Twin Farms...A "World-Class" small luxury hotel complete with paintings by Milton Avery, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein, antiques and custom furniture from around the world, and a million dollar kitchen.

Twin Farms

More like a luxurious country home, this restful retreat is about 15 minutes north of Woodstock. Once the home of writer Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson, the Main House was built in 1795.

A "World-Class" small luxury hotel complete with paintings by Milton Avery, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein, antiques and custom furniture from around the world, and a million dollar kitchen.

The Guest Room is a luminous suite, also on the second floor, that seems to float suspended over the tiers of gardens below. The north and south walls are lined with windows: thrown wide in summer, they receive the mingled fragrance of the gardens. The walls and curtains are covered in Toile de Jouy, a green and ivory French linen that tells the story of the Marquis de Lafayette's arrival on the new continent. The large oak sleigh bed with its tufted and upholstered head-board faces a green marble fireplace. There is a walk-through dressing room and, in the bathroom, an antique clawfoot tub and separate shower. This suite is reminiscent of a bedroom in a chateau in Provence; it is elegant and refined, and yet verges on the sybaritic with its gorgeous fabrics, deep sofa, and pair of slipper chairs.

Dorothy's Room is on the second floor of the wing, in a site both remote and quiet. This room welcomes the luxury of reading and writing, while gazing out towards the silent distant hills with the fire blazing in the background. Dorothy's Room has a Russian flair: the fireplace, all creamy crackled tile in the center of the room, looks like a huge old Russian stove. The walls, paneled in smooth pumpkin pine, are hung with watercolors reminiscent of the work of Russian Constructivists. A circular clerestory window motif one might find in a czar's dacha surrounds the top of the bathroom walls, letting the glow of the morning light filter into the room, where paneling continues around the oversized tub and shower.

The Grotto is one of two suites in The Lodge which is located next to and above the Main House, at the base of a small mountain. Originally built as an artist's studio, this was the place in later years to which skiers would come to sit before the huge fireplace and watch others negotiate the trails. Grotto offers a grand soaking tub tucked into a wonderful cave-like niche, as well as a steam shower and skylight. The raised hearth fireplace in the bedroom invites an early morning fire as eastern light fills the room.

The Perch is a cozy cottage set above a small stream and beaver pond. Antique fish decoys and carvings wend their way along the walls of the sitting area which is tinged in delicate greens and ivories. The bed is set back in a paneled alcove, separated from the main room by a hand-carved arch of wooden roping. A large copper bathing tub sits in its own windowed alcove in the bathroom, with a separate shower and its own view. Fine cabinet work defines a sitting area built into the wall at the side of the fireplace, with a round table and Windsor chairs for an intimate breakfast or a quiet cup of afternoon tea. The screened porch invites sitting under a thick blanket of summer stars as the trilling of crickets fills the air.

Orchard Cottage, set amidst the old-farm apple orchard, under a majestic spruce, looks out through a wall of windows, over the terraced beaver ponds to the ski slopes beyond. From the two imposing hand-carved granite fireplaces to the hay accented plaster walls, the essence of Vermont is reflected in the clean lines of this Japanese inspired environment. The split-ash herringbone woven ceiling and white ash floors and cabinetry continue the theme with neutral tones, punctuated by sumptuous cranberry chenille club chairs and hand-woven wool rugs of burgundy and teal. Breakfast at the bamboo framed marquetry table, flooded with natural morning light, is the perfect arena in which to observe the otter, beaver and deer that this tranquil setting attracts.

Meadow Cottage, true to its name, rests at the top of a pastoral wildflower meadow. Embracing this setting, its Vermont clapboard exterior offers no hint of what lies within. Entering this evocative Moroccan scene, it is reminiscent of a desert king's traveling palace. An inglenook fireplace of intricate mosaic tile work is framed by upholstered banquettes of a bright multi-colored pattern. Moucharaby screens embellish the windows, tracing lacy shadows upon the terra cotta floors. Step down into an enchanting bed-chamber with hand wrought bronze columns supporting a magnificent tented ceiling suspended from which is a thirteen light, pierced tole chandelier of colored glass. Bathe in this intoxicating atmosphere in a glazed nook surrounded by a stand of white birch

The Log Cabin, standing secluded within the dense, pine-scented forest, offers unparalleled privacy. Of hand-hewn hickory and oak, a nineteenth century Appalachian homestead has been restored as the quintessential "cabin in the woods." Once inside, a whimsical dog theme prevails, emphasized by an eight star quilted club chair with carved dog head finials. Facing an open Rumford fireplace of river rock stands the king sized bed, fashioned from boughs of bark-clad maple. Vermont artistry is displayed at its finest in the hand-crafted cabinetry of the dressing room with intricate twig work balanced by surfaces of granite. The warmth and intimacy of the natural surroundings, and the comfort and grace of hand built furniture, invite relaxation and offer exceptional peace in this most romantic of settings.

