Until recently, the biggest draw to Weston, Vermont was The Vermont Country Store, famous for its practical and nostalgic merchandise ranging from pine soap and penny candy to hearth rugs and harmonicas. Then, this past November, the tiny town witnessed the opening of a luxury boutique property called The Weston.
Formerly the Inn at Weston, the hotel is now owned by the Sharp Family, multi-generational hoteliers whose portfolio includes Manhattan’s The Carlyle and Gramercy Park Hotel, The Saranac Inn in upstate New York and the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles.
The plain white exterior of The Weston belies its richly-decorated interiors adorned with fine art, antiques and textiles that bring to mind the majestic elegance of an English Manor house, complete with polished service and a friendly staff. The property has five guest rooms and three grand suites tucked into two historic buildings. Each living space is uniquely designed with different fabrics, art, and antiques. Some rooms have colorful wallpaper, while others sport painted walls in tones ranging from pistachio green to deep blue. Many rooms have carved four-poster beds, gas fireplaces and small balconies for outdoor dining and sunning in the warm season. Some rooms have wet bars, soaking tubs and dedicated areas for room-service meals. All accommodations have spa-like bathrooms with marble vanities, spacious showers, plush robes and Diptyque toiletries.
For guests who wish to bring their furry friend, the property welcomes “well-behaved dogs” up to 50 pounds in select rooms. These dedicated living spaces come furnished with a plush dog bed, water bowl and bag of gourmet dog biscuits. The sitting area off the wine room is also dog-friendly and a perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee or preprandial cocktail with Fido.
Dining amenities at The Weston include the Left Bank, a butter-yellow bistro with warm wood floors, plush burgundy banquettes and a buzzing central bar. Executive chef Brett Combs oversees the kitchen and brings extensive restaurant experience to his French-inspired menu, peppered with Vermont ingredients. Dinner offerings, which evolve with the seasons, include French classics, like escargot, steak tartare, celery remoulade and roast chicken. The cheese plate has many options from Vermont and the dessert menu features chocolate mousse and Combs’ signature tarte au fromage in a gingersnap crust. While the restaurant is open to the public for dinner, including the wine room for small parties, breakfast service is only for guests. Morning fare includes farm-fresh eggs, grilled breakfast meats and pastries, along with vegetarian options like avocado toast.
When it comes to wellness, The Weston has a small yoga studio, gym, and spa that is also open to non-guests. Treatments include various facials and soothing massages, along with access to the spa’s steam and sauna rooms. Beyond the property, guests will find nearby hiking trails and come winter, seven ski resorts: Bromley, Killington, Magic Mountain, Mount Snow, Okemo Mountain Resort, Pico Mountain and Stratton.
The Weston is a particularly welcome addition to the town of Weston. The Vermont Country Store draws over 500,000 visitors annually and the area attracts thousands more leaf peepers, hikers and skiers. Although the hotel has only eight rooms, those lucky enough to secure one will find this bucolic sanctuary in the heart of the Green Mountains a luxurious home away from home.
