Whistlewood Farm Bed and Breakfast — Hotel in Town of Rhinebeck

Whistlewood Farm was everything I wanted it to be.

I chose this as my place to stay for the night after a dinner at the nearby Culinary Institute's Escoffier restaurant. It's owned / operated by Maggie, and she's done it for 35 years. That experience makes her seem almost prescient. I informed her I'd be celebrating an engagement, having proposed to my girlfriend that night.

She had our room ready and was waiting for us when we arrived at 10pm. She greeted us along with Jake, a beautiful St Bernard who likes to stand or sit on your feet, as if he doesn't want you to go anywhere without him.

We stayed in the carriage house, which contains 3 of Whistlewood's rooms joined in the middle by a kitchen. The kitchen has that warm, welcoming, hearth-and-home feel with baked cookies on the table, books and videos lining the walls. A congratulatory sign was on our room door, and there was a candle lit in the room. The room had large open windows everywhere.

At first, I noticed the lack of curtains, but then the realization sank in that I was on a 40-acre farm with nothing around me. There's something to be said for an open space that makes you feel like you're a part of nature and still have the solitude and privacy you're looking for in a getaway.

The Northwind Room has gradiant lighting allowing me to dim the lights to comfortable levels. It has a whirlpool tub in the bathroom with bath salt within arm's reach, heat via gas fireplace, and TV with DVD/VCR. After a brief walkthrough on how to use the features of the room, Maggie left us for the night.

The next morning, breakfast was perfect. It seemed as though Maggie anticipated everything we wanted. My fiancee loves to start her day with unsweetened yogurt and fresh fruit, which Maggie started to prepare without any prompting from us. She asked about our interest in buttermilk pancakes (do not pass on this!) and also set out breads for toast. I was thinking about how long it had been since I last had marmalade, and just as this thought crosses my mind, she pulls out various jams, jellies and... marmalade. There were baked cakes, banana bread, pies all laid out. My only regret was that I only had 1 night to spend there.

There's a lot to do in the area that I hadn't even known about and I definitely plan to go back with other family to enjoy this B&B and the area around. I highly reocmmend Whistlewood. Maggie will...

We had a lovely stay at Maggie’s. She kindly opened her beautiful home to us and we had a wonderful time. ||You see so much history as you walk through her home and she is more than happy to “fill you in” on some background stories if you are interested. ||There are two beautiful, large, gentle dogs, Samantha’s and Pearl, who reside with Maggie and accompany her wherever she goes and are friendly to all.||Everything is spotless and in good condition. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are spacious. There are many personal touches in Maggie’s home and you will especially appreciate them in the bedrooms. The grounds entice you towards a leisurely stroll and make sure you leave time to visit her horses, donkey, and chickens.||I must also mention the breakfasts that Maggie makes every morning. She prepares them from farm fresh ingredients and you will not leave her table hungry. When you return in the evening there is always a warm fire glowing and, if you are feeling hungry, a snack set out on the table.||Needless to say I highly recommend staying at WhistleWood Farm Bed and Breakfast whenever you are visiting the...

If you are seeking a rural respite away from town, but not far, this is it: a sprawling house in the middle of acres of pasture where horses graze, a donkey, chickens to provide your breakfast eggs, and two huge, friendly, adorable dogs who didn't make a peep. Each room and bathroom are artfully designed on different themes and tasteful color combos. Many comfortable sitting areas, interestingly decorated as a farmhouse would be. Much equine art and fancy saddles. Very clean and orderly and the proprietor/hostess has anticipated EVERYTHING that might be needed to make the rooms and bathrooms luxurious, details like useful tables in just the right size for their spaces, abundant pillows, good bedside lamps, magnifying mirror in the bathroom and good products. She provides a long, 24-hour dessert table with scrumptious pastries and fruit and a generous breakfast made to order. This is an extraordinary place to stay in the...