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The Boulders

Address: East Shore Road
Phone: 800-455-1565
Web Address: http://www.bouldersinn.com

Preston, Connecticut

THE INN: A restored 1890 Dutch Colonial stone mansion, the Inn sits majestically on a bluff overlooking Lake Waramaug in western Connecticut. Manicured lawns and colorful gardens surround the stately mansion. Completely restored in 2003, the wood paneled public rooms are warm and comfortable with bookshelves, plump leather chairs surrounding a huge stone fireplace and rattan backed chairs set at the picture window overlooking the lake. These rooms wonderful for curling up with a book.

THE ROOMS-There are 20 guestrooms and suites that are tastefully furnished and include TV's, DVD's, Melange sateen cotton linens, plush robes and slippers, down comforters and pillows, and Mario Russo toiletries. In the Main House we like the North and South Middle Rooms because they have a cozy window seat. In the Carriage House, the Litchfield Suite (our favorite) is spectacular and the Warren has a fireplace and sunset views. The Gem in the Hillside Cottages is our second favorite. Spacious with a fire stove, a deck and amazing views of the lake.

THE RESTAURANT: The stylish dining rooms take full advanatge of the lake view, one has nearly ceiling to floor windows with white covered chairs and tablecloths, the other hardwood floors, dark furniture and walls of "boulders". If the weather is nice you'll want to sit out on the terrace. Fresh and innovative cuisine is offered with simple, but delicious preparations. We could have eaten two helpings of the thyme crusted sea scallops, served with a chive gnocchi, seared shiitakes and a sea pea coulis. House made tortollini stuffed with spinach and Jasper Hill blue cheese with a heirloom pomodoro sauce was equally good. For entrees we enjoyed a wonderful spice rubbed pork tenderloin with butter braised Swisschard, red lentil cous pilaf and a grilled peach and thyme reduction and a pan roasted halibut with confit tomato, soft polenta and aged balsamic buerre blanc. With nearly 300 selections from California, France, Italy, Spain and Australia, the wine list has something for everyone. Whites make up about 85 of the choices and almost half are priced under $50. Cakebread Chardonnay at $65, Chateau Montelena at $75, Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris at $45 and Pascal Jolivet Sancerre at $50 are particularly good values. On the red side, there are over 200 choices with about 50 priced under $60. With the exception of the American cabs, there are good values everywhere like an '05 Gevrey Chambertin at $60. Appetizers:$13-$21, entrees $29-$36.

THE SERVICE: The staff was friendly, helpful and efficient both in the Inn and restaurant. You are made to feel very welcome. Complimentary NY Times in the morning, full size umbrellas for rainy days, evening turn-down service (not always available in Inns), afternoon tea, complimentary use of boats and bicycles and a wonderful full breakfast are just some of the touches that will make you want to come back to this charming retreat.

THE RATES: Off season (January-April) and in-season mid week- $350-$595, In season $365-$625. 2 room suite $875-$920. Includes afternoon pastries and tea and full country breakfast.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE: On property, hike the trails along Pinnacle Mountain ( but be prepared, they're pretty steep....it's a workout), take a boat ride in a kayak, canoe or paddleboat on the lake, take a swim in the lake or take a tour of the area on complimentary bicycles. There's a fitness center that opens at 6am and a spa suite offering facials and massage therapy. Feel like doing nothing? Curl up on one of the lounge chairs overlooking the lake and read a book or take a nap. Off property, the area is rich in antique stores and art galleries and the Hopkins Vineyard offers tastings of their locally grown wines. The sparkling wine, made in the French "champagne" style is delicious. Make sure to stop at Sullivan's Farm, with its wonderful selection of fruits and vegetables and demonstrations of cider and maple syrup making. Enjoy lunch at the charming Hopkins Inn, on the fieldstone terrace overlooking the lake. The theme is Austrian (the staff is dressed in native clothing) and the menu features wonderful classics like marinated herring, Bundnerteller ( dried beef with swiss cheese), Kalbsrahmgulasch ( veal in a paprika and sour cream sauce), Backhendl (Viennese fried chicken)with Ligonberries and chicken cordon bleu.

WHAT OTHERS SAY: "A restored 1890 Dutch Colonial stone mansion, this waterside B&B 45 minutes west of Hartford provides a “serene and peaceful” “place to spend a spring day” – or more than one; after fishing or boating on Lake Waramaug or hiking at nearby Pinnacle Mountain, guests can unwind with “great” meals at the inn’s New American restaurant, then enjoy a massage in the main lodge, carriage house or hillside cottages" ZAGAT 2008.

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM: Boston: 3 hours, Hartford: 1 hour 15 minutes, New York: 2 hours, Philadelphia: 3 hours 34 minutes