We have stayed at a number or properties in the area but this is our inn of choice. The rooms are comfortable if a bit dated, the inn keepers are great hosts and fabulous cooks and the location is perfect.

Be sure to book dinner during your stay and in summer take advantage of the nearby Dorset Theatre Festival for a great theatre experience.

This is a clean, relaxing, un-fussy place to stay in the elegant and lovely town of Dorset. The best thing about staying here is that, after over-indulging in the fruits of Ray Chen's considerable culinary talents, it's only steps to a comfortable bed, and a few hours until you can return to the dining room for innkeeper Christal's delicious breakfast.

The rooms and interior of the West View Farm could use a face-lift (or two). However, the driving force behind the experience is the restaurant's food, expertly prepared by the chef/owner.

In late June 2008, my husband and I stayed for three nights at the Inn at West View Farm in Dorset, Vermont. The previous year we stayed five miles south at the Barnstead Inn in Manchester, but this year we decided to try out the quaint and quiet town of Dorset. I’m very glad we did! Dorset is such the quintessential New England town – small, charming, and nestled amongst vast acres of trees with mountains rising in the background. Manchester is charming as well, but it caters more to the tourists drawn to its multitude of high end outlets.

I digress, though. Our stay at the Inn at West View Farm in Dorset was lovely and peaceful. We stayed in room 8, which contained a queen sized four-poster bed with two windows that overlooked the side yard. A small seating area with two chairs and a small table is located in front of the windows. One of the windows contains an air-conditioner. There were two dressers and a small closet, so storage space was not an issue. Our en-suite bathroom was well kept and clean during our stay. There is no television in room 8, but that was a benefit to us. It was wonderful to open the windows at night and listen to the sounds of nature, while nestling down to a good book. The alarm clock did have a radio that we would often listen to at night and in the morning. The inn, although it contains a restaurant and can be quite busy at night, was surprisingly quiet. We did not have any disturbances, even when leaving the windows open. It should be noted, however, that we were located at the back of the Inn. I cannot comment on those rooms located directly over the restaurant area.

The common areas, inside and out, were comfortable and numerous. The back patio includes Adirondack style lounge chairs on a raised deck. The covered wrap-around front porch is quite large and includes a number of rocking chairs. The inside common areas include an enclosed sun porch (with television) and a cozy den, complete with fireplace and built-in book shelves that house a multitude of books, magazines, and games. Breakfast was fantastic! I could not get enough of the buttermilk pancakes with bacon and the best butter I’ve tasted this side of the Atlantic.

It’s been said before, but you must have dinner at the Inn at West View Farm at least once during your stay. I had their specialty, the braised short ribs, and my husband had the duck. Both meals were outstanding. Our dessert was a walnut tart with maple ice cream which was absolutely heavenly! Prices are on the high end, but the excellent food and service more than justifies the price.

The innkeeper/owner, Christal, was very pleasant and friendly. She was helpful in giving us advice about the area and things to do. We never met her husband, Raymond, who is also the chef for their restaurant, but we certainly pay him complements for our outstanding meal. My husband and I intend to visit Vermont as often as we can. Dorset and the Inn at West View farm are definitely on future itineraries.