The inn is a perfect location for anyone going to a wedding at "Hildene". It's about a block from the event parking lot exit. The rooms, common areas and grounds could not be nicer. The breakfasts are a gourmet delight. The bread pudding and fresh berrries were a wonderful treat!

Ted and Chris have been in the B&B business for over 20 years. This is evident in their attention to detail and the efficiency they apply to every aspect of the inn. Clearly they see this enterprise as a " business" rather than an opportunity to develop relationships with their guests. It's perfectly acceptable to demonstrate that famous "New England reserve". Many guests prefer to be left alone, as the past comments have shown.

It's not acceptable, however, to create an atmosphere in which your guests feel uncomfortable. The first night I arrived I messed up the sign up sheet for breakfast. Ted scratched it out and told me I had done it incorrectly. That evening he was unwilling to make any recommendations for dinner, saying that it was personal taste and he didn't know what kind of food people liked. I talked to one of the other guests who felt nervous about being late for breakfast, sensing that it would be unacceptable.

There is a beautiful patio overlooking the backyard. Guests are not allowed to eat their breakfast outside. There is an overall feeling that you don't want to "break the rules".

I must admit that I'm still a little angry about my last interaction with my host. I asked if I could use the computer to comfirm my flight. Ted told me that he would do it for me. The next morning he offered to take care of it before it got too busy. I also asked him for directions to the airport. He told me go the reverse of the trip there. He rattled off some quick instructions, which I copied down and read back to him. I thought about asking him to print out the MapQuest directions, but was afraid to insult him, by questioning his directions. Due to his unwillingness to give us the assistance we needed, we almost missed our flight. We did not have adequate route numbers to find the Albany airport. Be sure that you have all the information you need before you leave home, since there is no computer available to you and an innkeeper who sends you on your way with little concern about your stay or getting to your next destination safely.

Wanting to surprise my husband with a relaxing, stress-free weekend for father's day, we capitalized on a great special the inn was having for that weekend - what we ended up getting was exactly what the doctor ordered - we had an absolutely wonderful time, our newly found friends that were our 'breakfast buddies' were friendly, warm and up for some good conversation over breakfast, weekend weather couldn't have been better, room and jacuzzi were great and, all things considered - we couldn't have been more relaxed and stressful if we tried - which we didn't really have to do - you just get that feeling from being here. Not sure why so many other critics knock the innkeepers - I found both Ted and Chris to be exactly the way innkeepers should be - around when needed but inconspicious otherwise, helpful but not in an offensive way, warm and always with a smile and the breakfasts are absolutely 'to die for' - definitely worth a repeat trip - we've already been there for spring and summer - perhaps winter will be our next venture?

While one can really only speak from ones own experience, I do wish to make a comment regarding another couples experience, on the weekend of April 19, 2008 at the Inn. The Inn is a magnificently restored house in Manchester Vt. on a winding road, just outside the town center with long views of the mountains. No expense was spared in the restoration, while still maintaining the historic character of the Inn. The public and guest rooms are individually unique, beautifully decorated and always spotless. We have visited several times, and always found the innkeepers or their staff, to be warm and helpful. This particular weekend there were lively conversations among the guests, both mornings while Ted discreetly served the multi coursed delicious breakfast. Chris came in from the kitchen at one point to make us aware of the brand new recipe she was trying out for us.
An innkeeper walks a fine line, as to either being a part of guest conversations, or remaining in the background, so as not to be intrusive. We have stayed at inns where we wished the innkeeper would disappear and let us eat and converse in peace, as we are not looking for entertainment or constant hovering.
However, what we like is to be pleasantly welcomed, well fed, and helped out in activities or dinner reservations, and we have always experienced this from Chris and Ted. I want to note here, that we were on a return visit, graciously extended for a six month period, as we had to cancel the day of our prior arrival due to a death in the family. They showed concern and a welcome back to us and we value that loyalty.
This was our experience.
PM & GM

I still cannot get past how the Inn Keepers could not manage a smile, "Welcome" or "Good Morning" during our stay. While the guests were very diverse everyone was open and friendly creating a pleasent atmosphere, at no time did Ted even break a smile or say a word during breakfast. His stone face did serve his guests but how much does a smile cost? We never even saw Chris and this was slow season. A quick pop out of the kitchen to say "Hey" would not have too much to ask. The room was fine but very warm at night with no hope of a fan since the thought of talking to the nearly non-existant Keepers was way too stressful. We spent the vast majority of our time away from the Inn and we were still amazed at how unfriendly the Keepers acted. This was not a couple of folks having a rough weekend. We, and the other guests, were treated as an imposition. We were also never asked how our stay had been. They could care less as long as the charge goes through. Do yourself a favor and find a different B&B or Inn for your special getaway.