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Press Room & Accolades
Press Reviews
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Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2012511 Top Hotels, Resorts, and Cruise Lines… and Rabbit Hill Inn is one of them! “…the finest inn in North America, with exquisite service, food, and hospitality… absolutely beautiful and relaxing… the most romantic place in Vermont.” |
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Today Show – December 2011Today Show Travel talks with editor of Travel+Leisure Magazine about Rabbit Hill Inn as a top choice for affordable, romantic, luxury travel! |
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Yahoo Travel World’s Top Affordable HotelsYahoo Travel along with T+L Magazine lists Rabbit Hill Inn as tops in luxury and affordability. |
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Travel+Leisure Top 500 for 2012Named in T+L’s list of the Top 500 Hotels Worldwide |
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Food&Wine.comNamed one of America’s Best Bed & Breakfasts - October 2011 |
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Conde Nast Traveler MagazineReaders Choice World’s Best Awards – November 2011 – Ranked #8 TOP SMALL RESORT In United States |
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Travel+Leisure MagazineWorld’s Best Awards, August 2011 – Top Ten Inns in North America |
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Boston MagazineBest of New England Travel – May 2011 “…magnificent dinners, romantic packages, and perhaps the friendliest innkeepers in the state… the vibe is blissfully understated.” |
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Hartford MagazineNovember 2010 – “a peaceful & cozy inn offering traditional hospitality…where vacationers can live in the lap of luxury.” |
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Victoria MagazineNovember 2010 – “Rabbit Hill provides a bastion of little luxuries…well worth the drive.”
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TravelChannel.comOctober 2010 – Top Ten Inns in New England 2010 “ … one of New England’s most luxurious bed and breakfasts.” |
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Yankee Magazine2010 Travel Guide to New England Editor’s Choice Best of New England – named “Best Romantic Place “ |
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Romantic Country Magazine2010 – “…earmark your calendar for a getaway to Rabbit Hill Inn… pampering, romantic, absolutely perfect…” |
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Travel+Leisure Magazine Best AwardsAugust 2009 – Selected one of the Best 100 Hotels Worldwide |
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Yankee MagazineMay-June 2009 – Editor’s Choice Best of New England – named “Best Country Place” |
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1000 places to see Before You Die“A tradition of Hospitality dating to 1795″ |
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Everyday with Rachel RayMarch 2009 - “celebrate Mud Season at Rabbit Hill Inn… great deal on their Muddy Tracks Truck Safari Adventure!” |
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Fairfield Country Home MagazineMarch 2008 – “So romantic… you’ll not want for more” |
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Complete Woman MagazineMarch 2008 – “Ten Places To Go Before You Die” |
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SkiPress MagazineSkiPress Magazine – Winter 2008 – “Innkeepers exude New England hospitality” |
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ForbesTraveler.comForbesTraveler.com – January 2008 – Chosen for “Ten Most Romantic B&B’s in the Country” |
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Jim Flynn’s BestWeekends.com“…you would have to search far and wide to find two nicer innkeepers… they are always around, always asking if they can help, yet in a way that is anything but obtrusive… “ |
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Peter Greenberg.comPeter Greenberg.com — August 2007 – “Off The Grid Immersive Vacations” |
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Forbes Life MagazineForbes Life Magazine — June 2007 – “Rabbit Hill Inn..as comfortable as if it had been waiting for you since 1795. A New England Idyll…a Vermont haven …the very place to be…book early and stay late.” |
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Vermont Magazine/Wedding Issue2007 – “Planning your honeymoon? This place casts its romantic spell” |
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Yankee MagazineSpring 2007 – “Inn Good Taste” Culinary Vacations…the perfect getaway. A taste of culinary school combined with the comfort and relaxation of a mini-vacation.” |
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Peter Greenberg.comMarch 2007 “Rooms of Romance” |
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Budget Travel OnLineBudget Travel OnLine March 2007 – “Romantic New England Escapes” |
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Boston.comBoston.com — Feb 2007 – “Best 20 places to propose in N.E” |
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Vermont MagazineFeb 2007 – “Inn Good Taste” Culinary Vacations …a great Vermont getaway” |
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Boston MagazineWinter 2007 - “Best Winter Escapes… Five Best “Love Shacks” for Romantics – Hot rooms for romantics.” |
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CNN.COMSeptember 2006 – “Inn Good Taste” Culinary Getaways… a delicious destination, fulfilling travel experience” |
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Cooking Light Magazine2006 – “The romantic Rabbit Hill Inn… sensual amenities that set the mood.”
