Walking onto the property of The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa is like stepping into a simple, elegant past. As I lingered over the bursts of summer flowers dotted throughout the Brandywine Valley landscape, I longed for a lace parasol to twirl and a petticoat-lined linen day dress to wear. Instead, I wore a summer sandal black sundress, and SPF 30, which was perfect attire for spending a lovely afternoon walking among the meticulously maintained buildings on the property.
The Inn at Montchanin Village is just that—a tiny village established in 1840 mainly as a settlement for laborers working at the duPont powder mills. The Inn, named after Anne Alexandrine de Montchanin, the mother of Pierre Samuel duPont Nemours, consists of 11 buildings laced together by delightful gardens. In the past, the buildings functioned as a true working village and boasted a schoolhouse, post office, residences, blacksmith shop and even a train station. Today, those buildings have been breathtakingly transformed into 28 unique guest rooms by current owners (and members of the DuPont family) Dan and Missy Lickle.
Andrew Braune, Sales and Marketing Director for The Inn, took me on a detailed walk through the quaint 19th century hamlet. So grab your parasol and prepare to stroll with Andrew and I as we discover how the past and present collide harmoniously in this lovely village.
Let’s take the tour!
Guest Rooms
Andrew graciously took me to several guest rooms on my tour. Each unique room dripped with details. The furnishings displayed traditional flair, but with that ever-present nod to the past.
During restoration, the Lickle family did right by Montchanin. They transformed each part while still respecting the former village’s deep historical roots. Original stone walls, rustic but refinished staircases and tasteful artwork add to each room’s charm.
Not surprisingly, even the rooms’ bathrooms show an eye for detail. As an homage to Missy Lickle’s love for cows (according to Andrew, she grew up with her own) and Dan Lickle’s affinity for crows, you’ll find a “cow bird” tile nestled somewhere along the marble luxury surrounding a deep, soaking tub.
Many rooms boast their own fireplaces, porches and gardens. No matter the season, I’d love to curl up on a front porch with a good book or relax by a stone fireplace with red wine in hand.
Privy Lane
When the original settlement of Montchanin was established, indoor plumbing was yet to be a common convenience, so this sweet little lane served a very necessary purpose—accommodating the latrines (or privies) of the village’s residents. Now, Privy Lane provides a pretty walking path, and the neatly rowed latrine structures serve as a reminder of the past.
Krazy Kat’s
Any tour of The Inn needs to include lunch at Krazy Kat’s, the restaurant in residence. According to my tour guide Andrew, Krazy Kat’s was named after a woman who used to live on the ground floor of the blacksmith shop, where the restaurant now resides. Owner Missy Lickle’s grandmother used to say the woman was “one crazy cat.” (Andrew says she owned dogs, but no cats.)
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Krazy Kat’s is open to the public while also catering to those lucky enough to be staying at The Inn. The menu is just like The Inn—whimsical, elegant and eclectic.
Seeing as summer’s bounty was in full swing during my tour, I ordered two salads to start. The Beets and Blossoms salad bursted with both flavor and all the right textures. The fried squash blossoms were crunchy on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside, while the arugula offered a peppery bite to go with the subtle sweetness of fresh, roasted gold and red beets.
As my entree, I ordered the crab cakes. The cakes were filled with jumbo lump crab meat and that’s pretty much it, which is a delightfully decadent way to enjoy this traditional menu item.
There’s nothing crazy about the fine dining, seasonally changing menu and award-winning wine list at Krazy Kat’s. But perhaps the dining room could be considered a little crazy (in a krazy-good way, of course). The ambiance is warm and cozy, and the decor is unique. Formal portraits of cats in military garb line the walls, right alongside original rings that served as hitches. Leopard print linens complete the whimsical look.
Gardens
The cottage-style gardens that wind through the property are both delicate and robust. One detail of the gardens that had me smiling throughout the whole tour is quotes and sayings found in unexpected places. Some are inspirational:
Some are wise:
And some offer deepest truth:
The meandering garden paths are just as inspirational as the sayings. Overflowing with greenery and flowers, private spots to sit and contemplate or have an intimate conversation abound.
The gardens even have their own “Stonehenge”!
The Spa
Open to guests and the public alike, The Spa offers massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and facials in a peaceful environment. I can think of no better setting to enjoy a leisurely spa treatment along with a special spa menu offered from Krazy Kat’s.
While the treatment rooms are newer than the rest of The Inn, they blend seamlessly. A wooden door in one of the massage rooms was fashioned from reclaimed wood and custom fit to blend with an original stone wall.
The Crow’s Nest
Sitting above Krazy Kat’s is The Crow’s Nest, a large room suitable for any private party. “We host luncheons, birthday parties, and even small wedding dinners up here,” Andrew explained.
Historic details aren’t missing from The Crow’s Nest, which sits above the former blacksmith shop (now Krazy Kat’s). One entrance to The Crow’s Nest comes at the end of a long lane where carriages used to be driven in and stored.
The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and for good reason. While the property is certainly grounded in a rich past, modernity is found in every detail. From the garden pathways to the marble baths to each room’s custom furnishings, the 28 guest rooms and suites at The Inn will inspire awe in any modern-day traveler.
Check-in is located in the stunning Dilwyne Barn. Make sure to tell Andrew I said hello!
Find The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa at Route 100 and Kirk Road in Montchanin, Delaware.
- Photography: Rachel Knapp
