Nestled in Litchfield County, Winvian Farm is the perfect spot for your next meeting, event or weekend get-a-way.
A three-hour drive from Manhattan or Boston will have you at the Farm. Don’t want to sit in traffic? No problem. You can take the train and a Representative from Winvian will pick you up at the Bridgeport train station in Connecticut. There is also a private helicopter service, Wings Air Helicopters, offering service from all points in the Northeast.
Winvian Farm consists of 113 acres of nature. It’s home to 18 uniquely designed cottages. Each designed by a different architect with its own theme. The Hadley Suite is also an option which sits in the main house. The suite has the original layout from the 1700s with some modern updates. Touring the main house, you can feel the history and tradition of old.
While I loved all of the cottages; on my recent stay, I chose the Maritime Cottage for its cozy warmth and openness. The Maritime is an ode to Connecticut’s historic lighthouses. The bed sits in the circular lighthouse section of the cottage with its high ceiling and nautical vibe. You feel like you are home the moment you walk through the door. The open floor plan is airy and light with plenty of room. There is a sprawling bathroom as well as a screened in porch off the living room. The best part of the cottage, for me, was the fireplace. It was so cozy and inviting. The staff was very accommodating in lighting the fire for me before dinner. It was so relaxing; I didn’t want to leave. They ensured the fire was roaring for me upon my return. It was the perfect ending to an incredible day.
It felt like summer camp with the sprawling grounds, lawn games, fire pit areas and swimming pool.
The grounds are gorgeous and instantly put you at ease. There were so many activities to choose from I didn’t know where to start. I enjoyed a morning bicycle ride around the property which was tranquil and an invigorating way to start the day. After a delicious breakfast, we decided to go for a hike, then ended the hike by strolling through the gardens. I wanted to take full advantage of being in the country. Some other activities to enjoy are croquet, volleyball, bocce ball, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, golf, swimming, and horseback riding off property. You can also schedule private boot-camp or yoga classes.
If you prefer indoor activities, enjoy the pool table, foosball, table-top shuffle board or relax and read a book. Or just sit and unwind enjoying the beauty of the property.
If all the activity has you tired out, head over to the Spa to be pampered and indulge in tranquility. The spa is 5,000 square feet of zen including a large relaxation room as well as a private area to sit and enjoy the view of the grounds! With a large menu of services, you will find plenty of ways to pamper yourself.
The dining experience takes farm-to-table to the next level. For the first time I experienced seed-to-table! Almost everything served to me was grown on the property. I’ve never had such a healthy enjoyable culinary experience quite like this. Breakfast is included with your stay. The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients. The Chef has been with Winvian since day one and creates delicious cuisine be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Speaking of dinner, make sure to save room for dessert as the pastry Chef provides some special treats to enjoy.
There are many areas to dine throughout the house, both indoors and outdoors. I was honored to be able to dine in the room that housed portraits of both Vivian and Winthrop. Having images of the two founders just added to the evenings experience.
The restaurant is open to the public so if you are a local, I encourage you to make a reservation! The staff and service are impeccable.
Winvian has a wonderful Wine Cellar and offers wine tastings for an afternoon indulgence.
The tale of Winvian Farm was so enjoyable to hear first-hand; I have to share with you. In 1948, the Smith family bought the historic Bird Estate and named it Win-Vian, a combination of the first names of Winthrop Smith and his wife Vivian. They raised their son, fruits and vegetables, and livestock on the property before building the cottages and opening it up to others. Winvian Farm remains in the Smith family today, lovingly restored by Maggie Smith, her daughter Heather and son Win Smith III.
A short ride from Winvian Farm are the towns of Litchfield and Bantam. Litchfield is quaint with shops, restaurants and cafes along main street to stroll and enjoy.
Bantam is another quaint town and is the home to Arethusa Dairy Farm, Ice Cream Shop, A Mano, the coffee shop and Al Tavola the restaurant. The Arethusa entities are owned and operated by George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis; the president and vice president, respectively, of Manolo Blahnik. Needless to say, the Arethusa brand is top notch.
The ice cream shop and Al Tavola sit side by side while A Mano, the coffee shop is directly across the street. The Arethusa Dairy Farm is a short distance away and can be visited on Saturdays; 12:30 – 2:30 for a tour.
I was instructed by the locals not to leave without having an ice cream cone. Specifically, a small waffle cone which comes with two scoops of ice cream and to mix the flavors. Always one to indulge in local customs, I did just that; one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of pistachio. Sitting outside on the benches enjoying our cones was a little slice of heaven. It was crowded but everyone was so happy and friendly.
You can watch as they make the ice cream through the glass windows in the shop if you like. We were told the reason the ice cream is so good is because of the cows. They are treated like royalty on the farm which helps create amazing products. The products are available for sale at the ice cream shop and A Mano; ice cream, milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and eggnog.
It was the perfect way to end the trip.
If you are looking to get away and enjoy the country, I recommend a visit to Winvian Farm!
