Cozy Countryside Getaways in North America

Take one of The Home Ranch‘s eight cabins, replete with Navajo-print rugs, replicas of Thomas Molesworth furniture and a private hot tub, and take in views of Colorado’s rugged Elk River Valley. Come supper, the chefs serve up stylish meals (say, pan-seared bison tournedos in a porcini demi-glace) which feel especially cowboy when enjoyed at the big communal dining table. Should guests get too comfortable, there’s the Routt National Forest to explore by way of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Where have all the cowboys gone? Well, you’re best bet is to take a mini break in Montana. On the rugged outskirts of Philipsburg, The Ranch at Rock Creek features a nine-room lodge, four log homes, three barn suites and nine canvas cabins heated with propane stoves, with everything styled with the Wild West in mind, including wool blankets, calfskin rugs and oodles of antiques. Sidle up to the bar, or rather saddle up—four stools are fit with leather horse saddles—and warm up with a whiskey.

Bordering the Allegheny National Forest, The Lodge at Glendorn sits on a wooded 1,300-acre estate, with each of its 12 private log and stone cabins outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces—which makes returning to your suite after a session of curling, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing especially satisfying. A resort since the 1920s, a couple of its notable guests include Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The luxurious little extras include in-room cookies jars filled with fresh-baked cookies and picnic lunches for afternoon excursions.

We recently took a 24-hour escape to Blantyre in the Berkshires and sung its praises as a just-outside-the-city oasis of peace and quiet. Modelled after an ancestral home in Scotland, the Victorian-inspired rooms within this Tudor-style mansion feature four-poster beds, fireplaces and antiques. Cuddling up in a tufted armchair with a copy of Pride and Prejudice will feel particularly authentic.

A white clapboard-style property with just 28 suites, Sooke Harbour House overlooks the salty waters of the Juan de Fuca Straight off Vancouver Island. After heading to the room, we’d recommend watching a jaw-dropping sunset from the private balcony or terrace, then taking a seat in front of the wood-burning stove to warm up. In some suites, a soaker tub is situated right by the fire to double the fun. Their restaurant, which serves up locally-caught seafood and greens from their own garden, is can’t-miss.

Built in 1900 and based on George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, this property in the rural township of Quebec sits on idyllic Lake Massawippi. Manoir Hovey‘s 41 rooms are decked out in fine fabrics with antique touches, and some fit with canopy beds and cozy fireplaces. The surest way to feel warm is a full belly, and here there’s the award-wining La Hatley restaurant serving French and Continental fare, as well as afternoon tea complete with homemade scones and 40 different brews.

A little star power never hurts, and the Bedford Post Inn gets its from co-owners Richard Gere and his wife Carey Lowell. Dating back to the 18th century, its eight rooms are clad in a calming palette and feature plush beds, claw-foot tubs, in-floor heating and natural bath products. Daily yoga classes within a restored barn get guests Zen again. If downward dog doesn’t do it, downing a glass of Pinot Noir during their weekend wine and cheese cocktail hours will.