The Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, Connecticut
Located just a couple miles from downtown Litchfield, the Lost Fox Inn sits on the historic Tollgate Hill estate. While the property preserves its charming, old-world character, it also exudes a chic, modern appeal. The Inn features a main house with ten rooms, along with a nearby former schoolhouse that accommodates up to four guests. Dating back to 1745, the Tavern Building offers a cozy setting to enjoy hearty New England-inspired dishes, served with a rustic flair. The Lost Fox Inn is open for lodging Thursday through Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closures. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee from Monkey Joe Roasting Company and tea from Harney & Sons, along with a delicious breakfast served in the Lost Fox Tavern. Reservations are now being accepted through June 2025, and guests booking a 2-night minimum stay through April 2025 can take advantage of the “Stay & Dine” rate, which includes a $100 credit for the Lost Fox Tavern.
A Rich History
The Lost Fox Inn boasts a rich history, with the tavern originally built around 1745 as the Captain William Bull Tavern, also known as the Half Way House along the Hartford to Albany route. Captain William Bull, who served in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, once called it home. In 1923, Frederick W. Fuessenich saved the tavern and relocated it to his farm. The main inn, built in 1992, features 10 guest rooms, and innkeepers Tim Trojian and Eliza Clark infused it with old-world charm. The property also includes a mid-19th-century schoolhouse converted into a private cottage with four guest rooms. Formerly known as the Tollgate Hill Inn, the property was transformed into a boutique hotel by Trojian and Clark, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern luxury.
The Inn’s Atmosphere and Design
From the moment you step inside The Lost Fox Inn, you are welcomed by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior is thoughtfully decorated with an emphasis on the New England countryside, incorporating elements of the area’s natural beauty. The warm tones of the woodwork, cozy fireplaces, and vintage furnishings create a cozy yet elegant ambiance. The intimate setting of the inn, combined with personal touches throughout the space, makes it feel like a home away from home.
Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, each offering unique features like antique furniture, plush bedding, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Some rooms even boast fireplaces or private balconies where you can relax and take in the beauty of Litchfield. I stayed in one of the Inn’s King Rooms, which offered a king-size bed dressed in Parachute Home percale sheets, blackout curtains for ultimate privacy, and a luxurious rainhead shower stocked with Public Goods bath essentials. Enjoy a well-stocked mini bar, a 55" Roku-enabled smart TV, a cozy stone fireplace, and a relaxing soaking tub. The space is thoughtfully curated with a blend of antique furnishings and decor, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Dining at the Historic Tavern
One of the best parts of staying at The Lost Fox Inn is the exceptional dining experience you can have at the Lost Fox Tavern, which is steps away from the Inn. The atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional English pub with stone fireplaces in each room, New England-inspired fare with a twist, and a historic ambience with wooden beams and an intimate setting.
The Tavern offers a regular dinner menu on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-9pm, and Sundays from 4-8pm. On Mondays, enjoy a special Pub Night menu from 4-8pm. The tavern is closed Tuesday through Thursday. Happy Hour runs Friday through Monday from 4-5pm, available exclusively at the bar and patio. Plus, enjoy select wine bottle specials on Sundays starting at 4pm.
To start the meal, I ordered the Winter Escape mocktail. The blend of carrot, coconut, pineapple, lime, and cinnamon made for a unique and refreshing drink. Since I was doing Dry January, it was great to find a thoughtful non-alcoholic option on the menu. For dinner, I started with the grass-fed beef tartare. It was beautifully prepared with egg yolk, shallots, capers, pickled ginger mustard seeds, and fresh herbs, all served alongside a crispy baguette. For my main, I went with the gnocchi, which came with a delicious mix of winter squash, mushrooms, parsnips, and hazelnuts, all tied together with a rich brown butter puree. To finish off the meal, we had the sticky toffee cake, topped with salted pistachios, roasted pear, cardamom, toffee sauce, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Everything was exceptional—full of flavor, beautifully plated, and the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter evening.
Litchfield and Surroundings
The Lost Fox Inn is situated in the picturesque town of Litchfield, Connecticut, which offers visitors a chance to explore beautiful landscapes, quaint shops, art galleries, and historic sites. The surrounding area is filled with outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Some of my favorite places to visit in the area are Hidden Valley Nature Preserve, Topsmead State Forest, Little Pond Boardwalk Trail, Bantam Bread Company, Krafted Brew Lab, Arethusa Farm Dairy, and all the shops in Downtown Litchfield.
For those who appreciate history and culture, Litchfield is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Litchfield Historical Society, which showcases the town’s fascinating past. In addition, nearby attractions like the Tapping Reeve House & Law School, the first law school in America, provide a glimpse into the area's rich educational heritage.
