A quick weekend getaway to New Hope is all it takes to become refreshed of the mind, body and spirit. My husband and I headed out to The Inn at Bowman’s Hill and were able to forget our cares while staying at one of the most beautiful properties Bucks County has to offer. The drive itself was tranquil, and upon arrival at Bowman’s Hill, we had passed Washington Crossing, Crossing Vineyards Winery and Bowman’s Tavern.
From the moment we entered the iron-gated driveway and approached the large, bucolic main building of The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, a feeling of luxury and exclusivity surrounded us. We parked in the courtyard and walked in, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet.
The Inn at Bowman’s Hill is the proud winner of the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award, the only AAA 4-Diamond/5-Diamond property in all of Bucks County. The Inn is a perfect place to host a wedding or a birthday, engagement or anniversary party, as well as business meetings or team building events in the large boardroom. It can accommodate any occasion where luxury, peace and fine food is desired.
The property features eight guest rooms and suites, all with soaking tubs for two, feather beds, fireplaces and heated towel racks, plus amazing views of the gardens, the fountain and the peaceful backyard. There’s a carriage house and adjacent suites, all with great courtyard views. Our room, the penthouse in the main house, was gorgeous, with high ceilings, lots of windows and a king-size bed. Another room led out to our private balcony with a television and a couch, a window seat and the view of the entire estate, including the pool. The well-appointed marble bathroom included an expansive soaking tub and a separate shower.
What makes The Inn so special is its attention to detail and comfort. A bottle of champagne was specially placed for us in the mini-fridge outside our suite, with water, cheeses and crackers. The pool‘s sparkling water was enticing, and we both headed to the lush backyard and pool and flagstone area. After a swim and a dunk in the hot tub, we prepared for dinner.
Upon arrival, we received a gift card to Bowman’s Tavern down the street (The Inn at Bowman’s Hill is not affiliated with Bowman’s Tavern). The ambiance in this tavern is great, with live music, fresh seasonal food and friendly faces. We split the truffle mac and cheese made with creamy cheddar and Parmesan, and then enjoyed the chicken and root veggie pot pie, scallops over butternut squash grits and sauteed wild mushrooms. The seasonal menu also featured grass-fed burgers, fresh seafood and soups and salads, all with creative flair. Dessert was local berry cobbler and cheesecake.
We headed back to The Inn and, after a soak in the Jacuzzi, settled in for the night dreaming of the traditional English breakfast the next morning. We awoke and watched the sunrise while enjoying coffee on the balcony. Then we ambled to the dining room on the main floor of the house. The dining room, kitchen, conservatory and patio all looked gorgeous in the morning light. Owner Michael J. Amery greeted us like family and offered us coffee and fresh juices, yogurt and fresh-made granola and fresh berry muffins.
Anastacio, the resident chef, created fantastic fresh, fluffy, soufflé-style omelets with eggs from The Inn’s own chickens, as well as the traditional English breakfast of scrambled eggs with grilled potatoes and tomatoes, beans, bacon and sausage. Pancakes were on offer, too, but we couldn’t eat another bite.
After breakfast, we strolled around the grounds, walking past the fountain and the chicken coop, though the courtyard and then back upstairs to repack and head home. We were furnished with water before leaving, and off we went. Had there been more time, we would have gone sightseeing.
Our stay seemed so short, but we vowed to come back very soon for the holidays!
Find the The Inn at Bowman’s Hill at 518 Lurgan Rd. in New Hope; phone (215) 862-8090.
- Photos: Christine Tarlecki
One Comment