Copper Beech Inn, Essex, Connecticut

Nestled in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley along the Long Island Sound, the Copper Beech Inn stands as a charming country retreat in the hamlet of Ivoryton. This intimate New England-style inn offers subtle elegance and refined comfort for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. When you visit the Copper Beech Inn, you’ll experience the perfect blend of traditional charm and award-winning dining that has made this establishment a beloved destination in Essex, Connecticut.

The inn features lovely accommodations with private parking, garden views, and a welcoming terrace where you can relax after exploring the scenic surroundings. Just 11 miles from the historic Goodspeed Opera House, the Copper Beech Inn serves as an ideal base for your Connecticut adventures while providing the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine that guests consistently praise in their reviews.

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Copper Beech Inn

The Copper Beech Inn offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury in the scenic Connecticut River Valley. Nestled in Ivoryton, this stately bed and breakfast features cozy accommodations spread across three beautiful buildings, giving you that quintessential New England experience.

You’ll love the upscale restaurant and cocktail bar, complete with a warming fireplace that creates a romantic atmosphere. The inn has earned its reputation as an award-winning dining destination, making it ideal for special occasions or a relaxing evening meal during your stay.

Located just two hours from both New York City and Boston, the Copper Beech Inn serves as an excellent base for exploring Connecticut’s treasures. You can easily visit nearby attractions like the Ivoryton Playhouse, Gillette Castle State Park, or spend the day browsing antique shops in charming villages like Essex and Chester.

For special celebrations, the inn offers private dining spaces that can be booked for groups of 15 or more. This beautiful property welcomes guests 16 and older, creating a peaceful adult retreat in the heart of Connecticut’s picturesque countryside.

Rating: 4.4 (246 reviews)
Location: 46 Main St, Ivoryton, CT 06442
Contact: (860) 767-0330
Website: Visit Website

History of Copper Beech Inn

The Copper Beech Inn has a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century, with deep connections to the local community and Connecticut’s industrial past.

Origins and Early Days

The Copper Beech Inn’s story began in 1889 when Archibald Welsh Comstock built an impressive house and outbuildings on 53 acres of land. This grand estate was located in the Ivoryton section of Essex, Connecticut. Comstock wasn’t just any resident – he was part of the area’s prominent business community.

The property featured beautiful grounds that still retain some of their original charm today. The main house was designed in the style popular for wealthy New England families of that era.

Ivoryton itself was a bustling place in those days, known for its connection to the ivory trade and piano manufacturing. The Comstock estate reflected the prosperity of the region at that time.

Notable Events

Over the years, the Comstock property transformed from a private estate into the intimate country hotel we know today. The conversion preserved many original architectural features while adding modern amenities.

The property takes its name from the majestic copper beech trees that grace its grounds. These distinctive trees have become a symbol of the inn’s enduring elegance.

The inn has hosted countless visitors seeking refuge in the peaceful Connecticut River Valley. Its location in the hamlet of Ivoryton, one of three villages within historic Essex, has made it a perfect base for exploring the region.

Today’s Copper Beech Inn maintains its historic charm while offering you world-class dining and accommodations. The renowned restaurant has become a destination for food lovers throughout New England.

Dining Experience

The Copper Beech Inn offers an award-winning dining experience in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. Their restaurant combines country charm with top-notch cuisine that keeps guests coming back.

Farm-To-Table Philosophy

The restaurant at Copper Beech Inn embraces local ingredients from the Connecticut Valley and Long Island Sound. You’ll taste the freshness in every bite as they transform seasonal produce into memorable meals.

Their diverse menu changes throughout the year to showcase the best local harvests. The restaurant has moved away from purely classic French cuisine to offer a broader, contemporary American menu that still maintains exceptional quality.

When you dine here, you’re not just enjoying a meal – you’re experiencing the rich bounty of Connecticut’s farms and waters. The chefs work closely with local producers to ensure peak flavor and sustainability.

Chef’s Specialties

You’ll find several standout dishes that showcase the chef’s talents. Based on diner reviews, the crab cakes are a must-try appetizer, perfectly seasoned and generously portioned.

For main courses, the short ribs receive consistent praise for their tender, flavorful preparation. The cod dish is another highlight, demonstrating the restaurant’s skill with seafood.

Don’t miss these popular items:

Wedge salad (perfect starter)
Rich, flavorful chowder
Expertly prepared cod
Tender short ribs

The dining rooms provide a relaxed, timeless setting for your meal. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast (included with your stay) or a special dinner, you’ll appreciate the perfect balance of sophisticated cuisine in a comfortable country inn atmosphere.

Exploring Essex Connecticut

Essex is a charming riverside town with plenty to see and do. Located in the scenic Connecticut River Valley, this historic destination offers boutiques, galleries, museums, and seasonal events that make it perfect for a weekend getaway while staying at the Copper Beech Inn.

Local Attractions

The village of Essex welcomes you with its picturesque main street lined with boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. You’ll love strolling through this historic area where nautical heritage meets New England charm.

The Connecticut River Museum is a must-visit attraction where you can explore the region’s maritime history. Located right on the waterfront, it offers exhibits about the river’s importance to local commerce and culture.

Just minutes from the Copper Beech Inn, you’ll find the Goodspeed Opera House, a historic theater known for its excellent musical productions. This Victorian gem sits directly on the Connecticut River, providing beautiful views along with entertainment.

Essex’s boutique shopping scene deserves your attention too. You can spend hours browsing unique items in the village’s charming shops.

Seasonal Events

Spring brings the Connecticut Spring Boat Show to Essex, where you can admire vessels of all sizes along the riverfront. This is perfect timing for a waterfront stroll as the trees begin to bloom.

Summer offers weekly concerts on the town green where you can enjoy music under the stars. Pack a picnic from local shops and relax on the lawn as musicians perform.

Fall transforms Essex into a colorful wonderland. The Essex Steam Train offers special foliage tours, allowing you to see the stunning autumn colors along the Connecticut River Valley from a unique perspective.

Winter holidays bring the Essex Holiday Stroll, where shops stay open late and offer refreshments while carolers fill the streets with music. The village looks magical with its historic buildings decorated in twinkling lights.