Charming Accommodations
The Farmhouse presents a unique lodging experience with its two distinct wings, offering guests a chance to sample both historical character and modern
design. One wing features a meticulously restored 1835 brick home, while the other boasts a contemporary addition. My stay began in a suite within the newer section, which impressed with its airy atmosphere, vaulted ceilings, a comforting gas fireplace, and a large sliding glass door leading to a patio, hinting at warmer weather enjoyment. The living space felt remarkably like a private residence, complete with ample seating and convenient amenities like a Nespresso machine and a minifridge. The bathroom was a highlight, featuring heated floors, a dual vanity, and elegant zellige-style tiles. For the subsequent night, I transitioned to a room on the second floor of the original farmhouse building. This spacious suite offered a subtle yet lovely view towards Cayuga Lake, ample room to relax, and a stunning marble bathroom that included double sinks and an impressive soaking tub. A welcoming entryway was perfect for shedding winter layers. The bedroom itself exuded a cozy, lived-in ambiance, enhanced by custom-upholstered furniture, a grand leather-wrapped headboard, and tasteful stenciled wallpaper, creating a rich and inviting environment. Beyond the private quarters, guests have full access to the Farmhouse’s communal areas, including inviting parlors, a sophisticated formal dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen. For outdoor enthusiasts, a private 3.5-mile hiking trail begins directly adjacent to the building, and the renowned spa is merely a two-minute walk away. While a dedicated on-site gym is absent, the nearby Schoolhouse building houses fitness equipment, and various outdoor gear, such as snowshoes and mud boots, can be borrowed or delivered to your suite.
Culinary Delights
While The Farmhouse itself does not offer regular on-site dining, it provides guests with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, complete with high-end fixtures from Kohler, Wolf, and Sub-Zero, and a beautifully appointed formal dining room featuring hand-painted wallpaper. For special occasions or full-property buyouts, private chef services can be arranged. Beyond the Farmhouse, guests can explore a diverse array of dining establishments managed by the Inns of Aurora. A particularly memorable experience was dinner at Aurora Cooks, which presents a unique set-menu format within a demonstration kitchen. Guided by Chef Lou Ruscitto-Donato and her team, the culinary journey felt like an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at sophisticated cooking, showcasing dishes that often highlight locally sourced ingredients. These creations can be perfectly complemented by estate wines from the Finger Lakes region, including selections from esteemed nearby vineyards like Bright Leaf, Heart & Hands, and Red Tail Ridge. For a more traditional experience, the 1883 Kitchen & Bar, located in the main Aurora Inn, serves classic American and Continental fare, emphasizing seasonal produce. The establishment boasts an extensive wine list featuring many Finger Lakes wines available by the glass, along with a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic beverage options. A more casual option is The Fargo Bar & Grill, a pub-style venue offering elevated burgers and other familiar favorites, accompanied by a wide array of draft beers and crafted cocktails. Exclusive to spa visitors, the Spa Café provides a 'grazing table' filled with light options like salads, soups, and fresh fruit. Additional purchases include specialty coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages, and more substantial dishes, such as flatbreads and even a pork tenderloin entrée.
Rejuvenating Spa
The expansive 21,000-square-foot spa stands as a paramount feature of the Inns of Aurora experience, functioning as a comprehensive wellness sanctuary. Visitors can easily dedicate an entire day to exploring its various offerings, which include an array of treatments, a dedicated café, serene relaxation rooms, inviting indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, and an impressive sauna. The spa menu is extensive, encompassing a wide range of services such as therapeutic bodywork, energy healing practices, personalized facials, and other beauty enhancement rituals, catering to diverse wellness needs. Guests of The Farmhouse are granted exclusive access to private treatment rooms, offering a more intimate and intensive spa experience compared to the main spa facilities. These specialized sessions, which might include unique offerings like a moonflower sleep ritual or a revitalizing manuka honey drench, are conducted within a secluded treatment area situated within The Farmhouse itself. During my extensive visit on a chilly February weekend, the spa was alive with activity, as guests sought to warm up and unwind. The sensation of luxuriating in a 102-degree hydrotherapy pool, while gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows at snow-covered landscapes glistening under the fading sunlight, provided a remarkable contrast and a profound sense of tranquility. This deliberate design choice, where the natural beauty of the surroundings is celebrated rather than hidden, was a key aspect of the spa’s conception, aiming to integrate the wellness experience with the stunning landscape.
Accessibility Focus
Ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests, The Farmhouse prioritizes accessibility with nine out of its ten rooms designed to be ADA compliant. The single room that deviates from full compliance has a minor threshold of two steps, a concession made due to the historic nature of the original building’s structure. This commitment to accessibility was a fundamental consideration for the property's owner, with a strong emphasis placed on accommodating individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. The property features strategically placed ramps providing seamless access to all public areas from the exterior. Internally, elevators are available within the building, facilitating easy movement between both the historic and contemporary sections. This dedication to accessibility extends beyond The Farmhouse; other buildings within the Inns of Aurora portfolio, including the spa facilities, are also equipped with features and rooms that meet ADA standards, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for every visitor.
