Jackson House Inn, Woodstock Vermont USA

When looking for a place to stay in Vermont, I honestly didn’t know what I was looking for until I found Jackson House Inn in Woodstock, VT. I spent a lot of time researching the best Bnbs and Inn’s in Vermont and spent my time comparing them all in great detail.

When I came across The Inn online - it was the deciding factor that actually led me to choose the town of Woodstock, VT as our Christmas destination! We only had three days to explore and since we were going to be away from home and on our own for Christmas day, we were determined to make our trip as enjoyable as possible to minimise our homesickness. With literally flawless reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, I knew I had found something special.

It seemed (judging by the amount of research I did online) that what made The Jackson House Inn such a special place were the Innkeepers – Chris and Matthew.

Ok, let’s review.

The Inn

When I thought of New England and this region of the US, the Jackson House Inn is exactly what I imagined every house to look like. I felt like I was in some kind of American Christmas film and I had just returned to my hometown to visit my crazy extended family for the holidays! Anyway, for a couple of Australians, we were just so in awe of how beautiful this house was. The Inn was built in 1890 as a private residence and it's now a part of the National Register of Historic Places in Vermont. This is one of the most magnificent homes we’ve ever stepped foot in. It is built in Queen Anne style and features superbly crafted woodwork and beautifully laid floors that have been executed in cherry, maple, oak, and pine.

Every room of the Inn was beautiful. All the shared spaces had thoughtful touches and stunning furniture. There is a games room with 24hr tea and coffee available as well as a few sitting rooms to lounge around in and an amazing fireplace. At the time of our visit, the whole Inn was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The huge breakfast room has panoramic views of the gardens and there is a great bar area. We loved having a G&T here during our stay - spending time talking with Matthew. The whole Inn is elegant and although you feel at home, you feel like you’re probably their favourite guest too.

The house is surrounded by gardens that are perfect for walking and relaxing in. We went on a Christmas day walk through the snow to the end of the property and there is a pond that I’m sure is beautiful to sit by during the summer but it was completely frozen when we were there. For us – that is very exciting! The property seems to have privacy on all sides besides a few horses here and there – once again for us, that is very exciting! Let’s not forget the chickens! The whole Inn is just so peaceful and calm. A place we still think of often.

The Rooms

We stayed in the Mary Todd Lincoln room (she stayed here!) – one of the Inn’s classic rooms. It was perfect for us. The room had a lovely little view of the garden and was right at the top of the stairs. All the rooms were very private. I don’t even know where the rest of the rooms are – besides the one across the hall from ours. The Inn offers five classic rooms ranging between $199 - $314USD a night and six suites ranging between $249 - $434USD a night depending on when you’ll be visiting. All the rates include a full breakfast – which we’ll get to in a minute.

The Food

I think this is ok to admit but reading all the reviews online about the breakfasts is honestly what confirmed for me that this was the right place to stay.

From the first review I read, I got the feeling that the breakfasts at The Jackson House Inn were a significant experience. This is definitely true. The breakfast is always three courses and it’s different every day, Served with fresh filter coffee in the most beautiful mugs ever (we’ll link them below!) and local Vermont Apple cider. Chris’s food is so intricately prepared and with so much pride. He is a wonderful chef and person. We were so thankful for everything he did for us.

I have a gluten intolerance and Chris would prepare gluten-free alternatives just for me in the morning. One morning the first course for everyone was an apple and cinnamon muffin. I assumed, as usual, I would have something a little bit more gluten-friendly – like a banana or maybe nothing (that’s what I’d be used to at regular hotels or restaurants) but there it was - a gluten-free, freshly baked, still warm, apple cinnamon muffin on my plate. He made ONE gluten-free muffin, just for me. The way to my heart is with food.

In the evening there are freshly baked treats waiting for the guests just to the left of the entrance. I would come back to the Inn at night or sneak down the stairs from our room to find a little bag on the table with my name on it full of gluten-free goodies. I think about the gluten-free cookies often. Thank you, Chris.

ALSO by 7 am there is fresh coffee waiting for you downstairs. Fill up a cup or ten and take it back to your room before joining everyone for breakfast.

The People

Both Chris and Matthew were the most wonderful Innkeepers. All those little touches mentioned in the rest of this review is really what made this place special. The out of the way gluten-free baking, attention to detail, great conversations at the bar to always smiling and welcoming you back every single day. The Jackson House Inn has a reputation for all the years it’s been hosting guests and it seems that it's one big tradition has been its Innkeepers. Chris and Matthew uphold this tradition. They are the Jackson House Inn and they are the reason you can be certain that you will love your stay here.