Being lucky enough to travel and stay in some pretty remarkable properties through the world, I have truly loved many. Rarely do I feel like I just don’t want to leave even though I have enjoyed them. This was a different stay and I truly did not want to head home.
Nestled about 15 minutes from Woodstock, Vermont, in the town of Barnard, Twin Farms could be driven by endlessly without realizing that behind the electronic gates lies a property that will radically alter your images of what a great inn is all about. Set amidst 300 wooden acres and hidden from the main road, it is stunning both inside and out. And unforgettable.
Given five stars by Forbes Travel Guide – wonderful recognition but there are a good number of five-star listed venues. Given the Relais & Châteaux designation – there are 540 worldwide and very discerning in their properties. Achieved the notoriety of having Andrew Harper Recommendations – hard to ever argue with their endorsements. Realized the awesome Virtuoso – perhaps the world’s best luxury travel advisors on only the finest lodgings. Now imagine that one resort, only a few hours from the Capital Region, has all of these endorsements and distinctions and it is Twin Farms: All Inclusive Vermont Resort and Spa.
Extraordinary décor
Hand-painted murals, rich maple and pine woodwork, American folk art and museum-quality contemporary oils decorate the rustically graceful spaces and lounges like the comfortable dining room, pub, the spa and fitness center.
Each of the 20 idiosyncratic lodgings features king-size feather beds and some of the most amazing décor that this writer has ever seen. Our particular room/suite had two wood-burning fireplaces (one on each of our two floors) and two hot tubs, one that opened onto a woodland snuggled porch. Aptly named “The Studio,” it is outfitted with everything you need to paint, draw or just to appreciate the art that adorned the walls.
The late Jed Johnson of Manhattan, considered by many to have been one of the leading interior designers in the country, was hired by his long-time associate, architect Alan Wanzenberg, to design the interiors and exteriors of Twin Farms. Whether you stay at The Farmhouse at Copper Hill, The Aviary (a two-story marvel of glass, stone and cedar timber), the Studio where we stayed, or any of the other distinctively created lodgings, you will see the genius in the designs.
Reaching culinary heights
Twin Farms has extraordinary cuisine and not insignificantly has a 15,000-bottle wine cellar. The relaxed dining room reaches unbelievable culinary heights serving multi-course meals, always with wine and spirit choices made by the knowledgeable on-site sommeliers. Meals can be served in the dining room or in your “out of this world” room.
If, under penalty of death, I had to pick something bad to say about Twin Farms, it would be that with everything the resort has to offer, you may not want to wander out. This is the perfect “veg” residence and romantic to boot. I am sure some folks rarely see the light of day except to open the door to a bath butler who will fill your tub or to receive food being served on a huge table in front of the fireplace.
If you can pull yourself out, there are activities, including hiking, biking, tennis, pond swimming, fly fishing and canoeing in the warmer months and golf available nearby. In winter, guests can enjoy private downhill ski slopes, trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as ice skating and sledding, with all equipment provided!
Soothe in a Furo or enjoy the spa
Here’s a way to relax after activities or just continue to relax. Have you ever experience a Furo? It is a Japanese-style soaking tub that you will never forget and Twin Farms has one of the biggest I have ever seen. Spa treatments are plentiful, relaxing and expertly handled at Twin Farms’ The Bridge House Spa. The spa features glass brick steam rooms, seasonal treatments and products designed by Vermont’s own, Tata Harper and Lunaroma.
Again, I feel the resort is so perfect that I could write about Twin Farms and forget to mention the staff but that would be so unfair and make them victims of their own perfection. The staff is professional, kind and skilled. They will make your stay something you will never forget and well worth the cost.
The Twin Farms vision of comfort and caring for guests dates back to history when in the 1930s the prolific journalist Dorothy Thompson retreated with husband Henry Sinclair Lewis to her cozy room in what is now the inn’s Main House.
Close to Killington Ski Mountain and the quaint town of Woodstock, this is a trip worth making. Whether you choose a weekend, a special occasion, or a week of European-style comfort within the U.S., you will not be disappointed whatsoever—ever—ever.
