Step Inside This Stunning 1820 Simsbury House (Jaw-Dropping Photos!)
Step Inside This Stunning 1820 Simsbury House: My Honest, Messy, and Utterly Thrilled Review (Jaw-Dropping Photos Included!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from a stay at the Simsbury House, that gorgeous 1820-something beauty in… well, Simsbury, Connecticut. And let me tell you, I'm still picking my jaw up off the floor. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? This place is an experience. Let's get messy and honest, shall we?
First Impressions & The Grand Arrival (Accessibility & Getting There - The Little Hiccups Included)
Right off the bat, the Simsbury House oozes charm. It's all elegant columns, sprawling lawns, and that old-world vibe that just screams "escape the ordinary." Now, I'm gonna be real with you. I booked this for a romantic getaway, and the photos? They did not lie. But let’s talk practicality because life isn't just Instagram filters, is it?
- Accessibility: Okay, so this is where things get a little tricky. While the website claims to have facilities for disabled guests, navigating an old building is never going to be a breeze. The elevators are present, yay! But I spotted a few steps here and there. I didn’t need the fully accessible room, but if you do, call ahead, like, way ahead. Do not rely on assumptions.
- Getting There: The location is easy to find with free parking, bless them. And the valet parking? A godsend after a long drive. But if you're arriving super late, make sure you clarify the available airport transfer. My arrival was super smooth.
The Room: My Own Little Slice of History (And a Few Minor Grievances)
My room? Pure bliss. I wanted something special. I was not let down.
- In-Room Perks: The room itself, the decor, the amenities (the bathrobes! swoon), the internet, the bathroom phone, the complimentary tea, and the window view are all amazing.
- My Only Slight Grumbles: The lack of a USB port next to the bed was a minor inconvenience in the modern age. Also, the hairdryer - let's just say, my hair would've loved an upgrade. But hey, these are minor quibbles.
- Oh, and the view! Every room had a view!
- Safety/Security: I felt SO SAFE. Smoke alarms, safety deposit box, the whole shebang. No complaints.
The Spa: From Stressed to Zen (My Body Wrap Revelation)
Now, let's REALLY talk. The Spa. I’m not a spa person. I’m a stress-ball person. But damn, this place converted me.
- Body Wrap: OMG, the body wrap. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the most blissful hour of my life. The therapist was amazing, and the products smelled like heaven. All the stress melted away. I went from a tense mess to… well, like I’d woken up in a cloud. This is the kind of experience that makes me understand why everyone loves spas.
- Other Spa Goodness: They have everything: sauna, steam room, massages, you name it. I spent so much time there it felt like therapy.
Food & Drink: Oh My Tastebuds! (Rambling Time!)
The Simsbury House, it turns out, is a foodie haven. I'm still dreaming about the food.
- The Main Restaurant (and My A la Carte Adventure): The main restaurant is a classic. They have Asian and Western cuisine. The service was attentive, and the ambiance was perfect for a special dinner. I ordered the most amazing salad, followed by some kind of amazing soup.
- The Bar & Happy Hour (and that Poolside Bar): The bar? Fantastic. I spent a very happy happy hour there, sipping cocktails and pretending to be a glamorous 1920s socialite. And the poolside bar! The outdoor venues seem well-planned.
- Breakfast (Buffet vs. In-Room): I'm a buffet gal. However, the in-room breakfast was a delightful way to start the day.
- The Coffee Shop: Did I forget? No! This place is great.
Keeping it Clean & Safe (Because, You Know… The World)
- Cleanliness: Let's be real, cleanliness is a must these days. The staff are trained in safety protocols. I appreciated the attention to detail. Everything felt spotless, and I felt very comfortable.
- The usuals: Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they’re even using anti-viral cleaning products, for crying out loud.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Finding My Inner Chill)
This hotel is an oasis.
- The Pool: The outdoor pool is heated, and you can gaze out at the view.
- Fitness Center: I didn't step foot in the gym.
- Things to Do: The hotel has on-site event hosting, indoor and outdoor venues.
- For the Kids: I don't have kids myself, but the babysitting service and kids facilities seemed ideal!
The Little Extras (That Make All The Difference)
- Daily Housekeeping: Excellent!
- The Staff: The entire team was friendly and helpful.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Smooth.
- Currency Exchange: Handy!
The Lowdown on the "Not So Bad" Stuff
- Internet: They have free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and a LAN connection. It was reliable.
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, Do It!)
Look, I’m a tough critic. But the Simsbury House truly exceeded my expectations. It’s more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to step back in time, pamper yourself, and escape the ordinary. Yes, there were a few minor hiccups with accessibility, and yes, I maybe overindulged in the body wrap. But honestly? Those are the ONLY imperfections.
My Recommendation: Book it! Book it now!
Why You NEED to Book the Simsbury House RIGHT NOW:
- Historical Charm: The stunning architecture and elegant design offer a unique escape.
- Spa Bliss: Seriously, the spa is worth the trip alone. That body wrap will change your life, I swear!
