Barrows House Dorset (VT): Uncover the Secrets of This Historic Vermont Estate
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the charming, slightly-worn, and undeniably captivating Barrows House in Dorset, Vermont. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is going to be the REAL deal, warts and all. And trust me, I had a LOT of thoughts.
First Impressions: Charm, Cobblestones, and a Touch of…Grandma’s Attic?
From the website, Barrows House screams “Vermont getaway.” And it mostly delivers. Pulling up, the historic estate unfolds, a gorgeous sprawl of white clapboard buildings, punctuated by vibrant flowerbeds (that’s if you're lucky enough to have a recent blooming season in your visit). The exterior says “refined New England,” but the interiors… well, it's like stepping into a beautifully kept, but perhaps slightly over-decorated Victorian home. Honestly, it made me feel like I was about to start playing Clue, but that's not necessarily BAD. It's cozy. It's got character. And the fact that there's a decent car park free of charge right there is a huge win.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But They Try
Look, Barrows House isn't exactly a modern, fully-accessible marvel. The website brags about "Facilities for disabled guests" but, and I'm saying this gently, it's… limited. There's an elevator, which is fantastic, and vital. But some of the older buildings probably pose challenges. I'm not sure how accessible all the rooms are, so you'd better confirm that before you book. The cobblestone paths? They're beautiful, but definitely not wheelchair-friendly. The hotel is a little bit outside the town center, there are taxi services and airport transfer available. So it may not be the ideal location if you are coming on foot. My rating for accessibility is, a slightly hesitant, "It depends." They try, but it's not perfect.
The Room: Cozy Chaos and a Questionable Ceiling Fan
My room? Okay, the blackout curtains were a godsend (especially after that second glass of wine at dinner!). There was a desk that I actually used (shocking, I know!), complimentary bottled water, and the free Wi-Fi, thank god, worked everywhere. The internet access – [LAN] was something I did not test, but an option. What wasn’t so great? The ceiling fan was out of order, and the bathroom, while clean, felt a little cramped. The toiletries were decent, but nothing to write home about. The mini bar was there, but completely empty. I’m not sure if it was a feature, or just forgotten. The bed itself was comfy enough, if you don't mind a slight incline toward the pillows. In conclusion: perfectly adequate, but not “wow” material.
Cleanliness and Safety: Beyond the Anti-Viral Spray
Kudos to Barrows House for taking hygiene seriously. They have professional-grade sanitizing services, anti-viral cleaning products, and daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizers were readily available. Staff trained in safety protocol were visible and helpful. They do give you the option to skip room sanitization. And the biggest relief to me: there are smoke alarms and fire extinguishers throughout. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, coupled with the 24-hour front desk and security, give you a sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Symphony of Flavors (and Maybe a Missed Note or Two)
Let's talk food. The restaurants are the star. The A la carte in restaurant and buffet in restaurant options were brilliant! The Western cuisine in restaurant hits the spot. I heard the breakfast [buffet] was legendary, but I opted for the breakfast in room service one morning and it was pure bliss. The coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent. The Poolside bar was a great place to relax after a day of adventure. Unfortunately, I never got round to trying the snack bar or the desserts in restaurant. So definitely worth a visit.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Vermont Nirvana (with a Sprinkle of…Sweat?)
Now, the real reason we're all here: relaxation. Barrows House delivers, partially. Swimming pool [outdoor] is a beautiful, albeit a little small. There's a gym/fitness area, although I didn't make it there. (Let's be honest, my idea of fitness is walking from the bar to the room.) The Spa is the biggest draw for me. Massage was incredible, and worth every penny, and I will be back for more. The hotel includes Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom, which is all a huge plus.
Services, Conveniences, and the Extras: Small Touches, Big Impact
The little things that make a hotel memorable. Daily housekeeping (hallelujah!). Concierge service. Laundry service. Luggage storage. They even offer car power charging station The doorman was a nice touch. I didn't see a convenience store. The gift/souvenir shop was a bit underwhelming, but hey, it's the thought that counts. Facilities for disabled guests and Family/child friendly are available.