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National Geographic Traveler“54 Great Inns in America”
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Other national magazines that have featured Rabbit Hill Inn
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Just a few of several Newspapers that have featured Rabbit Hill Inn
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Awards & Accolades
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Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2012511 Top Hotels, Resorts, and Cruise Lines… and Rabbit Hill Inn is one of them! “…the finest inn in North America, with exquisite service, food, and hospitality… absolutely beautiful and relaxing… the most romantic place in Vermont.” |
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Travel+Leisure Top 500 for 2012Named in T+L’s list of the Top 500 Hotels Worldwide |
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Food&Wine.comNamed one of America’s Best Bed & Breakfasts - October 2011 |
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Top 10 Inns in North AmericaChosen by Travel+Leisure Magazine for their Best in the World 2011 Awards |
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TripAdvisor 2011Chosen a TripAdvisor Top Ten Inn in the United States for 2011 |
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AAA Four DiamondSince 1992, Rabbit Hill Inn has proudly held TWO prestigious AAA Four Diamond ratings — for both lodging and dining. |
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BedandBreakfast.com Top Ten Inns Worldwide 2011Again selected one of Top Ten Inns Worldwide in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards for 2011-2012. Named for this award since 2008. |
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Boston MagazineBest of New England: Vermont. ”… low-key luxury… candlelit breakfasts, magnificent dinners, romantic packages, and perhaps the friendliest innkeepers in the state… the vibe is blissfully understated” |
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Readers’ Choice AwardNamed “Most Romantic Place to Stay ” in Yankee Magazine’s 2010 Best of New England Readers’ Choice Awards. |
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Best of New England AwardNamed Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice 2010 Best of New England Award |
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Top 100 Hotels in the WorldChosen by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World and ranked #1 Inn in the United States. |
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ABC World NewsSelected “Persons of the Week” by ABC World News with Charles Gibson for our Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway – July 2009 |
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Editor’s ChoiceNamed Editor’s Choice “Best Country Place” in Yankee Magazine’s 2009 Travel Guide to New England. They said “Rabbit Hill Inn defines romance.” |
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Zagat SurveyRabbit Hill Inn is honored with “sky high” ratings from this esteemed guide. Here’s what they have to say: |
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Discerning TravelerChosen once again as a “Romantic Hideaway” by the Discerning Traveler for 2009. “What makes Rabbit Hill particularly special is the welcoming hospitality… “ |
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Distinctive Inns of New EnglandA proud founding member of Distinctive Inns of New England since 1995. |
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Select RegistryRabbit Hill Inn has been a proud member of Select Registry since 1990. |
Downloadable Photo Gallery
Press Releases
Facts Sheet
Rabbit Hill Inn
a Vermont Country Inn
48 Lower Waterford Road
Lower Waterford, VT 05848
Owners/Innkeepers: Brian & Leslie Mulcahy
Phone: Local: 802-748-5168
Fax: 802-748-8342
Reservations: 800-762-8669
E-mail: info@rabbithillinn.com
Blog: http://rabbithillinn.com/blog
View Video: http://rabbithillinn.com/video.htm
Location: Located in the unspoiled Northeast Kingdom of Vermont; 3 hours north of Boston, Providence and Hartford. 2.5 hours from Montreal. Closest local airports: Manchester- Boston Regional Airport (MHT), Burlington Int’l Airport (BTV) - both 2 hours from the inn.
Directions from I -91 (New York/Connecticut/Western MA):
- From I-91 North or South, take exit 19 to I-93 North.
- Take Exit 1 onto Route 18 South for 6 miles to Inn
Directions from I-93 North (Boston):
- Take exit 44 onto Route 18 North for 2 miles to Inn.
- Accommodations
- Inn Facilities
- Dining
- Packages & Specials
- Things To Do
- Innkeepers –Brian and Leslie Mulcahy
- Brief History
- Awards/Accolades/Associations
- Photo Galleries - Visit Media Bank (Password = rabbit)
Nineteen enchanting and graciously appointed guestrooms and suites, each with their own unique decor style and personality. 14 rooms are located in the 1825 Main House, 5 are located in the 1795 Tavern Building. 3 categories are available ~ 9 Luxury Suites, 6 Superior Rooms, and 4 Classic Rooms. Luxury suites offer grand space, fireplace, double whirlpool tubs, and private porches or sundecks. Superior Rooms feature fireplace and full standard bath. Classic Rooms have more than ample space and full standard bath. Many capture glorious views of the White Mountains.
