The Homestead, Madison: A Jewel In The Connecticut Crown
The Homestead Experience
Operated by the Guardiano family for over thirty years in one form or another, Ralph currently runs this boutique inn. The public areas contain a large amount of memorabilia, collected over the years by Ralph during his global travels, including my personal favorites, several vintage film cameras!
I was greeted on arrival by general manager Ellen (who had called me the day before to ensure my stay was tailor made for me, including a personal choice of music—you will learn why later) and Ralph’s buddy, his dog and chief greeter, Heartman!
I was shown around the property and Ellen told me all about the 24-hour tea, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, water, juices and sodas that are available and what to expect for the homemade continental breakfast every morning.
A Luxurious Stay
The rooms at The Homestead are astonishing, the attention to detail is exceptional and the finishing touches are out of this world: From the 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, luxurious pillows and heavenly mattresses, to each room having a record player (remember that personal choice of music—yes, vinyl albums of music I liked). The showers are magnificent, the one attached to my room was a double shower stall and in keeping with every room, it came equipped with a luxury spa effect high-pressure shower head infused with vitamins C and E. Other luxuries include the bidet and a great touch—a towel warmer!
There are 11 rooms in all, located on two floors and four of those are pet friendly with dogs under 30lbs being accepted in those rooms for a small daily fee.
Dining & Exploration
On Ralph’s recommendation, that evening I dined at Café Allegre in downtown Madison. The restaurant is a delightful Italian/Mediterranean offering a very tasty selection of dishes. That evening, I had a bean and escarole soup, chicken marsala and the biggest slice of cheesecake I have ever had in my life!! That night, I slept beautifully, cocooned in those one thousand thread count sheets!
After a wonderful homemade breakfast of fresh fruit, quiche, yogurt, locally supplied tea and an espresso, I ventured off to explore Madison and the beaches.
Downtown Madison is typical New England and is named for the 4th president of the United States, James Madison and includes several historic buildings and churches, including the First Congregational Church of Madison, a much photographed and well-known sight.
After a walk around, I headed off to look around the beaches, to spend some time at the Meigs Point Nature Center and watch the birdlife while walking around Hammonasset Beach State Park on the well maintained trails. There are nesting ospreys, lots of nesting sites for tree swallows and an active nesting area for purple martins, I certainly had plenty to photograph!
Exceptional Hospitality
Back at The Homestead later that afternoon, I met up with Ralph for a truly fascinating chat and found out that he had learned a great deal about the hospitality business from the late South African hotel and resort magnate, Sol Kerzner and that certainly shows in this wonderful establishment. Ralph is an incredible host and his staff are super friendly, going out of their way to make a stay the very best experience.
For charm, amenities, comfort, attention to detail and good old-fashioned genuine hospitality, The Homestead is right at the top of the list, a place that you will visit and want to keep going back to, time after time!
