New Life, New Look: The Manor House is 125 Years Old!
2023 marks the 125th birthday of the Alders Estate!
Over the past 16 months under the new ownership of Ray Hospitality, Inc, the Manor House Inn has undergone a transformation both inside and out, and is slowly evolving as an eco-conscious boutique inn that accommodates romantic getaways, micro-weddings, intimate reunions, and retreats.
Best-suited for guests who want a quintessential New England experience outside of the typical chain hotel offerings, the inn caters to adults looking for both rest and romance with the goal of offering a storybook stay.
Photos left to right: The Alders Estate 1898, The Manor House Inn 2017, The Manor House Inn 2023
After new exterior painting, new handcrafted spires (made by our very own Property Manager, Nate), a new roof, “new” vintage furnishings sourced from CT estate sales, newly refinished hardwood flooring, complex plaster repairs, lime wash walls in select rooms, and stunning antique chandeliers throughout, the innkeeping team is excited to welcome guests after being closed for seven months on the heals of CT’s biggest gas spill nearby which affected the property. Seven of the nine guest rooms were redecorated including The Morgan, Spofford, Lincoln, La Chambre, English Garden, Victorian and Country French Suites. See photos here!
The newly refinished floors, walls, and décor for Country French, The English Garden, and Victorian Suites
The Alders Estate, as the gilded-age property was originally known, was designed as a tranquil private retreat for Charles Spofford and his family. Spofford commissioned famed architect, Ehrick Rossiter to build a Victorian Tudor estate in Norfolk, CT at a time when the area was becoming a popular destination for New Yorkers to escape the city for fresh mountain air. You can read more about The Alders History here.
With its expansive lawns, English gardens, forested pathways, and a babbling brook, our aspiration is to honor its tradition while providing modern-day conveniences and comforts ~ offering a place for guests to relax, reconnect, and recharge.
Today, the Manor House Inn still epitomizes a bygone era of timeless beauty and old-world charm where quality and craftsmanship matters. To that end, many couples are discovering it offers an ideal destination to escape from busy households and modern life. The overall ethos of the property, including TV-free guest rooms, means that kids under 13 generally don’t stay onsite unless a private group has reserved all rooms. This adult-focus makes it an increasingly popular couple’s destination for engagement proposals, honeymooning, and anniversary celebrations.
The updates at the Manor House feature a blend of classic and contemporary design elements with an aesthetic that is curated to be warm and welcoming, and with small glimpses of the mystique and magic that captivated the Victorian imagination 125 years ago. Look closely and you might see a fairy or two, a tribute to Alice in Wonderland, vintage board games, and books exploring early 20th century curiosities. With period finishes and subtle whimsical décor, the spaces are meant to evoke a sense of elegance and enchantment. Seven of the nine guest rooms were renovated during the winter of 2023 and more changes will follow over winter 2024.
Continued property improvements and plans are well-aligned with our purpose: To inspire moments of connection, reflection, and celebration.
Over the next few months, watch for Facebook posts that chronicle the choices and challenges that accompanied the transformation of the house in an effort to balance much-needed updates with a commitment to honoring the history of the estate.
It’s been a journey and we’re grateful for our many return guests who are enjoying the evolution of The Alders.