All rooms and suites feature:
- Heavenly king or queen beds, many with canopies.
- Hypoallergenic comforters & pillows (A variety of feather, down and foam pillows are available)
- Luxurious micro-fiber bathrobes
- Lush Italian bath linens by Mascioni
- Full outfit of exclusive toiletries by Elemis Spa
- Coffeemaker, basket of coffees, teas and cocoa
- Iron and full size ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Make Up Mirror
- Individual temperature control / air conditioning
- Complimentary Internet access
- CD player/radio/alarm (some with MP3 docking). Selection of CDs.
- In-room DVD players available upon request
- All rooms have private full bath, some with double whirlpool tubs and separate showers
- Most rooms offer gas fireplaces
- One luxury suite is ADA approved, full handicap access
- Nightly candlelit turndown service
Room Rates:
Classic Rooms: $169 - 199 Superior Rooms: $259 Luxury Suites: $335 – 359.00
All rates are per night for 2 people and include afternoon tea & pastries, full candlelit breakfast, turndown service and all gratuities. No tipping is required or expected at the inn. Dinner and pub charges are additional.
~Add $40 in Peak Season: Mid-September to Late October, Christmas/New Year week.
- The Inn consists of two Federal-style buildings. The Main House (circa 1825) houses 14 guestrooms and all common rooms. This includes the Dining Room, Federal Parlor, Sitting Room and The Snooty Fox Pub. The Tavern Building (circa 1795) houses 5 guest rooms. Fireplaces can be found in all common rooms, and all but 4 guestrooms. Throughout the inn, one will find carefully chosen period antiques, some original to the house.
- There are several furnished sundecks and covered porches which capture glorious views of the White Mountains or lovingly tended gardens.
- Rabbit Hill sits on 15 acres of unspoiled countryside. Ten acres are dedicated to wooded trails, ideal for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. A gazebo is set aside the spring fed swimming pond and the popular horseshoe game area. A shuffleboard court sits in the back yard.
- From the front door, guests can wander down a dirt road to the Connecticut River or through the historic White Village of Lower Waterford (population ~ 70 people). Here one will see the quintessential white steeple church, an honor-system library and a handful of homes built over 200 years ago.
- Guests are drawn to the inviting common rooms after a full day of activity. Afternoon tea is served in the Federal Parlor. Handcrafted STAVE puzzles and assorted games lure guests to the sitting room. The Snooty Fox Pub comes alive at 5:30 each evening, offering full bar, wine and champagne selections and local brews.
- Spa Services: In-room massage services are available by reservation
A Vermont country inn dining experience as grand and memorable as the Northern Vermont landscape itself. Award-winning, creative and sophisticated cuisine in an intimate, romantic setting — elegant, yet comfortable and unpretentious.
Candlelit gourmet breakfast is served daily from 8:15 – 9:45 am beginning with a bountiful buffet of fresh baked treats, our famous homemade granola, fruit, yogurts and juices. What follows is a choice of two hot entrees such as apple cheddar crepes in a caramel sauce served with a spinach-orange-pecan salad.
Afternoon Tea and delicate pastries are served in the Federal Parlor from 2:00 - 5:30. In the warmer months, you will also find pitchers of lemonade to be enjoyed on the front porch.
Dinner is served nightly beginning at 6:00pm. Rabbit Hill Inn is known for imaginative New American and Classic cuisine, superlative service, and comfortable elegance. Our chef is passionate about "pasture to plate" sustainable food. He begins with an uncompromising commitment to the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from the best local farms. In season, 90% of all foods are sourced from within 60 miles of the inn. Then he masterfully applies old world and new age techniques, unlimited imagination and artistry, topped with amazing attention to detail. Indescribable passion goes into every dish and the results are extraordinary. With advance notice, our Chef team can prepare special offerings for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions such vegetarian, gluten free, sugar free, or dairy free.
A Variety of Specials & Packages: Rates subject to change.
Romantic Vermont Getaway – Quietude & Romance starting at $530.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Champagne on ice and fine chocolates upon arrival
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- A CD of romantic music to take home
- All gratuities for staff
Stress-Be-Gone Relaxation Package – Rest, Relaxation, and Romance starting at $650.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Red, White, or Rose Wine upon arrival
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner both evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- A CD of calming music along with stress reducer and sleep balm to use here and to take home
- All gratuities for staff
“Do Not Disturb” Romance packages for 3 or 5 Nights also available – starting at $1205.00
Zip Line Adventure Package – Exhilarating zip adventure and romantic luxury, all wrapped up in one package. Starting at $675.00.
