English owners possessed of a sense of humour, buckets of bright paint, a genteel dog, and an organic-product ethos add to a great place to stay just a stone’s throw from both Woodstock’s central green and Mount Tom.

At the foot of mount Tom, this inn-so yellow it is impossible to miss-is owned by two cheerful ex-British publishing executives who display some mighty fine hospitality. They're slowly renovating with bright paints, stylish fixtures and a sense of humor. The 1830s Cape Cod inn is eco-friendly, now offering beds with organic duvets, recycled-paper tissues, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and natural bath products. Pastel walls and lovely exposed wood floors predominate. There are also wi-fi access, a well stocked library, and baskets of complimentary candy bars. The romantic bathroom in the Westminster unit features two cast-iron claw-foot tubs placed side by side beneath a sky light, while the Richmond suite's big recliners face a Bose home-theater system. And the whimsical Chelsea has a bright red Italian tub-and-sink combo. Breakfasts are a high point, featuring terrific homemade and locally sourced yogurt, fruit compote, porridge, sausage, bacon and English-style cooked tomatoes and beans.

2008 Frommers Guide to Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire