The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
6 Airbnbs & inns
For a cozy winter Connecticut getaway
Snow is on the ground and winter is in full swing in the Nutmeg State. Extreme cold is expected to return to the state Friday night, with wind chill values that could drop as low as 15 below zero.
Rather than escape that frigid air, embrace it. Or, at least, find a safe place to hunker down, enjoy a roaring fire and admire the snow from inside a cozy house.
From rustic horse farms to quaint inns, here are six Connecticut inns and Airbnbs for a cozy winter staycation.
Spirit Horse Farm — Kent
Spirit Horse Farm is a rustic Airbnb with plenty of modern amenities. The farm sleeps 14 people and is surrounded by wildlife, including rescue horses (not always onsite), peacocks, chickens and white doves.
Inside, the house is decked in wood and rich, warm tones and accented with exposed brick and rock work.
According to its description, this Airbnb also comes with organic gardens, farm fresh eggs and artisanal breads for guests.
The farm was established in the 1800s, when in started as a dairy and poultry farm, according to previous reporting. Early last year, farm owner Guy Mauri told Hearst the rental property has become a cozy, “COVID-safe destination,” and is booked nearly every day.
Griswold Inn — Essex
Griswold Inn, affectionately called “The Gris” by its regulars, opened the same year America did: 1776. The inn has 34 rooms, according to its website, all with unique antique decorations.
The inn also includes four historic dining rooms and a more informal tap room where guests can enjoy an Americana-style menu. Free tours of the inn’s art collection are offered throughout the year, along with wine tastings and events.
The inn is so famously cozy, it was even used in a Hallmark Christmas movie, “Christmas at Pemberley Manor.” The inn has cozy common areas with ever-running fires and scenic snow views.
Stanton House Inn — Greenwich
The Stanton House Inn in Greenwich was built in 1843, according to its website, and was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1985. There are several warm dining rooms and parlors for ultimate relaxation with a with a book, iPad or laptop — or a few friends and rousing conversation.
The cranberry-red library room includes a large fireplace and offers access to board games, a record player and records, books, magazines and a working parlor organ.
The inn features 20 rooms and complimentary breakfast for all guests. It also offers afternoon tea and is walking distance from downtown Greenwich.
Sweetbrier Farm — Litchfield
According to its Airbnb description, Sweetbrier Farm was built in 1793 and renovated in the early 2000s. The farm sits on 16 acres of land, with a farmhouse that includes five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. There is sleeping room for eight people.
The open-concept kitchen and dining area features a working fireplace along with an enclosed porch, studio space and an open patio.
The farm also has a massive sunroom with sprawling chairs and sofas perfect for lounging around and enjoying the warmth inside while admiring the snow outside.
Captain Stannard Country Inn Bed and Breakfast — Westbrook
This Westbrook inn was built in 1873 as the house of Sea Captain Elbert Stannard, according to its website. Each room comes with a desk, an easy chair, ironed sheets and hand-delivered homemade sweets after each time a room is refreshed.
The inn is one block from the beach and features a host of activity itineraries for guests to enjoy. Nautical motifs throughout the rooms and common areas make this place feel like a true captain’s retreat.
Silas W. Robbins House — Wethersfield
This inn in historic Wethersfield features cozy rooms in a plush New England setting. The house faces the Broad Street Green, allowing beautiful views of freshly fallen snow.
Select rooms include roaring fireplaces and each stay comes with complimentary breakfast in the dining room or in bed. Either way, snuggle in the warm atmosphere and watch the snow fall outside.