The Best B&B Along the Backroads of Northwestern Connecticut
Posted: Sunday, June 05, 2011
by Wayne and Judy Bayliff
the2writers.com
Rock Hall was originally designed in 1912 as a country home for a steamship company heir. The unique private manor is now an exclusive country inn catering to discriminating travelers.
Distinctive and apart
The home was designed by Addison Mizner, the celebrated architect most known for his work in Florida where he made famous the Spanish Revival style that established the sui generis aspect and aura of tony Palm Beach. Over the years, much of Florida has been converted from pre-20s shingle dwellings to the Spanish design -- thanks to Mr. Mizner.
Rock Hall is the only surviving piece of social architecture in the Northern United States designed by Mizner – that alone makes it a worthwhile place to see.
Small, elegant, and remote
There are four distinct sleeping rooms at Rock Hall. The small number of guestrooms gives one the perception of being in a very private resort where guests feel like they are part of a family rather than just temporary visitors.
The congenial owner/innkeepers Stella and Michael Somers add to the wondrous sense of comfort and informality at the lodge as they easily move among the guests seated before the considerable hearth with afternoon cocktails and remarkable hors d'oeuvres.
A place that does not forget
Sitting alone in the huge parlor, we found the house to have both a restful and a haunting quality. Listening in the quiet, we easily conjured up sounds and visions of social gatherings in the 1920s with summer’s fading sunlight shimmering through the glass along the staircase and through the original wavy windowpanes.The inn’s period antiques sat seemingly wanting to reminisce about warm night conversations from those early years. Times when well-to-do houseguests blithely mingled and talked through billowing layers of cigar smoke about the latest Broadway plays and current events. It all surely happened at Rock Hall – in this now silent room.
If you have musical talent, take a turn at the grand piano in the same room – you just might find ready vocal accompaniment among the other guests – and spirits. Cole Porter or Jerome Kern tunes would be apropos as they most certainly filled the air in good times in the long forgotten past of this magnificent manor.
The manor also has a billiard room, fitness room (ask about their Spa and Wellness Services), card and game rooms, and a most interesting screening room.
Like a private country club
The eco-rich outdoor setting of Rock Hall includes a synthetic grass tennis court, large heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and an apple orchard.
The Somers originally purchased Rock Hall in 2005 as a second home, but soon decided to open their unique estate to the public. In 2008, it became part of a limited number of truly extraordinary inns in Litchfield County and the Southern Berkshires. Upon opening, Rock Hall was an immediate success with travelers who were seeking something different in luxury accommodations.To its credit, the house has recently been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
We highly recommend Rock Hall for a romantic interlude, cozy weekend getaway, or a unique corporate outing. It is also possible to rent the entire estate for a special event.
Attention gourmets
Innkeeper and Proprietor Michael Somers is passionate about fine food preparation and has trained with notable chefs in America and Europe. Working from his well-equipped galley complete with walk-in refrigerator, Michael produces the most exquisite and sumptuous breakfasts for his guests.
We seldom feature recipes in our articles, but Michael’s incomparable Gravlax is a worthy exception. This recipe – courtesy of the innkeepers.
Ingredients –
1 (2-1/2 pound) unskinned fresh salmon side fillet
1-ounce cognac
1/2 cup salt
5/8 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cracked pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons ground coriander seeds
1 large bunch of roughly chopped dill – stems and leaves
Preparation –
Place salmon, skin side down, on sheet of plastic wrap
Drizzle cognac over fillet
Mix salt, sugar, cracked black pepper, ground coriander seeds in a small bowl, and spread evenly over fillet
Coat entire fillet with the chopped dill
Wrap plastic wrap tightly around the salmon, place brick or similarly heavy object on top and refrigerate for 48 hours
Unwrap, rinse with cold water, and slice on the diagonal
Serve with soft goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon wedges, mustard sauce, or a touch of fine vinegar
Enjoy!
If you go
Rock Hall Luxe Lodging is located at 19 Rock Hall Road in tiny Colebrook, in northwestern Connecticut. It is a little over a two-hour drive from both New York City and Boston. It is also just minutes to the Infinity Music Hall, and the Yale Summer School of Music.
The Rock Hall website address is www.19rockhallroad.com Email: info@19rockhallroad.com Phone: 860-379-2230
Happy travels.
© Travels with Wayne and Judy Bayliff
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
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