The Verdict: A Romantic Getaway, With Quirks
Barrows House isn’t perfect. It’s a bit quirky, a little dated in some areas, and the accessibility could be improved. But it's undeniably charming. It's a place where you can truly relax, unwind, and forget about the stresses of everyday life. It’s a place to reconnect with your loved one, with yourself. And the food? Delicious. The spa? Heaven. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, a quiet escape, or a base camp for exploring the beauty of Dorset and the surrounding area, Barrows House is definitely worth a look, and I'd give it a hesitant thumbs up.
And Now, for the Sales Pitch (Because You Know I Love to Shop!)
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving something different? Craving a little bit of Vermont charm?
Then it’s time to uncover the secrets of the historic Barrows House in Dorset! Escape the ordinary and step into a world of cozy elegance, where crackling fireplaces, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences await.
Here's what makes Barrows House special:
- Cozy Romance: Nestled in the heart of Vermont, Barrows House offers the perfect setting for a romantic escape.
- Spa Sensations: Indulge in a rejuvenating experience at the on-site spa, with massages, body wraps, and more.
- Culinary Delights: From a delicious breakfast to memorable dinners, Barrows House's dining options will tantalize your taste buds.
- Old-World Charm, Modern Comforts: Experience the magic of a historic Vermont estate with all the modern amenities you need.
Why book NOW?
Because you deserve a break!
So, stop dreaming and start planning your Vermont adventure!
Book your stay at Barrows House today and discover the magic for yourself!
Guangzhou's Hidden Gem: Feifan Hotel (Near Zhongshan 8th Subway!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-timed travel brochure. This is a messy, glorious, and utterly human trip to Barrows House in Dorset, Vermont, and believe me, we're going to get real in here.
Trip: Barrows House Blitz - A Vermont Adventure (Maybe with Hay Fever)
Destination: Barrows House, Dorset, Vermont, USA – (aka, where adorable meets somewhat remote).
Dates: Let's say… Thursday to Sunday, Mid-September. Because Fall Foliage FOMO is a real thing.
Thursday – Arrival & "Oh God, This is Charming"
- 1:00 PM: Leave the reality of the highway. The drive is a disaster-avoiding-parade of traffic. I swear the only other people out here are either moving entire families or trying to avoid paying for tolls.
- 3:30 PM (ish): Arrive at Barrows House. First Impression: Woah. Seriously. It's like stepping into a Hallmark movie got left out in the sun and blossomed into actual, charming, real life. The white clapboard, the porch swings practically begging you to sit on them, the scent of… something lovely (probably pine needles and freshly baked dreams). I probably got my whole mood from the staff. People are just happy to be there and eager to make everything just right.
- 3:45 PM: Check-in. The room is… PERFECT. Cozy doesn't begin to cover it. There is a fire place. I immediately want to just curl up with a good book and a bottle of… something. Maybe a bottle of wine. Or all the wine. Depending on the day's progress and who I might be tempted to call.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the grounds. Because, come on, you HAVE to. Walk around the gardens, get a good whiff of the air, and tell yourself repeatedly that you're going to relax. (Spoiler alert: I don't relax. Not really.)
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at the Barrows House Restaurant. This is where things start to get interesting. Because I'm always a mess at dinner. The food is amazing. Seriously, I think I ate the entire basket of bread. But the real entertainment is watching everyone else trying to appear nonchalant while secretly marveling at the sheer prettiness of the place. The people watching is on point.
- 7:00 PM - Onward: Fireplace time! Maybe a nightcap. Maybe some soul-searching. Definitely some serious thinking about whether or not I should have worn the shoes I spent a fortune on.
Friday – Dorset, Green Mountains, and Mild Panic
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More bread. So much bread. (And maybe some maple syrup, because, Vermont.)
- 9:00 AM: Attempt to plan a day of "activities". This is where the "perfection" of the Barrows House experience clashes slightly with my general inability to plan. Decision: We're going to Dorset village just to walk around. And then to hike. I am no hiker, so let's see how this goes.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Dorset village. The shops are the epitome of quaint. I found some earrings I knew I would never wear.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Hike! I'm going to climb Mount Equinox because why not.
- 11:15 AM: Okay, the trail is steep-ish. And I'm wearing the wrong shoes, and I'm already regretting my life choices.
- 11:45 AM: This is harder than I thought. I am very winded. I hate the heat and this is very very hot.
- 12:00 PM: Made it to the top. The view is… breathtaking. I think I’m going to just lay down here.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A very deserved burger. And beer.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More aimless wandering. Maybe find a local brewery to sample some Vermont brews.
- 5:00 PM: Nap. Absolutely necessary. Because that hike was a disaster.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Barrows House (again). Because, why not? And the bread. Must. Have. The. Bread.
Saturday – The Barrows House Experience Double Down (and the existential dread)
- 8:00 AM: You know the drill. Breakfast. Bread. Maple Syrup.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Just chill. I mean, really chill. Sit on that porch swing. Read a book. Pretend I'm not constantly checking my phone. Actually, this is the best part of the whole trip. Just being in the moment. The quiet. The peace. The utter lack of anything needing to be done. I don't know if I can handle this every day of my life.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Maybe pack a picnic and head out to a local lake, or stay at the hotel.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A tour, something. Just to feel like I'm being productive. Visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, and pretend I’m cultured.
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: A massage! Finally! I need to recover from that hike!
- 7:00 PM: Again, dinner at the Barrows House. Am I becoming a creature of habit?! Honestly, the food is so good. And wine. Lots of wine.
Sunday – Departure & Existential Dread (Part 2: The Aftermath)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Last chance for bread and syrup!
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Face the inevitable fact that this perfect little bubble is about to burst. That the reality of life is coming back.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Resist the urge to beg for a long-term stay.
- 10:15 AM: The drive, home. As you are leaving, you can only wonder if Dorset is a real place.
- 1:00 PM: Make the 90 mile move to home.
- 1:30 PM: Arrive at home. The spell of the vacation has now been broken.
Overall Emotional Takeaway:
This trip? Perfect. Imperfect. Messy. Beautiful. Emotional. I needed this. I'm already making plans to go back. Maybe next time I’ll bring the right shoes for the hike. Probably not.
Luxury Reading Escape: Queens Terrace Select SA Apartment Awaits!
So, what *is* Barrows House, anyway? I mean, besides a fancy-sounding place in Vermont?
Alright, buckle up, because Barrows House is… well, it's a bit of a chameleon. On paper, it's a historic inn in Dorset, Vermont. Think classic New England charm, white clapboard, the whole shebang. But the *vibe* is way more complicated. It's a quirky blend of history (it's been around since the 1780s – that's older than my grandma!), cozy comfort, and… a hint of unspoken secrets, if you ask me. It's like stepping back in time, but with Wi-Fi, thankfully.
Is it actually haunted? Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the deal. I'm *not* a ghost hunter, and I’m not going to claim to have seen a spectral apparition. But… the atmosphere… the creaky floors… late at night after one too many glasses of wine in the parlor… *something* feels… off. They say there's a friendly ghost, maybe a past owner, lingering around. I swear, I heard a disembodied giggle once while walking up the grand staircase, but maybe it was just the wind. Or, you know, my overactive imagination fuelled by too much cheese. Honestly, the stories are probably more fun than the actual hauntings (or lack thereof!).
What's the food like? Because let's be honest, that's *crucial*.
