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Pure american charm
March 05, 2026
Christine Chitnis
HouseIn New England, the past isn’t merely remembered–it’s lived. It lingers in the salt air that rolls off the Atlantic, whispers from clapboard cottages and old stone walls, and flourishes in the legacy of fabled inns that have sheltered generations.
10 min
There's a certain magic to New England
It lies in the relatively small size of the states, the diversity of their landscapes, and the deeply rooted heritage of the region and its people. This is, after all, the birthplace of the American Revolution, where Gilded Age mansions in coastal towns, such as Newport, stand just miles from the site of the nation’s first act of colonial defiance. Nowhere else captures nostalgic Americana quite like this corner of the country, where history remains part of daily life.Threaded through this storied panorama are a number of charming Relais & Châteaux properties. As the nation commemorates 250 years of independence, these coastal sanctuaries seem to echo its founding ideals: freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the beauty of a life well-lived.But the region’s legacy of innovation isn’t confined to the past. From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s game-changing inventions to Harvard’s world-leading research, New England remains a place where ideas spark revolutions, just as they did in 1775. This modern-day spirit of ingenuity adds another dimension to the region’s enduring charm, a reminder that progress and preservation can coexist beautifully.
A sanctuary by the sea - Castle Hill Inn, Newport, RI, USA
Castle Hill Inn sits on a 40-acre/16-hectare peninsula in Newport, Rhode Island. Built in 1875 by Harvard University marine biologist and oceanographer Alexander Agassiz, the mansion-turned-inn embodies the pioneering spirit of America’s early scientific minds. Alexander, a Swiss immigrant, was a passionate advocate for oceanic exploration who invited students to this seaside retreat each summer, creating a living laboratory against the backdrop of crashing surf. Today, guests experience that same legacy of curiosity and connection to the sea. Surrounded by water on three sides, every room–whether in the stately Agassiz Mansion or its beach cottages–offers an ocean view. In summer, The Lawn becomes a lively gathering place to sip cocktails and savor lobster rolls as sailboats glide across Narragansett Bay. Dining at Aurelia–named after Agassiz’s favorite moon jellyfish–is to taste the inn’s very surroundings. A six-course tasting menu draws inspiration from nearby land- and seascapes, with many ingredients sourced from its own kitchen garden. Conservation is integral to the inn’s mission: the property’s substantial stretch of pristine coastline is carefully protected in partnership with the state’s Coastal Resources Management Commission.
Sailing into a gilded dream - Ocean House, Watch Hill, RI, USA
Set high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Ocean House commands sweeping views of the Atlantic, its butter-yellow facade and deep verandas a symbol of coastal elegance for over 150 years. Having first opened in 1868, the grand Victorian hotel became a beloved seaside retreat. Although carefully renovated in 2010, more than 5,000 artifacts were preserved and reinstated–nurturing its soul while embracing contemporary style. Life here moves with the seasons. In summer: sailing, fishing, beachcombing, and cocktails on the lawn at sunset. Come fall, the landscape turns golden, and families gather for cider by the fire. This rhythm reflects a deep connection to the land, sea, and maritime lore. Nowhere is that bond more evident than in regatta culture. Since 1935, the Off Soundings Club has upheld a tradition of sailboat racing. Each spring, nearly 100 boats race from Watch Hill Light house to Block Island. Guests can watch the fleet sweep across the sound in a dramatic display of skill–and book their own sailing excursion. Maritime craftsmanship is echoed throughout the property, from curated seascapes to the gleaming woodwork of the Morgan Suite, where ten coats of varnish recall the gleaming finish of finely crafted yacht interiors.
Where nature and nostalgia meet - Weekapaug Inn, Westerly, RI, USA
The story of Weekapaug Inn begins in 1899, when the Buffum family first welcomed vacationers to this serene corner of Westerly, Rhode Island. The inn’s Cape Cod-style architecture, antique furnishings, local art, and rich woodwork reflect New England’s elegant restraint–softened by warm textiles, natural light, and thoughtful modern touches. Set along Quonochontaug Pond, separated from the ocean by a barrier beach, nature is the main character. Guests wake to lapping water and the call of shorebirds, then paddle the pond or stroll the windswept beach. Time-honored rituals shape the day: sailing in summer, birdwatching in spring and fall, fireside board games in winter.The inn’s lawn is more than a view–it’s an outdoor living room. Adirondack chairs invite lingering. Families gather to play bocce, their laughter drifting over the water. Shuffleboard courts echo with the clack of pucks, a scene from a bygone era. Indoors, handcrafted puzzles–brainy jigsaws once favored by the likes of Carnegie and Rockefeller– continue the fun. “By embracing these traditional games,” says Daniel Abrashoff, General Manager, “we offer guests a chance to reconnect with each other in a way that feels meaningful, reinforcing the importance of family time and leisure in today’s busy world.”
