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"Set on a 300-acre Vermont estate once home to Sinclair Lewis and Dorothy Thompson, this iconic, high-end New England retreat blends distinctive, eclectic design with a homey, nontransactional vibe. Guests stay in uniquely designed rooms, cottages, suites, and eight recently opened Treehouse accommodations—many with fireplaces, private outdoor spaces, and expansive windows—scattered across grounds landscaped by Dan Kiley that feature nine miles of trails, meadows, a nine-acre pond, and even a ski hill. Rates are lofty but inclusive of most meals, drinks, and activities, and dining ranges from a vaulted Main Dining Room tasting menu to the casual, convivial Twiggs restaurant centered on an Argentine wood-fired grill; memorable dishes cited include a fried chicken sandwich, lamb roulade, and charred grilled lamb chops. Service is warm, personalized, and unobtrusive, supported by a high staff-to-guest ratio and thoughtful touches (no formal check-in, guided activities, loaner gear, and spa pickup), and facilities include a spa, a reservations-only Japanese-inspired furo bathhouse with an 8,000-gallon heated saltwater pool, an on-property art collection, and ADA-accessible rooms and routes. Best for couples or small groups seeking a secluded, pampered getaway (children under 14 are not allowed), the property emphasizes privacy, outdoor activities, estate-grown produce, and regional sourcing." - Greg Sullivan