Litchfield County, Connecticut's largest county, isn't a place of grand monuments. Its allure is quieter, more profound. This is the New England of pastoral dreams: a bucolic region of rolling hills that blaze with color in the fall, punctuated by classic red barns, quaint historic towns, and cozy taverns that have welcomed travelers for centuries.
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| Exterior view of the spa building at Winvian - Winvian |
Hidden amid these Litchfield Hills in the town of Morris lies Winvian Farm, a luxury organic resort that takes the very concept of a "country inn" and turns it into a masterpiece of magical realism. This is a place where 18th-century history and surrealist fantasy collide, all powered by the rich, organic soil of a working farm.
From Historic Farmstead to Fantasy Village
The estate’s soul is its original main farmstead, which dates to the late 18th century. It found its name, Winvian, when Winthrop and Vivian Smith purchased the property in the 1940s. But its modern incarnation began in 2006, when the Smiths' daughter, Maggie, and granddaughter, Heather, opened it as a refined boutique property.
They didn't just build a hotel. They built a "village" of 18 fantastical cottages and one suite in the original Seth Bird House. As a Relais & Chateaux retreat, the standards are impeccable, but the experience is anything but standard.
Sleep Inside a Helicopter (Or a Lighthouse)
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| Interior view of the Stone Cottage at Winvian - Winvian |
At Winvian, you don't just book a "room"; you reserve a private, architectural marvel. Fifteen different architects were commissioned to design the 19 accommodations, resulting in a collection of whimsical, worlds-unto-themselves.
Aviation fans can book the Helicopter Cottage, a 1,100-square-foot space where the living room is built inside the shell of a restored 1968 Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican helicopter. Adjacent to the cockpit (which now houses a bar) is a plush king bed.
For a more primal, earthy experience, the Stone Cottage features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, heated stone floors, and lush forest views from every window—including the one directly above the deep soaking tub. Other unique stays include the airy, glass-walled Greenhouse and the Maritime, a two-story lighthouse that overlooks the property's serene pond. Each cottage is a sanctuary, boasting a private terrace, a steam shower, a soaking tub, and a wood-burning fireplace.
The Engine of Luxury: A Three-Acre Organic Farm
The "farm" in Winvian Farm is not a marketing gimmick; it is the beating heart of the entire estate. A three-acre working organic farm, complete with multiple greenhouses, provides the chefs with a daily bounty that dictates the menu.
This is true, soil-to-silver-platter dining. The culinary program is a highlight, anchored by the fine-dining Restaurant at Winvian. Here, in a light-filled, elegant space, breakfast and dinner are served. Breakfast is a bountiful affair with farm-fresh eggs and rustic French toast, while dinner is a more formal, seasonally rotating three or four-course prix-fixe menu that showcases the day's harvest.
For a cozier vibe, Maggie's Tavern serves elevated comfort food for lunch and dinner. A simple farm beet soup or a dish of handmade ricotta ravioli becomes a revelation, bursting with a freshness that can only come from ingredients harvested just steps away.
Serenity, S'mores, and a Spa Voted #1 in America
A stay at Winvian is a "choose your own adventure" in tranquility and leisure. You can explore the 113-acre estate on foot or by complimentary bike. In summer, lounge by the pristine outdoor swimming pool. In cooler months, toast s'mores by the firepit.
For those looking to engage their creative side, Winvian offers painting and stained-glass workshops, cooking classes with the executive chef, and sommelier-led wine tastings.
But for true serenity, one must visit The Spa at Winvian. This 5,000-square-foot sanctuary, with its spacious sauna and pampering menu of massages, facials, and wellness courses, isn't just good—it was rated the #1 Top Luxury Spa in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler.
Beyond the Farm: The Charms of Litchfield
While it’s tempting to never leave the estate, Litchfield County begs to be explored. The concierge can arrange horseback trail rides or private helicopter tours. Just seven minutes down the road is the White Memorial Conservation Center, a 4,000-acre reserve with 40 miles of picturesque nature trails.
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| Aerial view of Winvian's 113-acre farmlands - Winvian |
The county's namesake town, Litchfield, is a 10-minute drive and arguably one of New England's dreamiest getaways. Its quaint historic district is perfect for strolling, stopping in at chic boutiques and cozy cafes.
How to Get There: Winvian is located in Morris, CT, an easy and scenic three-hour drive from both New York City and Boston. The nearest major airport is Bradley International (BDL), 45 miles away in Hartford. While the resort is a year-round destination, the prime time to visit is between May and November, when the New England countryside is at its most spectacular, especially as the trees flush with vibrant autumnal tones.
