Tour of the Inn

An old wagon wheel under the sign reminds travelers of the Inn's beginnings in 1820 as a stage coach stop. The Inn is one of the oldest semi-continuous operating inns in Vermont. It has provided rest and refreshment to the travelers for almost 200 years.

Pull in to the circular drive in front of this stately Greek Revival Inn and you will instantly see why it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Step through the oak doors with the original stained glass trim and enter into a bygone era. The Inn is decorated with many antiques, some pieces original to the Inn's past. Notice the granite and soapstone sills, quarried locally. The yellow tinge to the brick mortar come from the special New Jersey beach sand used in the construction nearly 200 years ago.

As you step in to the registration area you will see a beautiful tin ceiling and Vermont Maple and Cherry flooring, added by the Rowell's in 1910. During the 1800's the Inn also served as the area general store and Post Office. The original Post window can be seen at the right. The general store counter displays local products for guests to purchase. Vermont Maple Syrup, Rowell's Inn own Season Salt, and ceramics made locally.

Step across the hall into the Inn's parlor with period furnishings to complete the Victorian look. Relax by the fire, with a selection from the Inn's 800 books or just be soothed by the snap, crackle of the fire.

Through the parlor you step into the Inn's dining room, where a full country breakfast is served from 8:00 to 9:00 am. A selection of over 20 tea flavors are available for you at anytime of the day from breakfast until bedtime. The Inn's four-course dinner is served promptly at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights and selected weekdays during peak season. The Inn has a nice selection of wine to complete the meal. 

For those that desire ground floor accommodations, The Lady Ashley Room is just off the dining room area. Pass the double doors and you will notice the floor change from the Vermont Maple and Cherry to the Inns original wide plank pine. You can still see the hand forged square nails. This room offers a King antique bed, private bath with claw foot tub and shower. The mixed wood rocker in the room is over 100 years old.

From the dining room you step through a door where, once a fireplace stood in the early days of the stage coach stop. The hearth of the Vermont Granite is still in place under the floors. The Sun Room is a place for games of chess or cards, as well as a nice spot to visit with new acquaintances by the glowing fire. A constant supply of marshmallows to roast over a flame awaits you for your pleasure. On occasion Louise will have some of her chocolate chip cookies prepared for her version of Rowell's Inn s'mores.

Just off the Sun Room you step into the older part of the Inn, dating to the late 1700's. It was a farm house that was rolled down off of Marsh Hill, on logs, and attached to the Inn by F.A. Rowell in approximately 1911. The pub combines a 40's soda fountain with older antique pieces, and showcases  some of the present innkeepers coca cola memorabilia.

The only TV in the Inn is located in the pub. The Vermont Ironworks wood stove keeps the place toasty during the ski season. Guests can enjoy a beverage from the bar, work on one of the Inn's jig saw puzzles. Sample some of the area cheeses for an afternoon snack at 5:00pm.

Weather permitting, you can sip on a beverage on the side patio or stroll the grounds and listen to the tranquil sound of Lyman Brook as it runs by the Inn. Watch for crossing chipmunks and enjoy the hummingbirds as they stop by for a taste of nectar.

This area is perfect for a small reception, family reunions or a gathering of friends.

At the back of the property where the creek bends, you can play a round of horseshoes to wile away the time.

For those wanting an out of the way spot to just sit and contemplate, or watch the wildlife, the Inn's East Garden area is ideal.

Tour of the Guest Rooms

Up the main staircase are the Inn's 2nd floor accommodations. This area has been watched over for many years by an impressive mounted Elk. He welcomes the pat on the nose and the jingle of bells on his collar as guests descend the stairs.

To the front of the Inn are the two fireplace rooms and the entrance to the 2nd floor balcony. The Williams River runs parallel to the front of the property.  (view river pop up)

The Miss Caitlin Room features a queen size brass canopy bed, original pumpkin pine flooring, wood burning fireplace, private bath, and a selection of books and magazines.

Guests sometime express that they don't want to leave the embrace of the feather beds and down comforters to start the days activities. 

Miss Caitlin's large private bath has a sunken, enclosed claw foot tub with a hand held shower. A perfect place to revitalize and refresh after a days outing. In days past this was a sleeping room for the driver of distinguished guests.

Across the hall is the Master William Room. It has a queen bed, wood burning fireplace and private bath with a ½ size tub and full shower.

Note the sink next to the dresser. This was the Inn's original indoor running water.  They have been retained in the rooms as part of the historical preservation.

To the rear of the inn is the Miss Juliette Room. This room has a double and twin brass beds. Full private bath, an electric towel warmer and claw foot tub and shower. The window overlooks the sunroom to the back yard of the inn.

At the end of the hall is the Master Joshua Room. It features a double brass bed and looks over the side yard to Lyman Brook. The room is decorated with Antique furnishings, a ceiling fan and has a private bath with claw foot tub and shower.

The hallway leads to the third floor suites. Along the walls hang historic photos of the Inn of days and times gone by. At the end of the hall on display are a collection of antique serving dishes used during the days of the Simonsville Hotel and the Inn when the Rowell's were the proprietors.

Through the door to the right at the top of the stairs is the Major Simons' Room. This impressive suite spans 28' x 14' feet with 16' domed ceilings. The King bed with wall canopy will make you feel like royalty. This is a very popular room for that perfect honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway.

The room has a large private bath, claw foot tub with shower and pedestal sink.

Across the hall to the rear of the Inn is the F.A. Rowell Room. This suite has a full size mahogany pine cone post bed, ceiling fan, massive antique armoire, and a twin sleigh style daybed with trundle.

The armoire comes from an estate one of the areas foremost families.

This large bath also features a claw foot bathtub with shower, pedestal sink and a unique hot water heated towel bar.

Gift Certificates are Available!

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Rowell's Inn Bed and Breakfast
1834 Simonsville Road (Rte 11)  ~  Andover, Vermont (VT) 05143
Telephone: 802-875-3658  ~  Fax: 802-875-3680
Toll Free: 800-728-0842
Email: innkeep@rowellsinn.com   ~   Website: www.rowellsinn.com

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