When I pulled into the drive of Green Acres B&B, owner Jim Christopher was outside with one of his dogs, every bit the New England country gentleman. Green Acres, the B&B he owns with his wife Cathy Carpino in Simsbury, Connecticut is a labor love that they share with guests. Within minutes, guests become friends, and dogs are welcome into the mix.
Jim and Cathy have three dogs and if you have a dog, bring it along. Never mind that their place is a gorgeous mix of antiques, artwork and a color palate that is a tribute to Jim’s eye for design. An interior designer by trade, Jim ended up in the B&B business after he and Cathy discovered that one doesn’t flip an 18th century farmhouse. One falls in love with it instead. What was to be a transition abode becomes a permanent home. The two moved their residence to one part of the house and rent out the rest.
Thanks to Jim’s eye for detail and their hard work, the farmhouse is a perfect combination of old and new. The original wide plank floors and fireplace in the dining room are part of the old. The woodwork and some original glass panes in windows date back to the house’s beginning. So does the original narrow wooden staircase that makes a tight turn to the second floor. And the modern country kitchen that opens to the living room serves as Jim’s playground.
Here he cooks up made to order breakfasts based on guests’ desires. Homemade scones? Sure. Fresh fruit cup? That too. Granola, pancakes, homemade corned beef hash topped with poached eggs? Yep. Coffee, a tea assortment and juice options? Of course.
I was reminded of breakfasts in England when I checked off my choices on the order form after I arrived hoping that I didn’t seem too greedy. Eggs could not be more fresh. They come from Jim and Cathy’s chickens that guests are welcome to visit as they enjoy the property.
Along with deciding when you want breakfast, you can decide where to eat. I opted for the dining room.
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Other options for the leisurely meal include ones room, out on the patio, or next to the pool in warmer months. The fire in the fireplace and candles on the mantle were a treat on a February morning. In the summer, the patio next to the bubbling fountain and flowerbeds would be a perfect spot.
As hospitable as Green Acres’ common areas are, the guest rooms are a hospitality showcase. My room, the Linen Room, was an airy oasis of creamy loveliness. Spacious enough for a queen bed, two arm chairs plus a two person table with two small dining chairs, and a dresser topped with a flat screen TV, the room is a respite for relaxation. 
The carafe with complimentary brandy, a bowl of chocolates, homemade cookies and a mini-fridge filled with complimentary snacks, soda, water and Keurig coffee and tea add to a splendid stay. The rooms are also equipped with a hair dryer, coffee maker, noise machine, iron and ironing board.
The bathroom is as marvelous as the room. Subway tiles add a classic feel while the deep Jacuzzi tub is modern. Artwork, a blend of classic to pop, is part of the bathroom’s decor. Like every other aspect of a Green Acres stay, The Body Shop shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and bath salts amenities add luxury. Plush bathrobes complete the pampering picture.
There is even a first aid kit with band-aids under the bathroom sink if you need one.
Green Acres location is perfect for exploring New England. It’s a little less than a half hour from Hartford, CT. I headed to Massachusetts to Maple Corner Farms for maple syrup and snowshoeing. Jim is a wealth of information about interesting places to see and where to dine.
Or, don’t explore very far. Green Acres is a place to settle as well. Guests who were there during my visit actually live close by but come a few times a year for a dose of Jim and Cathy’s TLC.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein. Jim and Cathy kindly hosted my stay while I was in the area doing research for an article, but the opinions are my own. Room rates start at $145. There are two other rooms. One with a queen bed and one with two twin beds. Make your reservation through an online booking site such as Expedia or directly online with the hotel.
