About

An Early American Inn with a Storied Past

The Newfane Inn was constructed in 1787, back when Newfane was just Fane and Vermont was an independent republic. Originally built at the crest of Newfane Hill, the main portion of the inn, along with the rest of the settlement’s buildings, were moved down to their present site (formerly Fayetteville) in 1825. The inn was positioned to its best advantage along the village green and just across the street from the (former) county courthouse and the Newfane Store, which is still there. Its Federal style–particularly evident in the fanned glass above the main doors–make the inn unique among its neighboring buildings.

During the 1800s the small country inn expanded in size and importance with the addition of two wings (west and north). It was a center for community life in the area. Since dances at the inn’s saloon were so popular, an actual dance hall was created on the upper floor by the 1850s. Gazing at the inn now, you can just imagine wagons pulling up with folks in their finery ready to frolic. Over the years the building also housed a tavern, general store, daguerreotypist (1847), ice cream shop, and a couple restaurants famous for their continental cuisine. Through all of this, and with at least 10 name changes, the inn continued hosting overnight guests. In 1915 it was finally known as the Newfane Inn.

Around the turn of the 20th century the inn acquired its iconic porches and it possessed a “de-luxe quality” that brought folks to stay from all over the Northeast. Many came for the entire summer, a.k.a. “croquet season.” Playing croquet on the green, and rocking & promenading on the 100-ft. veranda were highlights of the time. After World War II, internationally famous interior designer, Cristoph S. Castou, fell in love with the old inn and completely renovated it, resurrecting its fame. Then, a German couple, the Weindls, spent 42 years as its stewards–countless people, locals and visitors alike, have fond memories of the inn from this time. Now, the Newfane Inn has begun its latest chapter under the direction of Lori Damato. It has undergone a remarkable transformation, but still retains many of its colonial-era elements such as the massive brick fireplaces, exposed wooden beams, mahogany floors, and barrel vault ceilings.

Experience History

Meet the Innkeeper

Lori Damato started coming to Newfane as a child when she often stayed at a beloved family home in nearby Brookline. In fact, Lori made some of her most treasured memories in the area. She spent countless hours splashing and fishing in the brook, collecting rocks and wildflowers, and wandering around an old apple orchard. On a weekend trip to Newfane with her own family in 2022, Lori noticed the inn was for sale, and the rest was history! Her passion for entertaining, renovating and decorating, and wellness have organically combined into this–her grandest project yet. Lori is excited to bring the Newfane Inn back to its former glory and fill its rooms with family and friends, both old and new.

Get In Touch