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Champagne on ice upon arrival
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two passes to Alpine Adventures Zip Tour
Wild Truck Safari Package - Action-packed off-road adventure combined with romantic luxury – starting at $570.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two passes to Alpine Adventures Zip Tour
- Two Mud Puddle cocktails in the Snooty Fox Pub
Lazy River Paddle Package – Three hours of fun on the water. Starting at $540.00.
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- 3 Hour Kayak or Canoe Use at Clyde River Recreation
- Picnic lunch for two in keepsake thermal bag
Biking In The Kingdom Package – Hit Kingdom Trails for an epic mountain bike experience, return to the inn for well earned relaxation - starting at $529.00.
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Heavenly picnic for two
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two passes & map to the Kingdom Trails (bike rentals avail, not included)
Mountain Top Picnic Package – Great hiking with majestic views atop Cannon Mountain, relax by the waterfalls for a delicious picnic – starting at $535.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Heavenly picnic for two
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two passes to the Cannon Mountain Tramway
Golf & Stay Package – Great Golf, three courses to choose from! Starting at $590.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Heavenly picnic for two
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Golf passes for two (18 holes w/ cart)
Snowmobiling Package – With a trusted guide from Alpine Adventures, conquer varied wintery terrain surrounded by breathtaking vistas – starting at $725.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two hour snowmobile tour (2 individual snowmobiles)
Ski & Stay Package – Take on the outstanding ski trails of Burke Mountain, then relax by the fire back at the Inn. Starts at $579.00
- Two nights in romantic guest room (fireplace, double whirlpool tubs available)
- Full candlelit breakfast and Afternoon tea & pastries
- Intimate dinner on one evening
- Signature turndown service nightly
- All gratuities for staff
- Two full day passes to Burke Mountain
Special Discount Deals – “Hot Dates” discount packages available in off season periods. Be sure to visit site for all current special offers and discount packages.
Area Activities - There is so much to do and see here, from in-room massage torock climbing. It would nearlyimpossible to list everything. We offer you a sample of activities here. Full concierge services are available to create customized day planning for each guest. There are also several online sources which offer further details, area event calendars, and so forth. Visit Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism, NEK Chamber of Commerce, Discover St. Johnsbury, and Vermont Department of Tourism for more inforation.
Long ago, there lived a clever man by the name of Samuel Hodby. It was the late 1700's and hundreds of travelers passed through this very spot. Their journey carried them between the distant north of Montreal, Canada and the bustling American harbors of Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Samuel knew that his land in Lower Waterford, Vermont was the mid-way point on this major trade route. And being a clever entrepreneur, he recognized that the weary tradesmen as well as loggers on the Connecticut River below needed a place to buy provisions, enjoy a bit of ale, and rest bodies tired by the 18 day round trip. And thus began the tradition of hospitality in what was to become Rabbit Hill Inn, and in what was then called the Samuel Hodby Tavern — an actual tavern, general store and provider of overnight lodging.
Noticing such activity in the area, Jonathan Cummings erected his home and workshop right next door to the inn. This structure consisted of 6 rooms – 2 per floor. The shop was located in what is today part of the foyer and all of the front dining room. The year was 1825 and the shop produced wagon wheels and sleigh parts as well as winnowing machines (used for separating grain).
Because it became obvious by the early 1830's that innkeeping was the truly profitable venture, Cummings sold his building to Fred Cross and a Mr. Hale, who had by now purchased the Samuel Hodby Tavern as well.
From that day forward, these buildings have remained as one property. It has run as an inn except for the years 1912 – 1957 when the inn and town buildings underwent restoration and this property was held as a private residence. What follows is a brief chronology of ownership as records reflect:
- 1795 Hodby Tavern & General Store is built
- 1825 Jonathan Cummings builds Main House as his shop & home
- 1832 Nathan Bishop purchases the Cummings home as his private residence
- 1834 Fred Cross & O.G. Hale purchase both houses and open Fred Cross’s Churn, a travelers’ and traders’ inn
- 1840 Cross & Hale enlarge the main portion of the house, adding what is now the Federal Parlor and Sitting Room
- 1844-55 During this period, several innkeepers operate the property as Travelers Home
- 1855 O.D. Hurlbert buys the property and renames it Valley House. The ballroom and carriage wing is added at this time
- 1870 H.A. Bowman purchases the inn. Guests would “summer” here while ferries shuttled them up and down the Connecticut River
- 1873 Bowman sells the inn to his son (or nephew) Edwin, who ran the inn until 1912. He then made it his private home. By this time, the railroad industry was growing and much of the commerce was moving toward St. Johnsbury. No rail lines in Waterford.
