Winvian: Luxurious Hideaway in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills

Located in the bucolic Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, Winvian, a luxurious country retreat, featuring excellent farm to fork cuisine, funky-unique and luxurious accommodations, and gracious service.

The private, gated property just two hours from New York City feels like a world away. On the 160 acres, there is a working farm where much of the produce and the fresh cut flowers throughout the property originate, as well as beautiful woodlands.

The heart of the historic main building dates back to 1775, when Dr. Seth Bird, an eccentric but respected physician known for bringing a coffin along on his house calls, built a home for himself and his family in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. It was a white clapboard beauty, surrounded by lush meadows and woods.

In 1948, the Smith family bought the historic Bird estate and named it Win-Vian, a combination of the first names of Winthrop Smith and his wife Vivian. There, they raised their beloved son, a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and livestock on the property (today the luxury Spa stands where the pigpens once did). When Win died, Vivian married Charles McVay, captain of the USS Indianapolis, whose riveting story is detailed in the book “In Harm’s Way.”
With the addition of eighteen individually designed luxury cottages and Hadley Suite, Winvian remains in the Smith family today, lovingly restored by Maggie Smith, her daughter Heather and son Win Smith III into a luxurious, somewhat unconventional and relaxing getaway.

When I mention unconventional and somewhat funky luxury, I am referring to the collection of cottages and suites located throughout the property. One of the most unusual, and talked-about cottages is named “Helicopter,” and actually houses a restored vintage helicopter from the 1960’s in an 890 square foot cottage, which also contains a wood-burning fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and steam shower. There are places to sit, a television, and mini bar inside the helicopter!

Another really unusual room is any child’s fantasy, made into a luxurious, whimsical escape for adults who want to feel like kids again! “Treehouse” is literally up in a tree, featuring 780 square feet of luxurious accommodations! Extreme care was taken in creating each room with no detail being overlooked. A panel controls all the lighting from within reach of the bed, there is a state of the art sound system, and the intricate details of the woodworking throughout are amazing. Additionally, care was taken to ensure the utmost of privacy for guests, with unobstructed views and patios being located away from adjacent cottages. The area is close to the Connecticut Wine Trail, home to a handful of wineries. Activities include hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hot air ballooning, among others, within easy reach of the property. This is truly like a private, luxury summer camp for adults, and is a lovely, romantic retreat perfect for all seasons.

The restaurant features some of the best farm to fork cuisine around. Winvian’s Executive Chef Chris Eddy creates fresh and spontaneous menus printed daily, each dish imaginative in beauty and flavor, featuring seasonal ingredients from Winvian’s own organic gardens. To complement your culinary experience, Winvian’s wine cellar offers wines from 13 countries and 37 different wine regions including biodynamic, sustainable and organic selections. For the grand finale: a flight of seasonal desserts from award-winning Pastry Chef, Jim Hutchison.

The combination of romantic setting and excellent cuisine that has earned Winvian five AAA Diamonds and membership in Relais & Chateaux.

Fred Bollaci, CEO/President Fred Bollaci Enterprises with Win Smith III of Winvian and The Pitcher Inn.

When in Northern Vermont, be sure to check out sister property, The Pitcher Inn, another Fred Bollaci Enterprises Preferred Destination. Be sure to tell Win and the folks at Winvian that Fred Bollaci sent you!