I’ve written about the clever Leak Raving package at Warren, Vermont’s West Hill House, yet there’s way more to this inn than raking leaves!  Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the West Hill House located in the heart of the Mad River Valley in Warren, VT, just down the hill from Sugarbush Resort.   Surrounded by fabulous gardens and four ponds filled with Lilypads and fountains, West Hill House exudes everything one might need for a getaway filled with R, R & R – rest, relaxation, and romance.  From the double hammock begging for couples to snuggle to the new fire pit perfect for cooking s’mores-for-two, West Hill House offers the ideal respite for couples seeking a break from city life and the rigors of the working world.  Located about three and a half hours from Boston, the West Hill House is also an ideal one-tank getaway for Boston travelers.

My stay started with a tour of the inn and a warm welcome from innkeepers Peter and Susan MacLaren along with their two cats Smoky and Snowball, both part of the welcoming committee. I was impressed with all the common area, including an enormous awning-covered deck overlooking the gardens, a sun room with what Peter described as “the world’s most comfortable leather couch”,  a living room featuring the inn’s single malt honor bar (also offering a nice selection of wines, beers and soft drinks), and a library/pool room. 

The Kitchen with Cook and Innkeeper Susan

I stayed in the Highland Room, tucked away from other guest rooms and accessible by a spiral staircase.  Built into the eves, this hideaway was as cozy as they come featuring a whirlpool tub, flat screen TV, gas fireplace (which didn’t get any use on a warm summer night, but would be perfect come fall and winter), and an incredibly comfortable bed.  I love it when I can open the windows and take in the fresh country air.  This allowed me to awake in the morning to the calls and songs of birds outside my window; a welcome change from the traffic constantly passing by my window at home.

Highland Room

Paris Suite

The grounds and gardens here are simply exceptional.   The four ponds, each offer a different kind of fountain. Hammocks, benches and stone walks wind their way around the ponds and through gardens.  A gazebo built from birch trees cut from the property stands tall behind the inn with comfortable chairs and a chimenea to take off the chill on a cooler night.  A recent addition to the grounds is the fire pit, surrounded by deck chairs and just beckoning couples for an evening marshmallow roast. 

The inn also features the handsome red barn, the ideal venue for private events and dinners, family reunions, business meetings and retreats.  Recently renovated and filled with birch branches trimmed with twinkling white lights, I could see this would be the perfect place for everything from a private holiday party to a corporate retreat.  Weddings are a natural here, especially combined with the fabulous grounds offering plenty of natural alters, arbors and photo settings.

The inn’s proximity to Sugarbush Resort makes it perfect for skiers.  The skier’s shuttle picks up guests right at the inn’s front door.  Add to that a clever drying rack for wet clothes at the inn, easy storage for skis and boots and many rooms featuring Jacuzzi for some après ski relaxing, and this is a great spot for winter fun.  In the summer, the Sugarbush Golf Course is just  around the corner.  I’m not a golfer, but I loved the idea of visiting the natural swimming holes and waterfalls nearby.  A full itinerary for adventure is found in the room books, along with a tasting itinerary and much more.

Directions from Boston:  The West Hill House is almost a straight shot North from Boston.  Simply get on I-93N and then merge onto I-89 North.  From I-89, be sure to follow the West Hill House’s directions as many GPS units direct travelers to steep dirt roads, not easily passable in the winter.

When You Go:
West Hill House, 1496 West Hill Road, Warren, VT 05674, 800-209-1049, http://westhillbb.com/.

All photos courtesy and copyright West Hill House