A recent repeat visit to the Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, Mass. proves not only that you can go home again but that things can be even better the second time around. Much of this is due to the hiring of manager Billie Sue Hutchins, who reflects the "avoiding getting inn trouble" principle of being born into hospitality. The first stay was wonderful, but Billie Sue has greatly enhanced the spirit of the place and it shows.
The exuberant welcome from exceptional desk clerk Jordan shows that Billie Sue clearly treating her staff right benefits those folks and the guests. Furhter evidence that the Briar Barn treats staf members well came in the form of two housekeepers hugging Jordan and wishing her a happy birthday on their arrival. The delicious-looking confetti cake, which your not so-humble reviewer was very tempted to poach, at the party for Jordan the next day shows that the on-property Grove restaurant has wonderful food. Covid concerns related to an "underlying condition" have prevented eating at Grove, which offers outdoor dining on its wonderful patio in warmer waether.
There is not doubt that the employees of this property meet the challenge of regularly contending with bridezillas and monsters-in-law at this largely wedding venue.
On a broad level, the Briar Barn is the right place that fills a long overdue need in this area that is an easily accessible 45-minutes from The Hub of the Universe (a.k.a. Boston). The inn in the center of Rowley, which is a 15-minute drive from the charming seaside community of Newburyport. Attending local prep. school The Governor's Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy) and having lived in Newburyport for 15 years shows that your not-so-humble reviewer knows that of which he writes.
This area is attractive enough in every sense to warrant a visit at least twice a year. The generally central geographic location of Newburyport and its moderate selection of shops and restaurants make it a logical place to stay in the area. Further, the decades-old long intent to build a hotel on the waterfront are as old as the promises to repair the treacherous sidewalks in the residential neighborhoods.
The Briar Barn awesomely boldly went where no Newburyport hotelier has gone before. This begins with the owenrship being local, rather than being an absentee holding company that is a big "avoding getting in trouble" no-no.
Further, the Briar Barn is bright and new where the competition is darker and more historic. On a more practical level, the Briar Barn has ample parking in a well-maintained and beautifully landscaped parking lot compared to inadequate parking at the Newburyport hotel lots. The personal experience here is consciously not moving my car after getting a coveted spot in the lot of one such Port City place.
The Briar Barn additionally has abundant inviting open space that has rocking and Adirondack chairs galore, a fire pit, and a charming porch. Both visits have include porech picnics. The most recent repast consisted of fare from nearby Pomodori, which has the best sandwiches and pizza in the area. The nostalgia this time is years of getting take-out there at least once a month and watching "Stargate SG-1" and the rest of the Sc-Fi Channel Friday-night line-up at the Rowley hobby farm of friends.
This hiden gem also reflects the "inn credible" principle of splurging on relatively local top-of-the line accommodations. This truly makes your time away close to home even more special.
The standard room at the Briar Barn offers a well-appointed comfortable oasis for two; the king suites enhance that with a separate seating area that allows relaxing away from the bedroom area. Having the privilge of upgrading from the VERY comfartable and homey king suite my last visit to the "wow factor" worthy grand king suite PROVES that the few extra bucks are an excellent investmenmt.
As the below photo of the living room shows, a grand suite offers exceptional country home comfort. Having a full-size couch, gas fireplace, and smart tv loaded with the apps of every "household name" streaming service greatly facilitates forgetting about the cold cruel world outside. A bath-salt enhanced session in the soaking tub greatly enhances healing from the intense stresses of live during an never-ending pandemic.
The bottom line is that your not-so-humble reviewer literally is going to put his money where his mouth is by booking a grand king suite stay for later this year and my numerous future stays at this best-of-both worlds little bit couuntry and little bit rock-and-roll sanctuary.
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