174 Angola Rd, Cornwall
845.534.7136; www.cromwellmanorinn.com
In the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, a mere five miles away from the Military Academy at West Point, stands the historic Cromwell Manor Inn. Completed in 1835 as a luxury home for the Cromwells, a wealthy family hailing from England, this richly detailed historical home on seven rolling acres makes for a sumptuous romantic getaway.
Eileen Hartmann, the current owner, grew up just down the road from the Manor and started making beds there at the age of 14 to earn extra cash. Little did Hartmann know that one day she would come to own the historic site she loved as a child. When the Inn was put up for sale six years ago, she decided to buy it, and has since thoughtfully restored the home to its deserved splendor. She is the true heart and soul behind the Manor, and knows every detail about the building.
There are nine ornately furnished, and newly renovated, guest rooms. Each has a stately name and is uniquely decorated with 19th-century-inspired colors and patterns. You’ll find elegant furnishings, period antiques, and updated modern amenities — it almost feels like you’ve taken a trip back in time and happen to be royalty. All rooms have private baths (some even have clawfoot tubs!) and most rooms have a working fireplace. In addition to the Manor house, there is the 1764 House cottage on the premises with three additional rooms, which is often rented out to families.
The Breakfast
Individual tables are set around the spacious dining room and you’ll be served a home-cooked gourmet breakfast, which may consist of poached pear with whipped cream and drizzled in raspberry sauce, or a plate of warm mini-cinnamon buns followed by a heaping plate of vegetable frittata, russet potato home fries, thick slabs of bacon, a buttery, just-baked croissant, and a bowl of fresh berries. Or it could be multi-grain banana pecan French toast baguette, a favorite among West Point Cadets (cadets who have parents staying at the Inn are welcomed to join them for breakfast, so Hartmann makes extra — especially on family weekends).
Rates: Summer weekend rates start at $190/night; some rooms accommodate pets.
What to Do Nearby
If the weather is nice, head to Storm King Arts Center. It’s only a few miles away and is one of the world’s largest outdoor sculpture parks, stretching more than 500 acres. (1 Museum Rd, New Windsor; 845.534.3115)
Just want to relax? Make an appointment at the Wellness Springs spa. If you don’t feel like driving, the Cromwell Manor can arrange romantic side-by-side massages in your very own room. (489 Rt 32, Highland Mills; 845.928.2898)