Originally built in 1898 as a summer home for American Eugene Langdon Wilks, the estate stayed in the Langdon family until 1980. In 1987, current owners William Bennett and Mary Beaton purchased the home and transformed it into their vision of the ultimate country manor retreat—think Old English gentility meets North American luxury and convenience. The estate now boasts a full service spa, as well as 52 luxurious guest suites, each decorated with Mary’s trademark style. And then there’s the res-taurant: Chef Jonathan Gushue’s menus are unparalleled in the region. The Christmas Eve menu, for example, is bursting with unconventional fare, from seared blue marlin to rabbit tortellini to black salsify salad.
Upon returning to my room after the meal, I discover that the staff has placed small gifts under the Christmas tree that sits strategically at the end of my feather bed. As I crawl between the crisp white sheets, thoughts of my family (who were all spending the Christmas holidays far from me) soon faded, and those of sugar plums took their place. Happy holidays to me!
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