Built in 1736 by Anthony Stoddard, the inn first opened its doors to guests in 1754. Recognized by many as the oldest inn in Connecticut, it holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a treasured part of Woodbury for generations of guests who have celebrated, dined, and stayed here over the years.
Our inn offers ten uniquely appointed guest rooms—each designed to provide a quiet, comfortable escape. Featuring king or queen beds, private baths, flat screen TVs, and individual climate control, the rooms reflect a blend of early New England character and thoughtful modern updates. Several rooms also include cozy sitting areas—welcoming spaces to read, reflect, or simply enjoy the quiet.
Set in the heart of the scenic Litchfield Hills, the 1754 House is a destination for both travelers and locals alike. Guests can enjoy a refined, seasonal menu in our main dining room—recognized as a local favorite by The New York Times—or head to Flat Five, our blues tavern, where live music, handcrafted cocktails, and a fireplace-lit atmosphere offer a more casual yet equally memorable experience.
The 1754 House is a place to gather, celebrate, and connect. From intimate dinners and milestone birthdays to full wedding weekends and corporate retreats, our versatile event spaces—including the beautifully restored Carriage House—offer a welcoming backdrop for events of all kinds. Our team is here to handle the details, from custom menus to thoughtful coordination, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
At the heart of it all is a dedication to genuine hospitality, rooted in experience, creativity, and care. Executive Chef and Owner Michael Bates-Walsh brings decades of leadership from some of New England’s finest restaurants, resorts, and hotels. His vision has shaped the 1754 House into what it is today: a place known for exceptional cuisine, gracious service, and a thoughtful approach to every guest experience. Whether you’re here for a meal, a gathering, or a weekend escape, every detail is thoughtfully considered.
We invite you to experience all that the 1754 House has to offer. Stay. Savor. Celebrate.
To reserve a room, click here or call our inn manager to help you select the room best suited to your needs.
Settle into one of our ten uniquely appointed guest rooms—each offering historic charm, modern amenities, and a peaceful place to unwind.
Enjoy thoughtful, seasonal menus crafted with local ingredients and timeless New England flavors—served in both our dining room and our Flat Five blues tavern.
From intimate dinners to full wedding weekends, our spaces are designed for meaningful moments—and our team is here to make them effortless.
Photo credit: Erin Covey
Michael Bates-Walsh is an American Culinary Federation-certified executive chef and has directed culinary operations in upscale New England restaurants, hotels, and full-service luxury resorts. Under his leadership at several acclaimed properties, meals received high praise—from The Oprah Magazine’s celebration of “delicious comfort food” to The Boston Globe’s declaration of “one of the best burgers ever.” Since acquiring the 1754 House in 2020, he has brought that same level of excellence to Woodbury, earning the inn recognition from The New York Times as a local dining favorite.
While his professional experience is extensive, Chef Michael brings a personal philosophy to his work—one rooted in warmth, hospitality, and a love for gathering. Influenced early on by his grandmother’s flair for entertaining and his mother, Jean’s, weekend Dutch Pancake—now known as Nonna’s Pancake and a menu favorite—he’s as passionate about creating meaningful guest experience as he is about cooking with local, seasonal ingredients.
You’ll often find Chef Michael stepping out of the kitchen to greet guests, ensuring every meal feels as welcoming as it is memorable. His eye for detail and commitment to care extend beyond the plate, right down to the artwork: the watercolor paintings throughout the inn are the work of his late father, artist Brian Walsh, whose New England landscapes add another personal layer to the 1754 House experience.
When you talk with David DeMarco, our extraordinary Chef de Cuisine, you quickly learn that the word “team” genuinely means a lot to him.
“I thrive off the energy and camaraderie of a busy kitchen,” says David. “Our ability to deliver a superior dining experience comes from being a well-trained, organized, and comfortable team. In a way, it satisfies a longtime desire of mine to play on a professional sports team.”
Speaking of teams, the team of Chef Michael Bates-Walsh and David DeMarco began when David worked as a dishwasher at the Equinox Resort and Spa in Manchester, Vermont. There, he quickly worked his way up the kitchen ranks. It was at the Equinox that David met Chef Michael, and a legendary culinary partnership was born.
Throughout their careers, David and Chef Michael opened and worked together at renowned culinary destinations such as the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel in Portland, Maine; the Atlantica restaurant in Cohasset, MA; the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA; and soon it was back to Manchester, VT to bring the Copper Grouse at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel to the forefront of the culinary scene.
One of David’s signature dishes is his vegetarian Wild Mushroom Risotto. “What’s different and surprising is that we don’t use any cream or cheese, just vegetable stock,” says David. “It allows for the natural earthy flavors of the mushrooms to be the star of the show.”
Another dish David loves to cook is pan-seared scallops. “It’s their simplicity–start with quality plump scallops, and just hard-sear them in a hot pan with salt, pepper, and oil. The searing produces a nice brown crust on the outside, and the inside remains soft and creamy.” Delicious!
When David is not cooking, he enjoys unwinding by playing video games, watching the Red Sox, and listening to classic rock. He looks forward to many busy days (and nights!) working alongside his team at 1754 House.
Photo credit: Erin Covey
Cara has been with the 1754 House since March of 2020. Cara can be found in any of the corners of the building working on one of the many projects The House has underway, training the restaurant staff, whipping up social media posts, baking for the restaurant and inn, redecorating rooms, or starting a woodworking project in the basement.
“One of the things I enjoy most, is getting to know our guests,” says Cara. “Learning where they are from and why they are visiting Woodbury. Most importantly, I love making sure their stay with us is a special experience, that they leave here at the end of their visit with a smile and promise to return for another stay or meal.”
Cara has lived in Connecticut since 2003. She was raised in Central New York and enjoys spending time with her family which includes four children, cooking, knitting and gardening.
“I am busy doing the things I love,” says Cara. “I am thrilled to be working at the 1754 House and looking forward to continuing our success!