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Homespun Farm
Written by: Janet Pope
Photography by: Donald
A Tale of Two Lodgings
Choices, choices, choices! Aren't we lucky that in our world of multi-options, we as travelers have so many more choices than in years passed. The travel industry has broadened to include something for everyone. Recently, while touring Connecticut, we had the opportunity to experience two distinct accommodations, both of which, were wonderful and worth the trip.
About 10 minutes from the lure of slot machines at Foxwoods Casino in
Connecticut, is a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) vaguely reminiscent of the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs. With lots of exposed wooden beams, smaller-sized doors
and intimate nooks and crannies, Homespun Farm hearkens the guest back to
another time and place.The house, built in the 1700s, is filled to the
proverbial rafters with antiques and knick knacks, forming a collage of sights and memories. Every wall and every corner has been transformed into an artistic display through the decorating touches and hard work of the innkeepers, Kate and Ron Bauer. They purchased the colonial-era farmhouse in 1996 and did an extensive history of the property, discovering that they are in essence only the second family to occupy the home. Originally built in 1740, by Simon Brewster, a direct descendant of The Mayflower Brewsters, the home stayed in one family for over 250 years! Now that's a legacy worth preserving. The property had a large fruit orchard and a dairy farm for more than 200 years, but unfortunately the farm was sold at an auction in 1991 by the Brewster family. After five years of abandonment, the Bauers moved in and began to work their magic.
When walking through the house, the first time visitor literally doesn't
know where to look first. Like a candy store to a child, this home is an adventure for those who love history and antiques. It was a treat just to roam around looking at old books and unique items of interest.
The attention to detail is everywhere. Kate has a special knack for
combining found treasures and adding them to a room. Our bedroom had a fantasy quality, with its huge four-poster-canopy bed and fireplace. In the corner was a spinning wheel fit for Sleeping Beauty. The atmosphere whispered "relax" as we discovered little treats of candies, candles and books to read - one of which was "Love Poems" - was this a subliminal hint?
In our room, The Orchard Room, was also an antique cradle filled with
period dolls, books and a silver rattle. Every corner seemed to tell a story and, of course, the house is a story in itself. There are doors everywhere you turn! The dining room alone has eight doors, and for those who are curious like myself, it's cool to check out what room or nook and cranny they all lead to, as you put together the puzzle of the building's growth through the years.
Personal and thoughtful touches were also in abundance. I got a kick out of
finding little notes all around that Kate would leave for her guests. In the bathroom were not just the standard shampoo and cream rinse, but every
other personal care item that you might need, including plush white robes.
In the dining room, beside the note explaining how to make yourself coffee
or tea, were little extras like fresh honey for the tea and mini marshmallows for the hot cocoa.
Part 1
Part 2
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