My wife Lanette and I enjoy the bed and breakfast experience and have stayed at several such establishments, but this is the first time I've felt compelled to write a review on one. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and want to return the favor to the MacLarens by letting others know what we liked about West Hill House Bed and Breakfast, which is nestled in the beautiful hills surrounding the Mad River Valley of Vermont.
This was our first trip to this incredibly scenic state, the occasion being our tenth anniversary. I wanted to take my wife somewhere special to renew our vows, and so did not take our accommodations lightly. After deciding on the Mad River Valley as the location for our second honeymoon, I did some research on places to stay in the area. I was very impressed with the reviews I read about West Hill House, as well as the photos they have posted on their website. When we found out they are listed in the Select Registry, that sealed the deal for us and we contacted Peter and Susan to book our stay there.
The first thing I should note is how helpful they are. I was impressed right away by their excellent at communication; emailing or calling to assist with directions, special requests, reservations with local restaurants, important information, or even just touching base. They take time out of their certainly busy days to take care of their couples to make sure their arrival is as comforting and trouble-free as possible.
When we arrived at the House, which in itself is gorgeous, we were greeted by the proprietors, Peter and Susan, and even though it was well past breakfast, we immediately caught an inviting, warm smell from Ms. Susan's kitchen that reminded us of Thanksgiving dinners and wonderful holiday gatherings. The house itself is not small at all, but feels cozy, and you feel at home right away.
Peter and Susan are very much real people and made us feel right at ease, so we felt more like we were staying with favorite relatives rather than innkeepers. Every so often we even caught a bit of good-natured banter between the two which reminded my wife and I of ourselves. You can often find Ms. Susan baking cookies or making other delicious treats in the kitchen, while Mr. Peter can be seen taking care of his daily duties about the grounds.
Each of the many rooms in the house has been decorated with a unique theme. Ours was the Mountain Room, which was comfortable and spacious. Wood floors, a pot-belied furnace, and rustic furniture made for a rich and inviting experience. Roses and chocolates awaited Lanette and brought a few tears to her eyes.
In the four days we stayed at West Hill House, we spent much of the daylight exploring the area and being awed by the incredibly picturesque scenery Vermont generously laid before us. The MacLarens made this easy for us to do by providing some excellent guidance for day trips to see covered bridges, waterfalls, visit historic towns, as well as some of the must-see places like Cabot's Creamery and Cold Hollow Cider Mill (think apple cider cake donuts). They also maintain a list of eateries in the area (which, incidentally, seem to all use fresh, locally grown produce and meats). Delightfully, chains like McDonald's, Chili's, and the like are every bit as scarce in the Valley as streetlights, which is say there are none of either. And when we were looking for something specific, both Peter and Susan would not hesitate to sit down with us in the dining room and show us on the map how to get where we wanted to go.
Breakfast each morning was absolutely wonderful, with each meal being deliciously unique. To note, this was also our first experience with having "breakfast dessert." Always present though, was a carafe of freshly brewed Green Mountain coffee, which puts a certain Northwestern coffee company's offerings to shame. Susan is an excellent cook, and every morning, after lively conversation with the other guests, we left with satisfied palates and full bellies. Occasionally, Peter and Susan would be able to find time to sit with their guests and join us for a cup of coffee.
Lanette and I were so impressed with the state of Vermont and our stay at West Hill House we are certain to visit again just as soon as we are able, and when we do, there will be no debate over where we will hang our hats during our stay.
Thank you, Peter and Susan, for making a couple from the south feel right at home in New England! read more
