Country Inn Art Collections

One of the most delightful aspects of staying at a country inn, as opposed to a chain hotel, is the sense of being a guest in someone's private home. Certainly you'll enjoy the personal service, delicious country style breakfasts, camaraderie with other guests, and charmingly decorated rooms, but there is often the bonus of discovering a treasure trove of art or collectables not listed in any visitors' guide or displayed in a museum, but often just as priceless as it is a reflection of the innkeepers' personal history and travel experiences.

At the Highland Lake Inn and the Henniker House Bed & Breakfast in central New Hampshire, guests will find collections on display that are definitely not your generic landscape print.

The extensive private European art collection at the Highland Lake Inn, truly follows the personal story of innkeeper Peccos Beaufays - who began his career training as a chef at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna before spending over 30 years in the luxury hotel business in Europe and the U.S. The art collection at the Highland Lake Inn includes paintings and drawings by well-known American, German, Austrian, South African, and Dutch painters. But the works that are most valuable to Pecco include the close to 80 paintings by his father, done between 1951 and 1960, showing scenes from the South of France and Italy. According to Pecco, "All the artwork at the inn reflects my personal history. These are special pieces that would be displayed in my own home, if I were not an innkeeper. They are not there to simply to fill up wall space."

At the Henniker House, a gracious Victorian Bed & Breakfast, owner Kate Bartlet's mother's and grandmother's quilts adorn the beds and walls. On display are also paintings and cherished objects from Kate's travels in Australia, India, China, and Europe. The art and culture buff notes, "We bring a unique combination of world travel and small town roots to the décor and ambience of the inn, which is exactly how I would describe myself."

I thought this "Art at the Inn" angle might make for an interesting storyline. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like additional information or photography.

To visit the Highland Lake Inn website, click here
To visit the Henniker House Bed & Breakfast website, click here