Welcome to Twin Farms
Crisp leaves crunched under the tires of our rental car as we approached the gates of Twin Farms, a luxury escape in the countryside of Barnard, Vermont. Relieved to have navigated our five-hour journey from Brooklyn (us New Yorkers aren’t accustomed to driving long distances), I rolled down my window and pressed the button on the intercom, eager to check into our room and rest.
“Welcome, Samantha! We’ve been waiting for you,” an excited voice greeted us as the gate opened onto a perfectly overgrown driveway. “How did they know it was us?” I asked my friend, Kate, who was in the passenger seat. We slowly pulled in, awing at the fairy-tale forest surrounding us. It was the start of fall, and the landscape was a vibrant canvas of green with bursts of yellow, orange, and red.
A few members of the hotel team greeted us in front of the Main House. “Hungry for lunch?” one asked. “We have a table waiting for you in the Dining Room.” Kate and I exchanged glances, knowing our plans for an afternoon nap would have to wait.
Dining Experience
We informed our waiter we were looking for something light and refreshing, which resulted in honey-drizzled goat cheese paired with fresh greens from the on-site garden. Throughout our meal, we chatted with various team members who shared insight into the must-do activities in the area. Our delicious goat cheese was complemented by a classic Caesar salad topped with grilled salmon, followed by a delectable apple crumble with ice cream and caramel-covered popcorn.
“So, should we go for a hike?” I suggested to Kate as we finished eating. Surprisingly, the locally sourced lunch and engaging conversations with the expert staff felt more rejuvenating than sleeping.
The Twin Farms team was one step ahead of us from the moment we arrived. They anticipated our every need better than we could ourselves, seamlessly customizing our experience. This exceptional service explains why the property is consistently ranked among the best hotels in New England by readers of GoTravelDaily.
At Twin Farms, food plays a central role in the overall experience. The Main Dining Room serves three meals daily, featuring a signature degustation menu focused on Vermont’s finest ingredients. However, the dining options are virtually limitless, as personalization is a key aspect of the farm’s offerings.
Guests can choose to picnic almost anywhere on the estate. On our second day, we opted for a cozy lunch by a fire pit next to the pond. All we needed to do was let the team know where and when we wanted to eat, and the gourmet sandwiches and wraps (with wine pairings, of course) were expertly arranged by the staff, complete with rocking chairs and blankets.
Moreover, the farm has recently introduced another dining venue, Twiggs. This informal eatery serves burgers, stews, and other comfort foods, complementing the elegance of the Main Dining Room. The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes perfect for a casual dining experience.
The opening of Twiggs marks the start of a new chapter for Twin Farms, as it is the first phase of a multiphase renovation plan. Expansions to the Main House terrace will allow for more outdoor dining options, and the iconic Japanese furo (indoor soaking pool) will receive upgrades, including a new rain shower feature. Additional enhancements are in the works.
Twin Farms has been impressing guests with its remarkable service and breathtaking grounds for nearly 30 years. Consequently, the ongoing renovations are poised to elevate the experience even further.
Final Thoughts
The conclusion of any trip can be disappointing, but leaving Twin Farms hit particularly hard. Its home-away-from-home atmosphere creates a place where one could easily contentedly stay for weeks.
Understanding that farewells aren’t easy, the team provides a picnic lunch for the road, complete with local cheese, sandwiches, fruit, dessert, and more. We took turns driving while savoring our final lunch, still impressed by the quality of the ingredients, even after days of enjoying them. (Tip: Don’t miss the takeaway chocolate chip cookies.)
Just as Twin Farms is always a step ahead upon arrival, it remains so as you drive away, ensuring a memorable farewell experience.
