I was in Litchfield County, Connecticut over the weekend to attend the Holiday Open House of the Warren Hamlet. Made up of Privet House, Vol. 1 Antiques, The Warren General Store, and The Rooster Tail Inn, the little enclave is bustling with life! What was once a quiet stretch of road between Sharon, Kent, New Millford, & Bantam is now a destination for shopping, eating, antiquing, and lodging!
The snow started to fall on Saturday afternoon as if it were scheduled by a director staging a Perfect Holiday Open House. Customers had a great time tasting wine from different regions at each store. What a talented crowd it was! I ran into Wilson Henley and Bruce Glickman of Duane Street Antiques, & Calhoun Sumrall of Ralph Lauren. Susanna Salk and Christophe Pourny were also in the house! Susanna's latest book - Weekend Retreats is in book stores now. Christophe was sharing the news of the latest project in his busy antique restoration studio. Pourny is the master of French Polish for NYC interior designers, and his latest project is transforming 12 mahogany doors for a New York City residence. Everyone was in the mood to start their holiday shopping, and there are a million good gift ideas at Privet House, from a vintage Rolex watch - to table settings, to a chew toy for your dog. If it has style - Privet house has it! What started as a weekend project of design guru - Richard Lambertson, Privet house has quickly earned a place on the stylish weekenders and locals Saturday and Sunday schedules. Lambertson was sharing the exciting news that Privet house has already added a second location in Greenwich, Connecticut. Vol. 1 Antiques also had a crowd. Owner Suzanne Cassano has developed a loyal following to her eclectic eye and super smart style! You will always fall in love with at least one awesome find in her store that you will want to find a home for in your weekend house or even back in the city! After much shopping and wine tasting, many guests, including myself ended up over at the Rooster Tail Inn for a wonderful dinner. The Winter Wonderland setting was priceless! The menu is rustic and delicious. There are hearty options from land and sea- from Steak to Swordfish. Husband and Wife Maureen and Cliff Jones transformed this historic property, giving it all the modern conveniences you are used to, while preserving a sense of a warm country inn.
I look forward to many great dinners at the Rooster Tail. Makes the cold winter weather a little more fun. If you want the perfect weekend - shop, eat, drink, and then stay! Why not take a drive this weekend? You can take care of some holiday shopping and enjoy a little R&R at the same time. Who's dreading the winter? Not me, now I have plans. See you at The Warren Hamlet!
For driving directions to the Warren Hamlet from your house, click MAPQUEST for the quickest route.