Four Columns Inn: A Hidden Gem in Newfane VT

The Four Columns Inn, an iconic, whitewashed 15-room luxe “Country Inn,” a dozen miles from Brattleboro in the classic whitewashed New England town of Newfane VT, was shuttered in 2013 and reopened, afresh, in mid-2015. Once enchanting enough for the likes of Mick Jagger (who stayed over for his 40th birthday), it had fallen off its imperial pedestal and was purchased by Greenwich Hospitality Group who subsequently sold it to current chef/owner, Andrea Jourdan.

After a complete refurbishment, the very upscale Four Columns Inn regained its past allure, and, with new ownership, is harking back to its origins.

Front Parlor, Four Columns Inn, Newfane VT

French chef, Rene Chardain, opened the Four Columns Inn in 1965. He and his wife, Pierette, raised their fowl in a barn on the property and fished trout from their trout pond. They ran a farm-to-table restaurant before the phrase became mainstream.

Since Chef Andrea took over the Inn in March 2022, the Inn is once again growing its own vegetables and herbs garden. And, once again, the pond has trout and crayfish. Celebrities abound every week at Andrea’s Table – the in-house restaurant that replaced Artisan. 

Where Is Newfane VT?

Situated in southern Vermont, Newfane is a charming town with a quintessential New England appeal. It is located in Windham County, approximately 10 miles northwest of the town of Brattleboro VT.

This serene community is nestled along the banks of the Rock River, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic beauty. Newfane’s strategic location provides easy access to the Green Mountain National Forest, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

With its historic village center, classic white-clapboard buildings, and scenic countryside, Newfane offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of Vermont.

Rooms at Four Columns Inn

Guest room at Four Columns Inn VT

All rooms have undergone a complete change of decor.  Take a gander at the collection, and it will be tough to choose.

Andrea’s Table At Four Columns Inn

Artisan Restaurant, Four Columns Inn, Newfane VT

With her European culinary training, Chef Jourdan, has worked under chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Bernard Loiseau and whose mentor was Michel Richard in Los Angeles, where she opened her first restaurant in the mid-1980s. At Andrea’s Table, she prepares a European-style menu with a touch of Vermont.

The Restaurant offers upscale dining and a fantastic 6-page wine list. The Tavern is more low-key, with comfort food meals: chicken pot pie, duck leg confit, beef bourguignon… and a 2-page local (Vermont) beer list.

Author

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  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.