The Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
DISCOVER
Dorset, Vermont’s Own Small Resort
Dorset, Vermont holds a dear place in my heart. It was here that I first encountered the solace of the Green Mountains and the simple elegance of a small New England hamlet. In a world that often feels contrived and artificial, where every hotel room seems to greet you with the same sterile uniformity, each restaurant is a replica of the one in the last city; Dorset stands as a reminder that there are places that remain genuinely lovely. Stepping into this small town feels like entering a time capsule, yet it offers all the modern comforts one could desire. This is precisely the experience you’ll find at the charming hamlet’s premiere resort: Barrows House Inn & Restaurant, listed on the Select Registry.
From the moment we arrived at the historic white-clapboard farmhouse inn, built in 1840, we felt enveloped in a sense of history and warmth. The old wooden doors creak just enough to remind you of the inn's rich past. Yet, stepping inside our room, we were greeted with beautifully appointed, modern accommodations that rival any four-star hotel. It's a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury.
Lauren and Steve Bryant, the founders of Church Street Hospitality, have poured warmth, love and talent into the beloved Barrows House since 2013. When they added it to The Inns of Dorset, expanding their offerings in this delightful hamlet, Barrows House brought the opportunity to provide guests a serene sprawling location with amenities to suit any taste.
Each room at the Barrows House Inn is a sanctuary of space and tranquility. Generously sized, the rooms provide ample space to unwind after a day of exploration. Large windows invite natural light to flood in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels cozy and expansive. Thoughtfully decorated with a blend of classic and contemporary furnishings, the rooms exude a sense of timeless charm that reflects the inn's rich history with no margin for mediocrity.
Spacious, well-appointed luxury accommodations
“Dorset stands as a reminder that there are places that remain genuinely lovely.”
The bathrooms have been spared no expense or detail. Retrofitting bathrooms to today’s finishes and performance can be challenging for the most experienced hotelier, however the Barrows House, designed by Lauren Bryant, one of the inn's owners, makes it look effortless. Some accommodations even have deep bubble tubs that might tempt you to miss breakfast.
Farm-to-table Breakfasts
Speaking of breakfast, mornings in Dorset are nothing short of idyllic. Staying at the Barrows House includes a delicious, hot, made-to-order breakfast that you would drive ten miles out of your way for. Most stays at the inn include a fresh breakfast at the sister inn, The Dorset Inn or The Dorset Bakery – both a leisurely stroll from the Barrows House. With a stroll down genuine marble sidewalks, a historical nod to the town’s marble quarry, to the Village Green, this morning, the Dorset Inn awaits with a warm welcome. Their French toast is legendary, if you happen on the days featuring the blueberry & crème fraiche French toast special consider yourself indulged Our three-day stay brought fresh, farm-to-table fare, delicious options, and perfectly served meals every morning. We would have had to stay two weeks to make a dent in the curated menu!
We return to the sprawling setting of The Barrows House, which justifiably is defined as Dorset’s Own Small Resort. Our biggest challenge is what to do with our next beautiful day in Dorset. We find there is no pressing reason to leave the lush sprawling grounds of the inn.
Dorset’s Own Small Resort
A sparkling saltwater pool invites you to cool off on Vermont’s warmest summer days while clay tennis courts beckon for a friendly match. A pickleball fanatic? No worries, the courts are available for a match as well It's tempting never to leave the property. Or if that delicious breakfast still needs to settle, perhaps you prefer some time on the front porch, rocking in a chair and reading a book? Does the idea of just soaking in the cool, fresh breeze while enjoying a refreshing beverage from the bar talk you out of a midday hike? I will not confess my preference here!
Late afternoon cocktails were enjoyed on the front porch, where cozy seating surrounded fire pits for the cooler months. The breeze was clear and inviting; the conversations relaxed as we watched members of the weekend’s wedding party arrive to peals of excitement and joy. The Barrows House is a happy place!
Fully appointed bar and restaurant in the inn
When we visited in mid-August, we enjoyed our dinner on the patio, entertained by the evening's live music. Lawn games were played by guests awaiting their dinner seating, and it felt like no one had a care in the world. It was surpassed only by the beautiful dinner prepared by Executive Chef Zach Baker and his finely tuned team. Zach has created a fabulous seasonal summer menu, offering the freshest entrees and specialties. Having to choose, I opted for the perfectly cooked salmon served adjacent to a creamy risotto – rivaling top-tier restaurants found in major metros. Every dish arrived fresh and delicious. Truth be told, I would go and order the restaurant's truffle fries tonight! They were genuinely drool-worthy! Each dish was presented artfully, and the fresh farm-to-table fare was delicious.
We are confident you will agree with us that this should be on your bucket list. The inn and the town of Dorset are hidden treasure. The Barrows House can provide the perfect accommodations for your Vermont getaway. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a couple’s trip with friends, a girl's weekend or guys' fly-fishing adventure, a family vacation, or a special event such as a wedding or family reunion, the innkeepers of The Barrows House can offer a portfolio of possibilities. These include a selection of free-standing cottages, intimate rooms in the main inn, or one of their classic clapboard houses on the green. Together with the Dorset Inn, the Barrows House, known together as the Inns of Dorset, offer a total of 70 rooms as they continue to expand their offerings in this most serene hamlet.
The Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
3156 VT-30, Dorset, VT 05251
+1. 802. 867. 4455
This slice of heaven is ridiculously close to major cities:
Boston: a leisurely weekend drive of 3 ½ hours
New York City: a drive straight north, out of the city center, of 4 hours
Would you prefer to fly? Albany International Airport, Albany, NY, (ALB) is less than 1 ½ hours a drive to Dorset. We found remarkably affordable fares from major Atlanta, Miami, NYC, and Boston airports. For a variety of dates, all fares were under $400.
To assist you in getting this getaway on the calendar, here are a few tips:
Sign up for an account at the Select Registry to gather points for a reward. Because you are going to want to return often.
Dorset is best explored with a car. Rentals at Albany International Airport can be found here at Hertz with airport code ALB.
Bring an anticipation of spending time, having shed your worries, relaxing and soaking up the magic of this hamlet. You are going to want to stay a while.
