Comprising four boutique properties overlooking Cayuga Lake (yes, the sunsets are as gorgeous as you’d expect), the Inns of Aurora eschew all of your floral-wallpapered expectations. Owned and designed by American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland — who attended nearby Wells College — each property has a unique personality that blends historic charm with modern design aesthetic.
Aurora Inn (above) one of four lakeside boutique inns, and Rowland House details (below).
Wallcourt Hall, the newest of the four properties, boasts an unexpected mix of graphic, black-and-white patterns and pops of bright orange. E.B. Morgan House, the former residence of the New York Times’ original investor, preserves its historic mantles but keeps the space contemporary with hot-pink textiles and bold works of modern art from Rowland’s extensive collection (you’ll find pieces in each of the four inns). Rowland House decks out the common spaces in a nautical-chic palate, while Aurora Inn, the Federalist-style main building, is the most traditional of the bunch. Don’t miss dinner at the latter, where Chef Patrick Higgins serves artistically plated, locally sourced food in the romantic dining room or on the terrace with the lake as your view.
Summer weekend rates from $300/night; www.innsofaurora.com