The Chalet, tucked on the edge of a ski slope, surveys the Twin Farms estate below and captures expansive southerly vistas towards Mount Ascutney, some thirty miles distant. Upon entering the hallway of this opulent cottage built just for two, the floor falls away to the living room, drawing your focus to the soaring picture window. Oversized and sumptuous custom furnishings, designed to cosset, face the floor to ceiling stone fireplace.

Through remarkable architecture each space in the Chalet participates in the generous views afforded this unique setting. Succumb to the invitation and immerse yourself as the luminous pink glow across the valley and distant hills turns to twilight.

Chef Neil Wigglesworth, a European trained chef, prepares seasonal gourmet cuisine that utilizes local produce and estate-grown herbs and vegetables.

Barnard,
Vermont 05031
Toll Free U.S. Reservations: 866-388-0036

Outside U.S. 904-288-0036

Twin Farms was purchased in the 1970's by Hawaii-based newspaper publishers the Twigg-Smith family as a summer residence.

There are twenty guest accommodations, most with king-size feather beds, sitting area with fireplace, and private bath. There are four large suites in the Main House, two suites in The Lodge, and fourteen private cottages located about the 235 acres of hills, woods, and meadows.

Red's Room is the original master bedroom in the Main House. Dormered windows open out to a long view of Mt. Ascutney to the south and the forested hills to the north. Despite its title the room is decorated in shades of glimmering blue. The hand-painted tiles in the bathroom surround an antique clawfoot tub and a separate shower. A needlepoint rug patterned after an antique American quilt, thick and soft in shades of blue, covers the pine floor. The king-size bed faces a warm silver-blue slate fireplace and the mantlepiece holding favorite works of literature. An antique writing desk invites trying one's own pen at the literary craft, in a house and setting that is so inspiring. This is a room for romantics.

The Washington Room is on the first floor of a wing in the Main House. Its focus is a beautiful old quilt, draped over the back of the sitting room couch, lovingly stitched together long ago in the pattern of a mariner's compass. The cream-colored walls are hand-stencilled in the folk-art tradition and hung with paintings and drawings of George Washington, who gives the room its name. The floor has the rich patina of the original tapered pine boards. The bathroom features a large skirted antique tub and a separate shower. The bedroom is spacious and luxurious with the bed facing a colorful mosaic-tiled fireplace. The sitting room bay window reveals the lawns and woods and a line of majestic maples stretching away down an old forgotten road. A second fireplace makes this room a cozy hideaway.

Both Grotto and Hillside have separate entrances into The Lodge and feature warm and comfortable king-size beds, window seats from which to watch the ski trails, and plaid rugs on the richly polished oak floors. Hillside's bed (pictured above) faces a wide south window, and is warmed by a stone hearth fireplace. A Jacuzzi tub and steam shower offer relaxation in the large bathroom.

Treehouse is unlike those of youth. The entry path through a pine wood puts guests literally in the surrounding trees. Adirondack twig work decorates its vaulted ceiling, and wooden parrots stand guard atop the four spiral posts of the ebonized bed. The bathroom has a stone tile floor, and from the shower and tub, windows give a view to the surrounding forest. The Treehouse is richly colored in deep reds and warm grays, and furnishings are covered with soft leather and chenille. Windows on either side of the stone fireplace stretch almost from floor to ceiling. From the wicker chairs on the screened porch one can see for miles on a clear winter day.

Barn Cottage is constructed in a traditional Scandinavian gambrel, clad in local stone and cedar shingles. Standing back from the meadow, this two-story cottage reveals expansive views of the Twin Farms estate. Once inside, the focal point centers around the massive stone fireplace, reaching from the floor to the exposed rafters of the post and beam ceiling. Looking from the bleached-pine paneled bedroom, through the open fireplace into the living room, the finer details are revealed. An over stuffed sofa, upholstered in a striped linen ticking, rests upon an old-fashioned hand hooked rug in shades of grey and blue. Climb the split-log staircase up to the cozy loft, nestle in the cushioned day bed, and through the soaring cathedral windows let the landscape unfold before you.

Woods Cottage, tucked amongst a copse of black cherry, apple, ash, spruce and cedar, peeks into the rolling meadow below. The king-size bed with "Palazzo" style leather head board stands in an oak paneled sleeping alcove. Sepia patinated plaster walls rise up to a vaulted ceiling enveloping a Tuscan setting. A fine Italian oak writing table, with a matching pair of stamped leather armchairs from the late 1800's, receives dappled sunlight through the arched picture window. A Rococo style armchair and sofa are arranged around the raised hearth with a Harlequin cowhide rug complementing the sandstone floor. A late summers' evening beckons you out to the screened porch to the sounds of the woods and the crackle of logs in the hand-thrown red-brick fireplace.

