First in a series: Chesterfield Inn, a NH inn on the verge of Vermont

This article starts a series of in-depth stories about each of the DINE properties.  During the next few weeks we’ll give you the INNside Skinny on all the Distinctive Inns of New England.

Ask Chesterfield Inn co-owner, Judy Hueber and she’ll tell you she’s proud to be a granite stater.  Yet, located just two miles from the Vermont border and five minutes from Brattleboro, Vermont, one can’t help but feel the Vermont influence at this inn, just over a minute from the Green Mountain state.  I arrived on a blue bird day last winter, and as the sparkle from the pristine white snow banks contrasted with that brilliant blue sky and the pale green of the inn, I knew I was in for a great visit.  The warm greeting I received when I entered the inn with its welcoming lobby, and cathedral ceiling flanked with original beams confirmed my hunch that this was going to be an inn I’d remember.

Set on what was once a circa 1790 rural farm, many of the original beams are still present at the Chesterfield Inn, seamlessly blended with modern conveniences like flat screen TVs, gas fireplaces, DVD players, refrigerators in rooms, and double whirlpool tubs.  Walk throughout the inn, and you’re welcome to peek into rooms if you see the doors (reminiscent of barn doors) open.  One can’t help be struck by the spaciousness of the rooms. Tall, often cathedral ceilings and ceiling-to-floor windows not only give a feel of spaciousness, but also offer natural light that practically brings the outside in.  Add in artwork depicting nature and outdoor scenes, you’re struck by the beauty of the surroundings – both inside and out.

Guests can choose to dine in the inn's dining room or opt for breakfasts or dinners on their own private patio.

The inn has a bit of a dual personality.  The rambling main inn offers nine guest rooms with configurations that work for any travel group – families, girlfriends, couples traveling together and couples seeking alone time. Where ever possible, a balcony or deck is accessed from guest rooms via French or sliding doors.  Two-room suites, rooms with lofts and double queen rooms mean there’s plenty of space for the whole family.  Outside the main inn, two newer buildings offer up six rooms with private terraces, gas fireplaces and some whirlpool tubs too.  Here, those traveling with pets find the perfect respite, with seemingly endless meadows right out the door to romp and play.

Tall cathedral ceilings, spacious baths, and those wonderful oversized windows provide ample light by day and the flickering gas fireplace offers a warm glow at night.

“Sometimes guests check in and we become immediate and fast friends,” said Judy.  “Yet for some who want a truly private escape, we provide breakfast and dinner in the rooms, and they never have to leave the comfort of their rooms and terraces”.  What a novel experience, I thought.  Rooms rivaling the size of a New York apartment with their own terraces complete with tables and chairs; what could be more romantic than sharing a candlelight dinner on the terrace overlooking the meadow and Vermont’s Green Mountains in the distance.  Between the whirlpool tub, fireplace, refrigerator stocked with water, sodas, wine and beer, a king bed (which alone was roughly the size of my daughter’s small bedroom) I can understand why some people never leave.  Yet pet lovers, snowshoers and hikers who want easy access to the outdoors would clearly be equally happy here too, I thought.

Decorative containers of holly, pines and cardinals were found throughout the property at the Chesterfield Inn.

There’s more! Continue reading about the Chesterfield Inn and see more photos on Examiner.com.