- Culinary Delights: From the excellent restaurant to the poolside bar, your tastebuds are in for a treat.
- Impeccable Service: The staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely care about making your stay special.
- It is a romantic escape: The proposal spot is waiting.
SEO Keyword Wrap-Up (Because, You Know, I Want You to FIND this Review!):
- Simsbury House Review
- Simsbury CT Hotel
- Historic Hotel Connecticut
- Spa Getaway Connecticut
- Romantic Getaway Connecticut
- Luxury Hotel Simsbury
- Accessible Hotel Connecticut (mention this cautiously)
- Best Hotels Simsbury CT
- [Specific Amenities Mentioned]: Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Car Park
Final Thought: Go. Just go. And tell them I sent you. You won't regret it. And if you see the body wrap guru, tell her I said hi and that she changed my life.
Escape to the Alps: Gastehaus Elisabeth Awaits in Charming Tulfes, Austria
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a Simsbury, Connecticut adventure at the 1820 House that's gonna be less "perfect itinerary" and more "slightly unhinged travelogue of a human being attempting to experience things." Consider this your warning.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Overwhelm (AKA: "Is my luggage really that heavy?")
1:00 PM: Arrival at the 1820 House. Okay, first impressions… whoa. This place is… fancy. Like, the kind of fancy that makes you immediately check your jeans for holes. And, of course, my luggage decided to impersonate a small car. Dragging that behemoth across the perfectly manicured lawn? Let's just say it wasn't my finest moment. I swear I saw a squirrel judging me.
1:15 PM: Check-in & Settling In. The front desk lady was lovely, bless her heart. I probably looked a mess after the luggage debacle. My room is… charming is the word, I guess? Definitely not how my college dorm looked. The antique furniture? Kinda terrifying, like a ghost could pop out at any moment. But, hey, the bed looks comfy, and that's a win after a long drive.
2:00 PM: Exploration Phase 1: The Immediate Perimeter. Right, time to explore. First instinct? Find the coffee. Then, a quick wander around the grounds. The gardens are gorgeous, the perfect backdrop for a romantic novel, or, you know, a mildly stressed woman desperately trying to unwind. Bonus points for the adorable (but slightly judging) garden gnomes.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Drowning in Relaxation? (Or, "Am I doing this right?") Okay, “do nothing” time. This is where it usually falls apart. I'm supposed to relax, read a book, be serene. Instead, I'm pacing. I'm checking my phone. Am I somehow failing at relaxation? The world may never know. (Maybe I can blame it on the lingering anxiety of the luggage?) Eventually, I succumbed and started that book I brought, and actually, it was working.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the Inn (and an embarrassing near-miss). Dinner time! I’m meeting my friend (who I’m basically forcing to come here with me) downstairs. Thankfully, I manage to avoid tripping on those dreaded antique rugs. The food is… exquisite. Everything is delicious. Then, disaster strikes - or almost. I accidentally try to take a bite of my friend's food! A mortifying moment, but we manage to laugh about it between bites of delicious food!
7:30 PM: Evening Stroll & Ghost Hunting (Mostly Imagined). A gentle evening walk on the grounds. It's dark and spooky. I swear I'm hearing things. Am I overly imaginative? (Probably). Do I think I'll be visited by a friendly ghost? (Maybe.) I catch a glimpse of a shadowy figure near the garden… it's probably just a bush. Or is it…?! (Okay, I'm probably just tired.)
Day 2: Simsbury Exploration & a Deep Dive into Local History (and excessive coffee consumption).
8:00 AM: Breakfast & Caffeine Overload. The breakfast at the Inn? Spot on. They had real coffee. Multiple cups later (don't judge!), I'm ready to conquer the day.
9:00 AM: Simsbury Historical Society - "Ah, the Past, and my lack of a timeline" We start with a trip to the Simsbury Historical Society. It's a fascinating deep dive into the town's history. The volunteer is a font of knowledge, but I am terrible with remembering dates! I spend more time looking at old photos and wondering what people felt at the time, than actually absorbing the dates. Whoops.
11:00 AM: Exploring the Town. Let's be honest the historical society did a number on me. Time to wander around the town. We find a cute little shop, buy a souvenir. I’m starting to get a handle on the town's vibe. It’s charming, it’s historic, and I wish I lived here.
12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Eatery. Time to get food! The place is full of character, I feel like I'm in a movie. The food is delicious, and I manage to keep my hands to myself this time!
2:00 PM: The Metacomet Trail: Attempting to Channel My Inner Thoreau. Okay, this is where my plan gets a little ambitious. I had grandiose plans for a hike. I’m not sure I can pull this off, I am not the outdoorsy type. But I figured I'd give it a shot. The trail is beautiful. I'm huffing and puffing up the hills and I'm pretty sure I saw a deer look at me with pity.
5:00 PM: Back to the Inn: Relaxation Round 2 (and avoiding the ghosts). Back to the Inn, ready for the most important part of the day - more relaxation.