Studio, the largest of the cottages, is set beyond a meadow, on the edge of the woods. Guests enter through the stone porch and find a painter's easel awash in traditional north light, standing before a huge, two-story window that looks up the swelling rise of a wooded hill. A half bath off the foyer contains an antique porcelain sink, where artists might clean the tools of their craft. Huge French windows open onto a secluded deck overlooking the ever-changing woods and marshland. A king-size bed covered in woven raffia rests in an upstairs loft, in front of its own fireplace, and a huge copper tub awaits in the bathroom across an open landing. A warm and cozy reading niche is fitted to an upstairs window, begging for a book and a glass of sherry.

The largest of all Twin Farms' cottages, with over three thousand square feet of living space, the Chalet magically combines the warmth of an Alpine Chalet with the clean lines of Thad Hayes' interior design.

Lunch is served at one o'clock in the dining room or weather permitting options include a picnic in the woods, a clambake by the lake, or a barbecue at the top of the hill. Dinner is a special event beginning with cocktails at seven o'clock. There are no menus, the guests preferences dictate the preparation of dishes.

There's also a cozy pub and library. Whatever the season, the valley is beautiful for walking or biking, and there's tennis and croquet. Soak in the Japanese tub after a workout in the fitness room.

2007Daily Double RatesJanuary 1 to December 31... nightly room rates are based on double occupancy and are inclusive of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, all beverages and wine and unlimited use of all on-site recreational facilities (equipment supplied). The Cottages..."The Perch" $1,750. "The Treehouse" $1,750. "The Orchard" $1,750. "The Barn" $1,750. "The Meadow" $1,750. "The Woods" $1,750. "The Log Cabin" $1,750. "The Aviary" $2,000. "The Studio" $2,200. "The Chalet" $2,750. The Farmhouse at Copper Hill..."Birch" $1,650. "Lilac" $1,650. "Maple" $1,650. "Willow" $1,650. The Lodge... "Grotto" $1,300. "Hillside" $1,300. Main House Suites... Red's Room $1,100. The Guest Room $1,100. The Washington Room $1,250. Dorothy's room $1,250. Entire property rate $36,000. Please deduct $100 from the room rate for single occupancy. The rates are subject to an additional 18% service charge and applicable Vermont State tax. All rates, State taxes and booking conditions are subject to change without notice. Please note that there is a minimum 2 nights stay on weekends, other minimums apply on holidays and peak season weekends. RESERVATIONS Accommodations at Twin Farms are by reservation only. To make a reservation, please call for availability. At the time of booking we will require a deposit in the amount of $100.00 per room per night. PAYMENTS... Upon receipt of your deposit, we will confirm your reservation by letter, along with a bill for the balance, due sixty days prior to your date of arrival. Should the balance not be received by that date, the reservation will be canceled and the deposit forfeited. If your reservation is made within sixty days of your intended day of arrival, full prepayment is required at the time of booking. In order to ensure your specific room request, we would advise booking well in advance. CANCELLATIONS... Due to our intimate size, any cancellations affect us significantly. Consequently, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy. Your payments, less $50 per room booked, will be refunded if we receive notification of cancellation not less than sixty days prior to your arrival. Within those times we do not normally refund, but we will make every effort to re-book the space and in the event that we are successful, we will of course return your payment. We strongly suggest the purchase of trip insurance to cover you in the event of a cancellation after the final payment has been made. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE... Our check-in time is 4 p.m. Should you arrive earlier, you are welcome to enjoy our facilities until your accommodation is ready. On your day of departure, we kindly request that you vacate your room no later than 12 noon. If you would like to linger on into the afternoon, we would be happy to store your luggage. AMBIENCE... A spirit of gracious hospitality prevails at Twin Farms. Meals are generally taken individually or occasionally enfamille in a variety of locations around the property. Guests are encouraged to feel at ease with no dress requirements and casual comfort prevailing. TWIN FARMS IS NOT AN ENVIRONMENT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18, the exception being when one party books the entire property. We are a NON-SMOKING property, although smoking is permitted on the screened porches of the cottages. We are NOT EQUIPPED FOR PETS at Twin Farms, however, should you wish your pet to accompany you on your visit, we would be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at nearby kennels. VISITING... If you intend to be in the area and wish to view Twin Farms, please be sure to call well in advance and we will endeavor to accommodate you. Our guests’ privacy, however, remains our highest priority.

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