Refreshed Spaces Renew Spirits
Let the Light In
At the heart of the historic Smith Ell, Winvian’s Solarium has welcomed guests for decades. Originally a three-season porch, our recent renovation opens the space for year-round dining in a setting where sunlit afternoons ease into romantic evenings. Adjoining Maggie’s Tavern, the Solarium is the ideal place to enjoy a signature cocktail or engage in animated conversation over dinner from Maggie’s featuring site-harvested ingredients in dishes that feel drawn from a well-traveled European family’s list of favorites.
The room’s ethos is warmth, in keeping with its sunny name. A wealth of windows welcome the outdoors in, and sunlight cascades over stone floors and Oriental rugs in rich colors. Wooden tables crafted of heirloom quality walnut provide seating for parties of all sizes, whether a romantic twosome, or a large table set for a midweek lunch with the team.
Embracing the Four Seasons
Just outside Maggie’s and the Solarium, Winvian’s sprawling terrace has always drawn guests seeking a chance to bask in sun and take in the view of the gardens, meadow, and Spa. Our reimagined terrace reflects our appreciation of every season—most especially the ones whose beauties may be too subtle for the average connoisseur.
As the saying goes, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” The updated terrace calls for broad-brimmed hats, refreshing mocktails and light reads in the warmer months, and cashmere sweaters, woolen lap blankets and soft scarves when fall gives way to winter’s austere but magnificent beauty. At one end of the terrace, a newly added firepit ringed by Adirondack chairs beckons guests to gather in its glow, warming themselves on chilly days or cool evenings with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of something more bracing if preferred.
A striped awning nods to Winvian’s connection to European hospitality through Relais & Châteaux. While stone laid in a classic New England herringbone pattern now gives rise to a square fountain and reflecting pool, where the sound of falling water cools hot summer days. Behind the fountain, a stacked-stone wall creates a sense of privacy, making the outdoor space feel simultaneously intimate and expansive. A koi pond delights children and adults alike, as calico flashes of oranges and blacks catch the sunlight, flicker, and disappear in its shimmering water.
Nature’s Dining Room
Our newest dining space is the most spacious of all. The wallpaper: the surrounding landscape. The music: birdsong. The ceiling: a limitless sky. Recent visitors love the option to dine al fresco, enjoying chef-crafted cuisine in a setting that needs no alteration. The creation of an outdoor dining area allows us to accommodate more guests and delivers on our commitment to seasonal dining that’s closer than ever to its source. Guests remark on the unique pleasure of seeing the very herbs and vegetables they enjoy on the plate just steps away, awaiting peak ripeness for their turn at harvest.
A Completely Transformed Experience of Smith Ell
As renovations began to take shape, it was clear that even small changes were bound for big impact. Guests now spend more time at the Smith Ell, whether relaxing on the terrace after an evening walk, ducking into Maggie’s Tavern for a drink featuring freshly picked botanicals, or perusing local gifts at Heather’s Boutique.
What came as a surprise was how the renovation changed the Winvian experience even for those of us who spend our every day here. Winvian President and Director Heather Smith remarks that the Winvian hospitality experience, now feels different. She describes a feeling that’s hard to pin down—like an unforeseen joy, or a stroke of good luck in a life that is already very lucky, saying: “it never felt like anything was missing, but now we feel complete in a whole new way.”
FAQs
Does Maggie’s Tavern serve both dinner and lunch?
Yes. In response to guest-demand, Maggie’s is open both for lunch and dinner. Maggie’s is a great option not only for onsite guests, but for locals seeking a farm-to-table dining experience, or creating a special occasion close to home. See the site for the most updated hours.
Can the newly renovated spaces accommodate special events?
Yes. These spaces are ideal for group celebrations. We suggest hosting a cocktail hour on the terrace, taking full advantage of golden hour with a view of the grounds. Maggie’s Tavern and the Solarium provide an intimate setting for a welcome dinner. Contact our weddings or events specialists to inquire about planning your next gathering.
Is drink service available on the terrace?
Yes. Guests seeking refreshment without a sit-down meal can choose from the extensive drink selection of Maggie’s Tavern, just steps away. Maggie’s serves beer, wine, mixed drinks and carefully crafted seasonal cocktails and mocktails, many incorporating ingredients from our garden or local distillers.