August 4, 2007
I confess to being a budget-oriented traveler. I travel alone most of the time and need little space. I love being on the road and often stretch out my time and, by default, my funds, as well. But occasionally, I have the opportunity to pair up with my east coast childhood friend and split expenses, which allows a step up the ladder in booking accommodations. This is how I ended up falling into the lap of luxury for a night in Bucks County, PA.
The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm sits on over one hundred acres of peace and tranquility just a jog down the road from picturesque New Hope, PA. Located in and around a 1740 stone manor are sixteen exquisite suites, each one unique and decked out with décor that is magazine-perfect.
Our reservation was for the Small Hours Suite, a three room accommodation decorated in Arts and Crafts style. Entering by way of an enchanting garden bridge, it felt as if we were stepping into an English country cottage – a result of both the suite’s enticing décor and its private, garden-encircled location. Every possible amenity greeted us. A wood-burning fireplace and gift basket of edible goodies waited in the living room, along with a small refrigerator stocked with wine, cheese and fruit. The bedroom offered heavenly bedding and French doors to a secluded patio. And a hand-painted floral mural, plush towels and upscale bath products added finishing touches to the private bath. The overall impression was nothing short of jaw-dropping. If I could have moved in permanently, I wouldn’t have had a second of hesitation.
We had arrived with plenty of daytime, at the blissfully early hour that the inn allows check-ins to begin, 2:00 in the afternoon. It didn’t take long to settle in, given a multitude of convenient wardrobe spaces, table tops and shelves for guests’ belongings. Knowing we’d have plenty of evening and morning time to enjoy the suite, we set off to explore the local area.
Conveniently located just down the road, Peddler’s Village in Lahaska was our first stop. Quaint and plentiful with small, unique shops, we filled an hour or so with window shopping and boutique browsing, finding tiny treasures of stationery, candles and chocolates. Now a popular Buck’s County tourist destination, Peddler’s Village had its start in 1962, when founder Earl Hart Jamison used inspiration derived from a visit to Carmel, Ca, to turn a six acre property formerly known as Hentown into a small shopping area. A barn, hatchery and chicken coops became shops, garden surroundings were developed and Jamison’s vision of a village grew into the 42 acre property that it is today.
Both of our fathers were longtime railroad enthusiasts, so when we came upon the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad (now called the New Hope Railroad), we jumped at the chance to ride in a 1932 steam train. As an added privilege, we were able to pay extra to ride in the cab, where we watched the stoker, clad in traditional striped overalls, shovel coal into the engine’s firebox. It was thrilling to feel the heat of the furnace as steam flowed above and around us.
Eager to spend as much time in our gorgeous suite as possible, we picked up food to go and returned to enjoy a light dinner in the cottage. This turned out to be a wise move, as the following morning we were treated to a full gourmet breakfast in the 1740 Manor House, complimentary to overnight guests. Knowing more adventure surely waited down the road, we thanked the inn for the exquisite stay and headed out.
Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa https://www.barleysheaf.com
Peddler’s Village https://www.peddlersvillage.com
New Hope Railroad https://www.newhoperailroad.com