The Hope and Glory Inn

One of the most fascinating and romantic country inns I've ever had the pleasure of patronizing, this property occupies a three-story schoolhouse built in the 1890s. Unusual for its time, it was coeducational, albeit with separate front doors for boys and girls. Today, those doors lead from the front porch into a large main lounge. A broad center staircase leads to seven guest rooms plus a sitting room (the latter opens to a large deck). On the other side is the cozy Detention Bar, where today's naughty students are "detained" while they sample vintages from Irvington's White Fences Vineyard & Winery. Out back, lush gardens almost hide the 6 light and airy clapboard cottages, the most romantic accommodations here. Although every unit has its own bathroom, guests with an exhibitionist streak can use the gardens' outdoor bathroom complete with claw-foot tub, rainmaker shower, and pedestal sink -- all shaded by large trees and surrounded by a wooden privacy fence.

The inn's own chef prepares gourmet breakfasts served in the school building or by a fountain in the courtyard, and you can sign up for lively Saturday night dinners at the chef's table with sharp-witted owners Dudley and Peggy Patteson. You will have free use of bicycles and the town's two tennis courts across the street, and you can pay to use the spa and other facilities at The Tides Inn nearby .

Note that other than radios with CD players, none of the on-site units have telephones, TVs, or other such modern distractions, which would interfere with romance, The Hope and Glory's raison d'être. If you need all the comforts of home, or have a family in tow, then opt for one of the inn's Tents at Vineyard Grove, on the edge of White Fences Vineyard & Winery about a mile away. These aren't tents but modern houses, each drawing its inspiration from carpenter Gothic cottages that grew out of revival "tent meetings" in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In addition to phones and TVs, each has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a screened porch overlooking the headwater marshes of Carter's Creek. All guests can use a secluded outdoor pool at the tents. Your pet can stay with you in certain cottages.

Facilities:
Bar; bikes; access to nearby health club; outdoor pool

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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