History
The Hartness House was built in 1904 as a Victorian mansion by the former Governor of Vermont, James Hartness. Guests can stay in the original mansion, in one of the uniquely decorated rooms, or in one of the wings that were later added on with a more contemporary style. The inn has a newly renovated restaurant on-site, where the Executive Chef puts a bold twist on traditional flavors utilizing local ingredients. Our menu offerings proudly feature meats and produce from area farms. On the front lawn to the left of our entrance can be seen the Hartness Equatorial Turret Telescope, built in 1910, which was one of the first tracking telescopes in America. The telescope is accessed via underground tunnels that run under the inn. Join in on a Tunnel Tour to experience the tunnels, telescope museum, and the first turret telescope itself.
Specialties
The Tavern at Hartness House is a newly renovated restaurant located inside The Hartness House. Our Executive Chef, Ben Minifie, puts a bold twist on traditional flavors utilizing local ingredients. The Tavern is committed to serving food grown or produced in our beautiful state of Vermont. Our menu offerings proudly feature meats, dairy, and produce from area farms including Deep Meadow Farm (Ascutney, VT), Springmore Farm (Baltimore, VT), Cherry Hill Farm (Springfield, VT), Wood's Cider Mill (Weathersfield, VT), Zed's Eggs (Weathersfield, VT), and Black River Meats (Springfield, VT). The menu features a few signature dishes that will always be offered, in addition to entree items that change every few weeks as we get the freshest ingredients from our farmers. Our farms and local producers change with the seasons and availability. The Hartness House is a historic inn offering accommodations with 40 rooms, all with private baths, and modern hotel amenities. Small enough for intimate romantic getaway weekends and B&B vacation, yet large enough to be ideal for weddings, family reunions, and more.