The food? Oh *thank goodness* you asked! Look, I'm a foodie, a *serious* foodie. And the Barrows House restaurant? It's solid. Not Michelin-star level, but consistently good, comforting, and beautifully presented. Think farm-to-table goodness with a touch of rustic elegance. The breakfasts are a particular highlight— fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and more bacon than you can shake a maple syrup-covered stick at! One time, they served this amazing butternut squash soup – I swear, I could have bathed in it. Seriously, go for the food alone. You won’t regret it. Warning: You *will* gain a few pounds, though. Worth it.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they… you know… romantic?
Romantic? Yes! But in a classic, not overly-done way. Think antique furniture, cozy fireplaces (some rooms have them – go for one!), and comfy beds begging you to curl up with a good book. Now, I'll be honest, some rooms are bigger than others. I accidentally booked the smallest one ONCE, and it felt a little cramped. Lesson learned: read those descriptions *carefully*! Splurge a little and get the suite. You won't regret it, trust me. The only bad part is leaving the softest bed on Earth in the morning.
What's there to *do* in Dorset? Besides, y'know, eat and sleep?
Dorset itself is the picture-perfect Vermont village. It's tiny, charming, and just a *bit* sleepy, which, honestly, is a large part of the appeal. You can hike (the trails are beautiful, even if I huffed and puffed my way up them), visit the Dorset Theatre Festival (I'm not much of a theather goer, but I made an exception, and I enjoyed it), browse the local shops (some cute, some kinda overpriced – be prepared to haggle a little!), and generally just… chill. And the Barrows House itself has a lovely garden. I'd recommend taking a book (something trashy and escapist, in my opinion) and just sinking into a chair outside. Bliss. It's perfect for… well, doing not much of anything. And sometimes, that's the best vacation of all.
Okay, let’s get to the pros and cons. Quick and dirty.
Alright, you want the rundown? Fine. **Pros:** * Stunning building and location: Picture perfect, truly. * Delicious food: Seriously, the butternut squash soup is legendary. * Cozy rooms: Fireplaces! Comfy beds! What's not to love? * Perfect for a relaxing getaway: You *will* de-stress. * Charming atmosphere: It really does feel special. * Staff is generally VERY friendly, but can be a bit stretched at times. **Cons:** * Can be a bit pricey: This ain't budget travel, folks. * The quiet: If you need constant stimulation, you might get bored. * Service slips sometimes: As I said, they can be a bit overloaded at times. * The potential "haunting" (if you're easily spooked...or if you're like me and *want* to be spooked) * Limited amenities: No pool, gym etc., though the garden is a beauty. * No elevator. If stairs are an issue, double check when booking. Look, for me, the pros far outweigh the cons. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
You mentioned that something unexpected happened to you once. Tell me a story please.
Okay, here's the story, and it STILL makes me laugh. I was there a few years ago, and it was snowing – BIG fluffy flakes. I'd spent the day reading in front of the fireplace, utterly content. That night, I went down to the parlor for a glass of wine before bed. Now, there are these old portraits in there – stern-looking fellas in powdered wigs. I'm usually not one for history, but the faces, I liked them, and kept my eyes on them while sipping my Cabernet. So, I'm there, enjoying the wine and the ambiance, when suddenly, the door to the parlor SLAMS shut. *SLAM!* I jumped a mile, and my wine splashed. Now, I'm not a scream-and-run kind of person, but my heart was doing a marathon. I cautiously opened the door... nothing. No wind. No draft. Just… silence. Naturally, I convinced myself it was a ghost. Spent the rest of the night with the lights on and the covers pulled up to my chin. The next morning, I mentioned it to this sweet elderly woman who was checking us out. She chuckled, "Oh, that happens sometimes. The doors are old, and the wind can catch them." *The wind*. Right. Anyway, I still think it was a ghost. My own personal ghost! And you know what? It made the whole experience even more memorable. It became part of the experience, part of the story. It was… delightfully spooky. I still laugh about it now because, despite the chill, I loved it!
Would you recommend it, overall? Lay it on me.
Look, going to Barrows House isn't just a *vacation*. It's an experience. A step back in time, wrapped in charm, with a healthy dose of delicious food and a dash of theLocal Hotel Tips