A fresh take on foraging - Chatham Inn, Chatham, MA, USA
Set at the bend of Main Street in Chatham, Massachusetts, Chatham Inn welcomes guests just as it has for nearly two centuries–graciously, thoughtfully, and always with a sense of place. Established in 1830, it is Cape Cod’s oldest continually operating inn.In the 19th century, as the rise of leisure travel transformed the coast into a destination, Chatham Inn emerged as a new kind of accommodation. More than a stopover, it became a place to linger–where finely appointed guest rooms, attentive service, and elegant meals marked a turning point in American hospitality, a legacy that continues today. “The Victorian era redefined what it meant to travel well,” says innkeeper Una Stojkovic. The inn’s historic architecture evokes a quieter time, yet the experience is current. The dining room and wine bar are home to one of the Cape’s most innovative culinary programs. At Cuvée, Executive Chef Bronson Waguespack draws from land and sea. Foraging, once a necessity for early settlers and seafarers, is now a celebrated culinary practice. His team works with local foragers to source everything from blue spruce tips, juniper berries, and ramps (or wild garlic) to stinging nettles and honeysuckle, crafting dishes that taste of Cape Cod itself.
Fishing, feasting, and island life - The Wauwinet, Nantucket, MA, USA
On a narrow spit of land where the Atlantic meets Nantucket Bay, The Wauwinet–named for the Wampanoag chief who once ruled this land–stands as a sentinel to the sea. Since 1875, this remote outpost on Nantucket island’s eastern shore has welcomed travelers seeking solitude and salt air. In its early days, visitors arrived by boat, drawn by the promise of fresh fish, lobster, clambakes, bay breezes, and unspoiled beaches. Today, that legacy lives on in everything from its cedar-shingled facade to the menu at TOPPER’S, where the day’s catch likely comes from the waters outside the window. The inn’s unique location–flanked by both the open ocean and calm Nantucket Bay waters–offers rare access to some of the region’s best fishing grounds. Guests can join Captain Rob McMullen aboard the Wauwinet Lady for a guided excursion, embark on a deep-sea adventure, or cast a line straight from the shoreline at dawn. Back at Topper’s, those same waters inspire the menu. Chef Kyle Zachary highlights the Atlantic bluefish, its richness balanced by a bright escabèche of vinegar and crisp vegetables. Freshly caught oysters, clams, and prized Nantucket Bay scallops round out a menu that celebrates the sea’s bounty–elegant, unfussy, and deeply rooted in place.
Following in the footsteps of freedom - Inn at Hastings Park, Lexington, MA, USA
Just steps from Lexington Battle Green–where the first shots from the American Revolution rang out on April 19, 1775–Inn at Hastings Park is a living monument to the ideals that shaped a nation. Occupying three carefully restored 19th-century buildings, comprising the Main House, the Isaac Mulliken House, and the Barn, the Inn exudes a graceful blend of federal sophistication and contemporary comfort. From its name to its ethos, the inn honors its revolutionary roots. Guests can retrace the midnight ride of Paul Revere, stand on the Battle Green where colonial militia first faced British troops and the ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ was fired, or sip a cocktail just minutes from Buckman Tavern and Munroe Tavern, where patriots once debated the promise of a new republic. The inn partners with historians, museums, and historical reenactors to offer curated tours, living-history events, and immersive storytelling that bring the past to life. “And it is not just about Lexington,” explains proprietor Trisha Pérez Kennealy. “Our close proximity to Concord, Cambridge, Boston, Salem, and Plymouth makes the inn an ideal base for exploring everything this region has to offer from different eras in our country’s history.”
The quiet charm of another era - The Charlotte Inn, Edgartown, MA, USA
Step through the ivy-covered gates of The Charlotte Inn and enter another era–a world of breathtaking Edwardian grace and meticulous detail. Tucked down a quiet lane in Edgartown on iconic Massachusetts island Martha’s Vineyard, the inn feels more like a private manor than a hotel. Originally a series of restored Edwardian buildings, this Relais & Châteaux USAproperty reflects the essence of American craftsmanship. Since transforming into a hospitality gem, The Charlotte Inn has maintained the elegance of a bygone era while ensuring modern comforts are seamlessly integrated into the guest experience. Each room is distinct, adorned with antique furnishings, period lighting, soothing wallpaper, and curated art evoking the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, decor immerses guests in the story of the region. Maritime paintings nod to the island’s seafaring past. Heirloom clocks tick softly. Shelves brim with vintage books in fire-warmed sitting rooms. Many pieces–whether a carved writing desk or a framed portrait–were acquired with the same care and attention an art historian might apply to a private collection. Outside, manicured gardens extend the theme. Wrought-iron terraces, boxwood-lined paths, and climbing roses offer a serene backdrop for afternoon tea or a glass of wine–like an exquisite English country house, but with plenty of New England soul.
March 05, 2026
Christine Chitnis
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