New England's Premier Bed & Breakfast
 Simsbury, Connecticut
Your Hosts: Mike and Gerlinde Marti

From the moment you drive up the long circular driveway to the entrance of this very special Bed & Breakfast, you know you have made the right choice. A large "Welcome" sign greets you along with a warm and cheery "Hello" as your hostess, Gerlinde Marti ushers you into another world.  You immediately feel "at home" and look forward to your stay.

    Located high atop a heavily wooded hill which Mrs. Marti refers to as a little island, Merrywood overlooks the beautiful valley below.  The white 1939 Colonial Revival house which the Martis purchased in 1991, is filled with many original and reproduction mahogany furnishings ranging from American Empire to Rococo Revival to Jacobean to Victorian periods. The rooms are filled with art collected from all over the world.  Antique Oriental carpets adorn the hardwood floors..
     Antiques have been a hobby for the Martis for a number of years.  They have collected many antiques and sold much of their collection through the Balcony Antiques Shop in Canton. They have specialized in American Empire furnishings.  Mr. Marti who traveled throughout the world for his former employer, collected masks from various countries which now adorn the walls of their home.
    The dining room from which breakfast is served is a very special and relaxing room filled with furnishings from years gone by.  Having a special breakfast at the Merrywood is an event in itself.  The breakfast center- pieces are changed daily and painstakingly put together to form a period theme for the day.  And of course the long stemmed candles add to the period atmosphere.  The Martis have attended culinary schools and are well prepared to catering to the appetites of those who relish gourmet cooking.  The night before breakfast, you are provided a new menu for the following morning's breakfast.  You choose from an extensive menu of eggs, meats, pancakes, omelets, pastry, breads, jams,  juices, cereals, French toast and an array of specialty items.  You set the time for breakfast and you will find it is served piping hot along with the local and New York newspapers.
    The living room with a crackling wood burning fireplace provides an interesting place to sit and relax while viewing the many beautiful furnishings, gowns and shoes worn by Indian children from all over the world.   The large antique William and Mary secretary presents a very interesting exhibit of hand craftsmanship not seen in today's mechanized age.
    The library floor to ceiling bookcases are filled with a large collection of books and magazines many devoted to antiques.  This reading room with its spacious windows overlooks a backyard garden which provides a tranquil and  picturesque setting with very comfortable sofas and upholstered chairs to add to the comfort of it's guests.
    The Martis who were world travelers decided that they would start a Bed & Breakfast after they retired.  They had observed the service and amenities provided themselves and other guests. They were determined to dedicate themselves to providing what they believed travelers appreciated and looked forward to when visiting.   This not only included a quiet and pleasant place to stay, comfortable bedding, good wholesome cooking, but the amenities that go to make the stay relaxing.  They personally see to it that every need is taken care of.  These include such things as a glass of sherry at bedtime, bath robes & slippers, newspapers, magazines, television, video movies, radio, private telephone and a mini-fridge stocked with beer, beverages and snacks.  And if this isn't enough, each morning you also receive the latest computerized news briefing with your name on it. Since this Inn is small having only three rooms, you are sure to received the hosts undivided personal attention.  If there is something that was overlooked, we don't know what it is.
    By the way, this is not a paid commercial. Our daughter June, who lives in the Hartford area felt it was a great place to stay while visiting.  Once you have visited and experienced the ambiance of Merrywood, we are sure you will agree. 
    If you are ever up in their neck of the woods, feel free to drop in. You can contact Mike or Gerlinde at 860/651-1785 or by Fax 860/651-8273.

Our sincere thanks to these wonderful and caring people for the wonderful hospitality extended to us and the new friendship which we shall always treasure.

    Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Kish, Jr., New Bern, North Carolina