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The Mad River Valley and The Pitcher Inn

The Pitcher Inn The Perfect Romantic Getaway Reflecting Vermont’s Rich Heritage

Within this bucolic setting sits a most unusual inn that vibrantly captures the spirit of Vermont, The Pitcher Inn located in the hamlet of Warren.Talk about romantic. This inn is all that the incurable romantic hopes for and more with its chic yet relaxed atmosphere that possesses an unusual whimsical magic.

The inn’s creation was the result of the collaboration of the extraordinary talents of architect David Sellers with a team of skilled architects, artisans, designers, craftspeople and others. On May 8th 1993 a most unfortunate event occurred in Warren when the old Pitcher Inn succumbed to a fire that completely destroyed this landmark building as well as an entire village block wiping out some of the town’s principal historical resources.

Fortunately for the town, the inn was reincarnated, when Winthrop (Win) Smith of Greenwich Connecticut, decided to give something back to the community as a thank you for the success he has enjoyed over the years from his part- ownership interest in Summit Venture, which owns the nearby Sugarbush Resort.

The result was a Relais & Chateaux inn that magnificently personifies selected aspects of Vermont’s heritage, its history, character, environment, sport and/or social structure.

When we first approached the inn, its white clapboard exterior appeared to us as nothing more than a tranquil, unassuming boutique property.We had no idea what awaited us once inside, and boy were we in for a surprise!

After touring the inn, we realized that this magnificent nine- room two- suite property sitting at the edge of a babbling stream adds up to much more than the sum of its parts. It is incredible how each room is an escapist fantasy artistically designed utilizing local native custom-crafted materials and furnishings, some of which were recycled, depicting different aspects of Vermont’s historical and cultural richness.

The 19th century school- room celebrating the one-room schoolhouse, which at one time was the foundation of Vermont’s educational system, comes complete with an original slate blackboard, chalk and erasers.

We had been informed that the blackboard has often been put to good use, wherein the words "will you marry me" have greeted future surprised brides upon their entrance to the room.

There is The Lodge room reflecting Vermont’s social structure, where the Mason’s, Elks, Odd Fellow, Rebecca’s, Easter Star, Grange and others taught values and ethics to Vermonters for centuries. Another room, The Mallard Room, reflects the traditions of water fowling both on Lake Chaplain and Vermont’s inland waters.

The laziest room in the inn, and the one we stayed in, is the Trout Room with its private balcony overlooking a beautiful landscape garden where throughout the day and night you can hear the ever- changing sounds of the Freeman Brook babbling along the side of the inn. The room also comes with a sitting- area and a wood -burning fireplace. We had to confess there was something surreal about this octagonal shaped deluxe room where architectural surprises were prevalent in every nook and cranny.

In the sitting area we discovered a sculptured fly-tying desk complete with all that was necessary to make your own flies. The ceiling overlooking this desk was of cedar planking made similarly to the old guide boats, cruisers and canoes of New England fresh water. We even noticed an antique motor along with a collection of canoe paddles. You could not miss the carved brook trout hanging from the ceiling, and the beams held up by tree trunks.

The king size bed with its fluffy pillows and comforter was constructed from tree trunks originating from the nearby forest and the headboard was carved like fiddlehead ferns. Then there was that stunning oil painting of the well- known artist Levi Wells Prentice of a 19th century camp scene in the Adirondacks adorning one of the walls next to the bed.

Nearly all of the inn’s rooms come with wood burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis and some even with steam showers. In addition, all are equipped with individual air-climate controls, telephones, concealed televisions with VHS player, CD music player, computer and fax hookups.

Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and cookies convenes daily in either the Tracks room, where you will notice the prints of the indigenous animals found in the Mad River Valley or in the Robert Frost Library. When the weather is chilly enough, you will no doubt welcome the warmth of the crackling fire emanating from the fireplaces housed in each of these rooms.

Breakfasts are a real treat here and it includes juices, breads, muffins, choices of eggs, and other goodies that will start you off with a full stomach before tackling some of the many activities that awaits you.

Guests have complimentary access to Trek Mountain and Hybrid Road Bikes including helmets, as well as Mad River ‘Explorer’ Canoe including paddles, selection of life vests and sponge roof pads with straps that will fit automobiles. There is even a room to store hiking, biking and ski equipment as well as a boot and glove warmer. They also have access to the Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club, less than a ten- minute drive from the inn. If your stay is two nights mid-week or three nights weekend, you are also entitled to complimentary golf green fees or lift pass at Sugarbush.

For those seeking beauty or relaxation the Alta Day Spa & Salon located next door to the inn offers a spa, manicures, pedicures, facials, and full body massages.

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