The Boulders Inn sits on the eastern shore of Lake Waramaug at East Shore Rd in New Preston, Connecticut, in the heart of the Litchfield Hills—a region of rolling farmland, covered bridges, and autumn foliage widely considered among the most scenic inland landscapes in New England. The inn takes its name from the large natural boulders that punctuate its hillside grounds, which slope down to a private lakefront setting with a sandy beach and dock on one of Connecticut's most pristine glacial lakes. Accommodations span Lake View Rooms in the main inn building, Carriage House Suites with fireplaces and private decks, and detached Guest House Cottages offering seclusion and kitchen facilities for longer stays. The inn's award-winning restaurant draws ingredients from local Connecticut farms and the inn's own kitchen garden, producing a menu that changes with the seasons—particularly celebrated during autumn leaf-peeping season when the Litchfield Hills transform into crimson and gold. Guests have complimentary access to canoes and kayaks, a clay tennis court, hiking trails into the surrounding hills, and the private lake beach—an extraordinary collection of outdoor amenities for an inn of this scale. Lake Waramaug's western shore also hosts the Hopkins Vineyard, one of Connecticut's oldest wineries, accessible by kayak across the lake or by a short drive around the perimeter road. The town of Litchfield, with its historic green, antique dealers, and the Tapping Reeve House—home to America's first law school—is approximately 10 minutes away. Washington, Warren, and Kent offer additional dining, galleries, and outdoor recreation within the greater Litchfield Hills circuit, making The Boulders Inn an ideal base for multi-day explorations of northwestern Connecticut.
Room types
- Lake View Room
- Carriage House Suite
- Guest House Cottage
Amenities
- Restaurant (award-winning)
- Lake Waramaug beach access
- Canoes/kayaks
- Tennis court
- Hiking trails
- Fireplaces in rooms
Location
East Shore Rd, New Preston, CT 06777
41.6727, -73.3506 View on map
Highlights
- Private sandy beach and dock on Lake Waramaug, one of Connecticut's most pristine glacial lakes
- Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant celebrated for seasonal Connecticut ingredients
- Complimentary canoes, kayaks, hiking trails, and a clay tennis court on site
- Carriage House Suites with fireplaces and lake-view decks for romantic getaways
- 10 minutes from Litchfield's historic town green and Hopkins Vineyard across the lake
Tips for visiting
- Autumn foliage in the Litchfield Hills typically peaks between early and mid-October—book six months in advance for October weekend stays as they fill first
- Hopkins Vineyard across Lake Waramaug is reachable by kayak from the inn's dock in about 15 minutes on a calm day—a memorable approach to the winery
- Request a Carriage House Suite rather than a standard inn room for the greatest privacy and the best fireplace experience on cool evenings
- The inn's restaurant menu changes weekly based on farm availability; repeat guests encounter different dishes across multiple visits
- Lake Waramaug State Park on the western shore offers walking and cycling trails that circuit the entire lake perimeter—approximately 8 miles in total
Accessibility
The Boulders Inn's hillside setting and historic buildings present some accessibility challenges. The inn grounds involve sloped pathways to the lakefront, and some room configurations include steps. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the inn directly before booking to discuss which accommodations and property areas are most accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Waramaug suitable for swimming?
Lake Waramaug is one of Connecticut's cleanest glacial lakes and is excellent for swimming. The Boulders Inn maintains a private sandy beach with a dock for its guests, and water quality is consistently monitored.
What is the best time to visit the Boulders Inn?
The inn is beautiful in all four seasons. Autumn (late September through mid-October) draws the most visitors for Litchfield Hills foliage. Summer is ideal for lake activities. Winter offers a quieter, fireside atmosphere, and spring brings wildflowers and uncrowded hiking trails.
Does the Boulders Inn serve dinner to non-guests?
The inn's restaurant accepts reservations from non-hotel guests, though priority is typically given to staying guests during peak periods. Reservations are recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinners in autumn.
How far is the Boulders Inn from New Haven and Hartford?
New Preston is approximately 50 miles from both New Haven and Hartford, a drive of roughly one hour under normal conditions. The inn is about 90 miles from New York City, a journey of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Are there activities at the inn for guests who do not boat or kayak?
Yes. The inn offers hiking trails into the surrounding hills, a clay tennis court, croquet on the lawn, and access to the lake beach for sunbathing and swimming. The restaurant and surrounding Litchfield Hills villages provide ample cultural and culinary exploration without watercraft.