- 1919 The property is sold to Mr & Mrs J.W. Davies. Mrs. Davies renames the property Rabbit Hill. Mr. Davies, a philanthropist businessman is thought to have brought the process of homogenization from Europe to the U.S. He operated a creamery in St. Johnsbury. Davies family bought the entire village of Lower Waterford, refurbished all the homes, painted them white with green shutters. Hence, the “White Village of Vermont” becomes the town’s moniker.
- 1957 St. Johnsbury House Hotel acquires the property for use as a summer hotel operating as Rabbit Hill Motor Inn. It was then that the ballroom and carriage house were converted to guestrooms. A neon “MOTEL” sign graced the roof and a sign by the parking lot read: “Good Vermont Food”
- 1968 John & Ruth Carroll purchase the inn and operate it until late 1970’s. A series of innkeepers follow for short periods of time.
- 1980 Eric and Beryl Charlton become innkeepers, adding a new level of charm and hospitality.
- 1987 John and Maureen Magee purchase Rabbit Hill Inn. Major structural restoration and presentation upgrades take the inn to another level of sophistication. AAA Four Diamond rating is bestowed upon the Inn.
- 1994 Brian and Leslie Mulcahy, former inn guests, join the Magees to help manage the property.
- 1997 Brian and Leslie Mulcahy become the owners of Rabbit Hill Inn. They continue to undertake major renovations and systems upgrades. The work in this old house is never done! But through all of its changes, one thing remains the same...warm, sincere, personal hospitality is the hallmark of Rabbit Hill Inn and its innkeepers.
130-word description of Rabbit Hill Inn
This enchanting, romantic hideaway sits on 15 acres of lush countryside in a tiny hamlet between a river and the mountains. Nineteen elegant, unique guest rooms - most with fireplaces, canopy beds, private porches and luxurious bathrooms featuring double whirlpool tubs. Relaxation comes easily in the fireplaced common rooms and the Snooty Fox Pub. The Inn offers exquisite, award-winning dining. The day begins with a full candlelit breakfast. Afternoon tea and pastries is offered each afternoon. In the evening, a memorable dinner is served in our romantic, intimate dining room. A perfect destination getaway year 'round! A 1795 Federal-period inn lavished with love and attention. AAA FOUR DIAMOND rating. "THIS JUST MIGHT BE THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE ON THE PLANET" – ZAGATS. Voted one of the TOP 100 HOTELS WORLDWIDE - Travel + Leisure.
High Resolution images available
Rabbit Hill Inn maintains an extensive photo library of professionally shot high and low resolution images available for publication. Go to Our Media Bank to view several galleries. Password=rabbit. All photos professionally shot by Jumping Rocks photography and Rare Brick.
The Rabbit Hill Inn Experience in VideoThe sanctuary you've been dreaming of awaits you at Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont... Produced by James Kumorek of Spreading Flames Media | |
Breakfast Corn Chowder with Poached EggsThis hearty and delicious breakfast offering is a big hit at Rabbit Hill Inn. | |
Innkeepers talkget to know Rabbit Hill Inn and the innkeepers, Brian and Leslie Mulcahy | |
Travel Video ReviewTravel writers Wendie Hansen and Kaleel Sakakeeny share their thoughts about Rabbit Hill Inn... | |
Today Show – December 23rd, 2011Travel+Leisure Magazine names Rabbit Hill Inn an affordable luxury escape! | |
ABC News Persons of the WeekOur Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway goes national | |
Karen Brown Video
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We are Innkeepers...just some of the reasons why inns and B&Bs are "a better way to stay"! | |
Rabbit Hill Inn in Poetrydeveloped by Rabbit Hill Inn Friend and Fan, Marti Mayne | |
Bloody Mary – Bartending with BrianBartending with Brian... see how we make our special, spicy Bloody Mary. | |
Lemon Drop Martini – Bartending with BrianInnkeeper and resident bartender, Brian, shares his Lemon Drop Martini recipe! | |
Chocolate Martini, Bartending with BrianBartending with Brian... how to make a Chocolate Martini. | |
Southern Comfort Manhattan – Bartending with BrianHere is our twist on an American Classic, the bourbon manhattan. This time we use Southern Comfort.
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Bourbon Old FashionedWatch innkeeper Brian as he "muddles" his ways through this classic cocktail made popular once again by the TV hit Mad Men. |
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