I’m lucky that we have so many wonderful places to visit within driving distance of New York City. One of the most buzzed about is the Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, Connecticut which I was lucky enough to stay at for a weekend earlier this month. The classic 35-room hotel which is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection had a beautiful refresh of all its interiors and rooms by New York decorator Celerie Kemble. I know some people weren’t happy with anyone messing with the traditional interiors but I’ve seen old photos and can attest that the new “colorful and eclectic” spaces that incorporate Swedish antiques and Schumacher fabrics, Penny Morrison ceramic lamps and paper flowers by Livia Cetti of The Green Vase is exactly the type of uplifting place I want to escape to during this pandemic. Celerie said that she used all the same tools as a interior designer that she would use in her own home and you definitely feel like you’re staying at a chic country house, albeit one with 58 acres of gardens, lakes, and hiking trails. Once you’ve exhausted yourself outside and shopping in all the lovely stores in the area, you can treat yourself to a luxury spa treatment or ‘smores outside by one of the many fire pits. I already want to go back!

The Mayflower Inn and Spa was originally built in 1894 for the Ridge School, a private school for boys that closed its doors in 1919. Harry Van Sinderen, a former student of the Ridge School, bought the property in 1920 and converted the school into the Mayflower Inn. In 1990, the property was acquired by Washington residents Adriana and Robert Mnuchin after the Mayflower Inn had fallen to years of neglect. Funny enough, the Mnuchin’s actually stopped by after we arrived and we’re checking out the renovation.

This is not my bag. A guest left her bag and kids in this room while she took a call in the giftshop.

You can buy vintage books during your stay if you want to stay in and read.

One lucky couple had a private dinner scheduled in the library.

The next day, the library was put back to normal for reading and game playing.

I can’t wait to go back and sit in the Tap Room for a drink when we can go to bars again.

A cozy corner of The Tap Room.

The Garden Room was a bright and sunny place to eat breakfast and then a cozy dinner.

We arrived just as the sun was going down and people were arriving to sit by the fire pits where you can order drinks and light food.

I was in room 34 on the third floor that overlooked the back garden.

The room was filled with thoughtful design details and amenities. The skirted console hid the mini bar and coffee supplies.

Each room has a chic Samsung Frame Television that converts to art when you aren’t watching. It comes in a few different sizes to fit your interiors.

The most important in any hotel is the plug next to the bed situation and the Mayflower Inn has the best I’ve ever seen.

The design details really do make you feel like you’re in a home.

One thing I’d like to see hotels offer is antibacterial soap in a pump for the bathrooms.

Even the closet was cute and full of great amenities like a steamer and slippers.

Since we arrived when it was dark, it was so delightful to wake up to bright sunshine streaming into the room.

There are so many places to socially distance during your stay.

We were so lucky with the beautiful warm weather during our entire trip which was perfect for eating outside.

On Saturday during our trip, we went to New Preston to shop at their charming stores like Plain Goods. We didn’t make it back in time to shop in Washington since stores closed early. Make sure you check the opening and closing times as well as Covid restrictions for other places you want to visit during your stay. We also visited Millerton which is an hour away to shop for antiques.

Before we left, we walked up to see the spa. It’s a bit far so if you schedule a spa treatment during the winter, you may want to drive to the building.

In addition to the main building, there are also rooms and suites available in cottages on the property.

Unfortunately, not all the spa areas are open during Covid but you can definitely still enjoy spa treatments.

The back of the property also includes a charming Shakespeare garden.

All photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic.