From the moment you walk up to the dark-wood Scottish barrister's check-in desk at this regal 1864 inn, you'll be surrounded by the trappings and customs of a bygone era. Guests' names are handwritten into the register by the dignified and attentive staff. Beautiful antique furnishings, objets d'art, and paintings fill the property—the book you pick up in your room might be an 18th-century edition of Voltaire, and your bed could be a hand-carved four-poster. All rooms have hair dryers and robes; rooms in the carriage house have fireplaces and French doors that open into the brick courtyard as well as private patios. The elegant atmosphere that pervades the property extends to the inn's swank restaurant, the Catch. Pros: Over-the-top lavish, quiet yet convenient location, beautifully landscaped. Cons: Restaurant has changed over a lot lately, can feel overly formal, intimidating if you don't adore museum-quality antiques.
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