November 2012: Upon arrival at The Maidstone Inn the impression of its modern Scandinavian décor is striking. The imagination and immaculately conceived color scheme lend to the venue an electric atmosphere.



Integral to The Maidstone’s appeal is the manner in which every room and cottage is carefully presented with an individual theme, each honoring an illustrious Scandinavian personality. The freestanding cottage in which I was accommodated hailed patronage to Carl Von Linne, a pioneering botanist and widely acclaimed biologist. The cottage was aptly decorated with botanical specimens and diagrams, creating a vicarious experience.​

Ready-to-go wood-burning fireplaces, complimentary scented oils and candles, and locally stocked mini-bars are also standard features of hospitality at The Maidstone. That evening, I took advantage of the room service, popped the cork, cozied up against firelight and watched the snow falling through the window, content and sheltered from the brisk November night.

The next morning offered a pleasant awakening- as I looked from the warmth of the cottage upon the snow-clad private porch and frost glazed evergreens, breakfast in bed was on the way.

There is a great deal offered within the vicinity of the hotel. The beach can be reached within a brief stroll- which looked magnificent blanketed in snow- and the local town is just a stone throw away. Alternatively, the more adventurous client may opt to embark upon a short train ride to the nearby seaside resort of Montauk.

‘The Maidstone Break’ package offers a three-course dinner at The Maidstone’s own restaurant, ‘The Living Room’, included with accommodation. Spruced-up to the measure of The Living Room’s classy clientele, I sat to dinner with high expectations which were not to be let down.

Dinner here is a particularly impressive event. The dishes are imaginative and very well executed, presenting an inventive blend of traditional and Scandinavian delights. All dishes are prepared with ingredients from local, organic sources and created by the chefs ‘slow food philosophy’. The staff is knowledgeable in the food they serve and will talk you through each course with pleasure.

As my stay at The Maidstone was nearing conclusion, I was feeling satisfactorily decadent in the weekend indulgences. The Maidstone is a fitting destination to beat the wintertime blues, however I’d relish the opportunity to return with the summer sun and partake in the morning yoga and private garden gatherings that are seasonal delights.

Pausing in the lounge to take one for the road, I was happy to catch the in-house musicians playing an impressive repertoire of blues influenced music for the patrons’ pleasure.

Played out by a Rolling Stones classic, I handed in my room card and bid a fond farewell to The Maidstone.

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- Ash Bradford​