7:00 PM: Dinner. No embarrassing moments tonight (fingers crossed!), and a lovely meal.
Day 3: Departure & Contemplations (AKA: “Did I actually relax?”)
9:00 AM: Final Breakfast & Packing. One last delicious breakfast, one last frantic packing session. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I actually use all the fancy soaps?
10:00 AM: A Final Stroll & Goodbye. I take one last walk around the grounds of the Inn, soaking in the atmosphere. I can't help but feel a pang of sadness to be leaving. I might actually miss this place.
11:00 AM: Departure. Time to go. Time to face the real world again. Did I actually relax? Maybe. Did I have fun? Absolutely. Would I come back? Definitely.
Overall Verdict:
This trip? It was a mess. But a good mess. A messy, slightly chaotic, occasionally embarrassing, but ultimately wonderful exploration of Simsbury and the 1820 House. I learned a lot about myself, about history, (and about my capacity for coffee consumption). I felt emotions that I’m not sure I was expecting! Maybe, just maybe, I'll be back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. Maybe. Definitely.
Thousand Oaks Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
So, like, WHY am I even looking at this old house? What's the big deal?
Plus, there's something about the imperfections, the *character* of an old house. I mean, the wood floors aren't perfect, the paint might be peeling in some spots...but that's what makes it real! It's like a slightly grumpy, wise old grandpa. You can't help but love him.
Okay, okay, I get it. But what's ACTUALLY inside the house? Like, room by room? (And the details, please!)
Firstly, the entryway. Oh. My. God. The staircase! It's gorgeous, elegant, and screams, “Welcome, weary traveler, to a life of refined living – or at least, that's what the previous owners probably thought!” Think sweeping curves, polished wood... and the potential for dramatic entrances is just *chef's kiss*. I can practically see someone swanning down those stairs in a flowing gown, probably yelling at a servant for not polishing the silverware properly. (Okay, maybe I'm projecting. A little.)
Then there's the parlor... so many fireplaces. Yes, you read that correctly, fireplaces! I mean real wood burning fireplaces. And big ones! I can totally picture myself curled up by one, sipping hot chocolate, reading a book. (Or, you know, binge-watching Netflix on my laptop because, let's be honest, that's more likely to happen. The ambiance totally cancels out the practicality here...)
The kitchen? Well, the photos didn't provide a ton of clarity on functionality - maybe a good thing? - it looked incredibly charming, but probably more for show than cooking. But you know what? I don't care. I'd put up with a tiny, not-so-functional kitchen to live in that house. The charm factor alone is worth it.
And upstairs? The bedrooms! Oh, the bedrooms! (And the bathroom...ugh.) Spacious, full of classic charm, and with original details – like, *actual* original details! I just…I want to live there. I want to wake up every morning in one of those bedrooms and just...breathe.
**BUT (and this is a big "but")** there's a bathroom situation. (I told you, imperfection is key) The photos weren't particularly detail-oriented when it came to the bathrooms, and the one I did see looked...a little rough around the edges. Modernizing it in a way that doesn't ruin the historical charm? That's a challenge I'd be willing to accept, even if it meant living in a portable toilet for a few weeks.
So, who lived there back in the day? Did they have a cool history? Like, famous? Scandalous? Tell me everything!
Let's talk money. Is this house something I can actually afford, or am I just drooling over something I'll never have? (Be honest!)
But you know what? Even if I can't afford it, it doesn't stop me from *dreaming*. It's like window shopping for houses. You don't need to BUY the thing to appreciate its beauty, right? (Tell that to my credit card!) But honestly, seeing it… just seeing it, gives me hope. That someday, maybe, just maybe, I'll have a space like that.
And hey, even if I can't buy it, I can at least pretend, right? I can redecorate my own, much smaller, much less historically significant house with inspiration from this one. I can try to channel its energy… and find a ghost of my own! (Kidding! Mostly.)
Okay, this is all well and good, but, let’s be frank: what are the potential downsides? Seriously, hit me with the ugly truths!
First, the obvious: maintenance. We're talking about a house that's older than your great-grandparents. Probably older than their great-grandparents, too. That means constant upkeep. Forget "weekend projects." It’s a full-time job. And expensive! I can practically *hear* the creaking floors, the leaky pipes, the drafty windows calling out to me, and my bank account starts to panic.
Second, the space. While the photos look great, it’s a lot of space. If you live alone, or even with a partner, you're going to be looking at empty rooms and endless cleaning. And heating bills that would make a small country weep. The quiet could be comforting... or it could be deafening in the middle of the night.
Third, it's probably haunted. (I have a feeling.) Old houses have stories, and sometimes, those stories involve… well, you know. And I, for one, would secretly love it.
Finally, you're not just buying a house; you're becoming a steward of its history. Which is awesome… but also a HUGE responsibility. You have to be respectful of the house's character, its past. And while that's beautiful, it's also a constraint. You can'Save On Hotels Now
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