Lessons From the Landscape

Plan Your Personal Retreat in Connecticut

September Stillness at The Manor House Inn

A Season for Stillness, Savoring & Secret Spaces

September Secrets

Why September Feels Like Home Here

Local Events to Enrich Your September Stay

Why These Moments Matter

A Gentle Itinerary for a September Stay

Book Your September Retreat

Savoring Summer at the Manor House Inn: A Retreat into Presence and Wellbeing

Savoring Simple Summer Activities

The Quiet Science of Savoring

A Landscape That Invites Reflection

Summer Activities for Body, Mind, and Spirit

A Savoring Ritual to Try

Why the Manor House Inn?

A Celebration of Intimacy and Beauty: A Magical Microwedding at The Manor House Inn

Microweddings & What Matters Most

A Meaningful Microwedding in the Heart of Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills

An Intimate Celebration, Thoughtfully Designed

A Wedding That Nourishes the Soul

Hospitality with Heart

Your Love Story, Beautifully Told

Welcome to Spring's Embrace

Savor the Spring in New England

Why Spring in New England Feels Like a Homecoming

Three Invitations to Wellbeing

Hiking: The Soul in Motion

Forest Bathing: The Art of Simply Being

Birdwatching: Practicing the Art of Wonder

A Simple Practice We'd Love to Share

Why We Love New England Hospitality

The Season is Singing. You’re Already Welcome.

Nordic Spa Coming to the "Icebox" of Connecticut

Why Cold Plunge is Hot in Hospitality

Nordic Wellness Traditions in New England

A contemplation on place, presence, and the profound restoration that comes from stepping into landscapes that connect us to ourselves, one another, and the beauty all around