Exceptional; an experience I would definitely choose for myself. The entirety of the establishment was retained for a days-long work event in a neighboring town for myself and nine others. All of us agreed it was a lovely place to be and a beautiful escape from the day's obligations.
There was a complication with my reservation that left me looking for a different place to stay the first night - but Alexis (I hope to get all the names right) made it seem like a non-issue and immediately set about the task of finding me a different place to stay that evening before moving to the Homestead the following day. Very kind.
Granted an early check-in time, I was greeted by a statuesque woman called Bri/Bree/Brea who was very welcoming and had such a light touch showing me around. In addition there was also a dog (belonging to the live-in owner) who I liked very much...but it wasn't a shared sentiment. Not the best ambassador for a welcome; he persisted at a low growl as I was shown room-to-room. I wasn't made aware nor was there any signage (that I noticed) regarding the dog. He was taken away at some point and then returned (it's his house!). I love dogs and it's a non issue for me - but easy to see how it could be a problem for someone fearful. Dog gates leading to the office and kitchen from the dining room detracted from the decor a bit. ...as did the red-ribbon entry deterrent (more on that later).
The Homestead has a pleasing mix of nostalgia and function to it's decor and layout. Extremely clean but not so unapproachable that you worry where to set your glass.
Given the front-most room, as I tend to keep the oddest hours of the group, the view was toward the fire pit patio lounge area near the entrance. A combination lock box is there to accommodate late arrivals and there is a keypad on the main entrance in addition to your individual room key.
The heavy glass door takes some finesse to close quietly - a factor that was disliked by my two colleagues in the rooms above it. It was a non-factor for me.
The main dining area features a long table with additional satellite tables flanking the threshold to the center of the structure. There is also a cozy den with a fireplace. Electronically displayed images reside inside frames showing both art/photography/and personal snapshots. The kitchen (staff only - a posted rule I unwittingly broke at an off hour resulting, I presume, in the not so subtle red banner after rousing the owner to respond to the intrusion) and the office are also off of the dining room. Photo attached.
A proper popcorn machine! Very much enjoyed that in the late afternoon.
My room (#1) was terrific. I unpacked into the vintage dresser while a proper record played. A small fridge in the closet was ample for my needs. Amenities were thoughtful, modern, and well maintained. The bed/pillow combination left me wanting (a consensus with my coworkers) though I slept well enough. Noise from the very near front door was obvious but not intrusive - the same for the footsteps from the room above me.
Breakfast was a thorough affair. The always available coffee pods are not needed in the morning as two pots of very good brew seem to never empty (thanks Ray). Pastry, fruit salad, yogurt and granola accompany a duo selection of quiche (made by a local purveyor and warmed through each morning). Delicious and hot by around 7:30am.
All in all a very good three night experience that sets a reverential standard. So why four stars and not five? This place is great - but not unforgettable. It's unfair that the little hiccups can echo so long. If I were looking in the area I would shop around - but I'd end up back here. Its better than alright and untouchable in the area. Well done...
Read moreMy friends and I (three women in their 40s) booked this B&B for a weekend reunion as this location was conveniently located between NYC and Boston. We were looking for a relaxing atmosphere that supported our goals for the weekend: low-key activities and ample time for catching up.
The place was easy to find and we got clear instructions via email on how to access the property after hours. I was pleased to see two electric car chargers right in the driveway, and I plugged my car in for overnight charging.
The property was cozy and clean with thoughtfully curated items throughout the common areas. Appealing decor choices. A surprisingly good book and game selection. Record players, vintage cameras, a piano, a popcorn cart, and a very tall giraffe. (I tried the typewriter and alas, it didn't have ink! But it was a fun decorative touch. My friend did play the piano using sheet music from the shelves.) We had booked a two-room suite upstairs and it was very comfortable all-around: the beds, pillows, sheets, rugs, even a bidet and warmed toilet seat (it was April but we were still wearing our winter coats outside!). We walked in and immediately said to each other, "So glad we came here instead of a major hotel chain!" It was just the home-away-from-home feeling we were looking for.
The included breakfast was wonderful. There was coffee, specialty tea, and a spread with a lot of variety, including yogurt, danishes, fresh fruit, oatmeal, and more. I especially liked trying multiple types of quiche during my stay, and there was a really great granola. Options for juices and milks and different snacks too like chips or biscotti. As an example of a well-curated home decor choice, we were all exclaiming over how adorable the jeweled napkin rings were.
There were two innkeepers we interacted with during our stay, and both were very friendly and helpful. We had not planned much ahead of time in terms of itinerary and they also helped us figure out where to eat for our other meals and what to do nearby.
It was a great stay and we hope to go again sometime in warmer weather to enjoy the comfy accommodations again, take advantage of the outdoor amenities (e.g., Adirondack chairs, grill) as well as explore the...
Read moreMy family (husband and 2 adult children) just got back from a 4 day stay at The Homestead, and would recommend it to anyone. It started with a phone call 2 days before we arrived, asking what music we like, as there are record players in each room, and if anyone in my party had any allergies. When we arrived, we were greeted by the nicest people who showed us “the lay of the land”, offered to help with our luggage, and showed us to our room. The room (#14) was so spacious and SUPER clean. We were immediately amazed at the fireplace, big walk in closet, fridge, huge bathroom, heated bidet toilet seat, incredible shower, comfortable beds, and even a bottle opener and bottled water. The rest of the inn was amazing too, with so many interesting knick knacks from all over the world. There was any coffee and tea you could possibly want, plenty of snacks, and a water filler all day long. Popcorn was popped every afternoon, and sugar cookies, along with gluten free cookies, and the most delicious peaches I have ever had, were out all day. Breakfast is served every day from 8 to 10 (the freshly brewed coffee is out by 7), with yogurt, granola, quiches, bagels, blueberry crumb cake, zucchini bread, other breads and pastries, etc. There were many outdoor spaces with super comfortable chairs. It was so peaceful. The inn is located about a mile from a super cute town, and 3 beaches are close by, as well as a gorgeous state park. When we said we wanted to go to the beach, we were given a free parking pass, beach towels, a beach umbrella, and beach chairs. There are also bicycles to use, which we just didn’t have enough time for. Every single person at the inn goes out of their way to make your stay the absolute best. I cannot say enough good things (and I am sure I have forgotten something). If you are thinking of visiting Madison, you must stay here. I promise you will love it as...
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