The Millbrook Country House is a treasure, as are the couple who own it. Lorraine was an editor at Gourmet magazine for many years--no wonder her lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast were so yummy. Giancarlo grew up in a villa in Italy, and heirlooms from his family can be found throughout this lovely Federal style home. It's remarkable how the owners have made an extravagantly gilded Baroque headboard, say, or a lampshade embellished with beads that used to adorn a papal vestment work so well in this setting. The Millbrook Country House should be featured in a design magazine with its masterful blending of old and new, and of two cultures. The owners are quite hospitable, and brought me a glass of wine to enjoy this past summer when I visited and sat outside in the garden, and this winter, when I nestled with one of their art books by the fire in their parlor. I look forward to my next visit--it's such an easy and special getaway from NYC.

I have been going to bed and breakfasts for nearly 20 years, and I was extremely disappointed with Millbrook Country House. The Inn is close to the road, and there is a lot of traffic noise. The hallway was dark at night, and I had to turn on the lights for the hall to find my upstairs bedroom. The Inn is also very cold and not very comfortable. I and some of the other guests found the parlors and dining room cold and drafty. The breakfasts were suprisingly skimpy and the food not particularly good. For comfort, ambiance, and food, I would explore many of the other bed and breakfasts in the Hudson River Valley.

Has most of what you expect out of a B&B: beautiful older home, wonderful decor, large comfortable bed. The B&B is a little close to the road, but noise was not an issue once inside. The hosts are very hospital, fun to talk to, but a little short on provisions: breakfast was very good, but small servings, and we practically had to beg for more coffee.

Beautiful garden, where we ate breakfast one morning, friendly and knowledgeable hosts, exquisite furnishings and art that are clearly a reflection of the owners' taste rather than a stage setting. Don't miss it if you're heading to the Hudson River Valley, the Berkshires, or anywhere in between.