Modern with luxurious linens and ample amenities. No, historic and charming with the ability to transport me back to simpler times. This is an internal debate I have with myself often as I research inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels around the country and in Vermont to book for our getaways.

Depending on my mood, I can find a room that resembles Grandma’s attic cozy and welcoming, but at other times, I want to soak in an oversized jet tub next to a fireplace with crisp white linens and not an antique (or worse—a doily) in sight.

There aren’t many lodging options in Vermont that offer guests both of these distinct experiences on the same property without feeling disjointed or inauthentic. The Jackson House Inn, located off of Route 4 and just east of the Woodstock village in Windsor County, has managed to offer guests a choose-your-own lodging experience with a beautiful blend of new and aged that offers something for everyone.

The Jackson House Inn, Woodstock, Vermont
When New Jersey natives Kathy and Rick Terwelp bought the Jackson House Inn in 2010, their goal was to reimagine the historic inn and rejuvenate the space with many updates to the property, both inside and out. The Woodstock bed and breakfast is a perfect blend of warmth and refinement, which was Kathy and Rick’s goal, and is a good match for the shire town of Woodstock. When meeting Kathy and Rick, it was hard to believe that the Jackson House was their first foray into hospitality, previously working in the financial and education sectors. The warmth they both exude matches the interior of the space, now almost fully renovated and redesigned since 2010, with rooms that are each distinct yet tie into to the central aesthetic in the home.

The Jackson House dates back to 1890, when it was a private residence, built in the Queen Anne style. In 1940, the stately home was purchased by Robert and Christine Jackson who opened a nine-room guesthouse called the Seven Maples, and has gone through a host of owners since then. In 1993, the inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The hints of original stained glass around the property, along with the gorgeous wooden floors in the main part of the house, show the building’s age and history. The historic part of the house is flanked by tasteful new additions, including an oversized breakfast room, welcoming bar and a wing with one-bedroom modern suites.

Room Recommendations at the Jackson House Inn:
Depending on your lodging preferences, you could opt for a room like the Mary Todd Lincoln ($189 – $259 per night) in the original part of the home, complete with marble-topped tables, a Victorian wooden bed and antiques lining the shelves. Or, if you prefer more modern accommodations, a one-room suite like the Christine Jackson room, ($229 – $359 per night) with a squishy king-sized bed, large doors opening up onto the back of the property, an oversized jacuzzi and a gas fireplace, might suit you. Kathy offered us a choice of both rooms as the inn was quiet during our mud-season stay. We chose the Christine Jackson since it was more spacious and had a big tub for soaking. It was spotless and the bed was one of the comfiest we’ve experienced at a hotel in Vermont.

I happen to be a terrible sleeper, and even with two Advil PMs, even the smallest noises or tiniest bursts of light disturb my sweet slumber. If you like to sleep in or are a light sleeper like me, I would opt against staying in the Christine Jackson which, although beautiful, is directly inside the entrance to the modern wing of the house. It is also next to where Vermont Coffee Company coffee magically presents itself at 7am in the morning. The good? Coffee is only a few steps from bed! The bad? Footsteps, whispers and clink-clanking of spoons in mugs. If you like to sleep in, choose a room upstairs or in the older part of the house. I have to say that I was extremely excited to see that the Christine Jackson Suite is accessible! Not many historic inns are able to offer ADA-accessible rooms, which made me love the Jackson House Inn even more.

The Food at the Jackson House Inn
I really considered writing only about the food when covering the Jackson House Inn. It was that spectacular and hands-down the best breakfast we’ve had in Vermont. The excellence of our meal also says a lot about the inn itself and the passion that Kathy and Rick bring to their business and home. When talking with Rick about his past, I asked about his experience as a chef. He promptly corrected me and said he was only a “cook,” and had never prepared food professionally before purchasing the Jackson House. It was quickly apparent that the local ingredients in Vermont inspire Rick. He joked with me that he wanted to be on my 2015 list of our top meals in Vermont, and he be will certainly be there for not only his flawless breakfast courses, but also the genuine joy he exudes when sharing details of his creative and well-executed breakfast preparations.

Winter Grapefruit Salad

The first course was a twist on a winter fruit salad with grapefruit segments topped with a reduction of squeezed grapefruit juice, local honey and orange bitters that Rick perfected himself, along with juniper berries, sprigs of fresh rosemary and a lightly fried croquette of Vermont goat cheese tossed in herbs. The creaminess of the soft and savory goat cheese paired with the citrus was a fantastic pairing. I practically licked up ever last drop of the unique and heavenly broth.

A Modern Twist on Welsh Rarebit

The second course was a sexier, refined version of Welsh Rarebit, a dish of melted cheese served over bread that we had often for dinner as a kid. Rick blended three varieties of Plymouth Artisan Cheeses with veggie broth to make a luxurious cheese sauce that wasn’t too over-the-top heavy. He added blue cheese to achieve the umami flavor that Worcestershire sauce adds to Welsh Rarebit—a great substitution. He also added candied walnut and pepper-crusted bacon to the dish, along with roasted grape tomatoes and raw onions, atop bite-sized slices of toast. It was phenomenal. (He also remembered that Randy was a vegetarian and omitted the bacon without us needing to remind them… which doesn’t happen often!) I would stay back at the Jackson House Inn again during a Woodstock getaway, even if just for the breakfast. It was that good and keeps me thinking about visiting again soon.

Tips for Visiting Jackson House Inn, Woodstock, Vermont:

• If you’re considering one of the Classic Rooms, go for the Thorn Birds. It’s on the smaller side, but faces the back of the property and has a super high bed, which reminds me of vacations as a kid. The antique brass-and-iron bed is something to see!
• Ask Kathy and Rick for their restaurant suggestions in the area. When we couldn’t get a last-minute reservation at Osteria Pane e Salute and the Prince and the Pauper turned me off with their lack of even one vegetarian entrée option, Kathy came to the rescue. She recommended the Simon Pearce Restaurant just eight miles down the road in Quechee. It was fabulous. Read all about it here.
• Don’t miss the Red Kite salted caramels waiting for you when you check into your room. I have a very open love affair with Red Kite candy, and I loved to see the Jackson House sharing these Vermont-made caramels. I also was so glad to see that the Jackson House features Whisper Hill Bath & Body products (there’s a shop in Quechee, Vermont, close by if you want to buy your own to take home!).
• Although visiting in the winter will give you access to Killington and Okemo just a short drive down the road, I would suggest making the Jackson House Inn and Woodstock a summer getaway destination. The Jackson House property has a freshwater pond, English gardens and old-growth trees that make the perfect scenery for a leisurely summer stroll.

The Jackson House Inn
43 Senior Ln, Woodstock, VT 05091
Phone: (802) 457-2065
info@jacksonhouse.com

*Disclaimer: We received a complimentary night’s stay at the Jackson House Inn in order to review the bed and breakfast in Woodstock, Vermont.