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Belden House & Mews receives Preservation Connecticut Award of Merit

Belden House & Mews receives Preservation Connecticut Award of Merit

Celebration at Belden House included Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes and Sen. Stephen Harding. gathered to celebrate Belden House & Mews’ Award of Merit from Preservation Connecticut.

Natalia Zukerman

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield’s first luxury hotel in more than a century, received a 2026 Award of Merit from Preservation Connecticut during an intimate ceremony at the property Monday, July 27.

Presented annually, the award recognizes exceptional efforts to preserve and revitalize Connecticut’s historic buildings, landscapes and communities. At Belden House & Mews, that vision is reflected in the careful restoration of an 1888 Queen Anne mansion and the thoughtful integration of a 1959 modernist Mews building, preserving the architectural character of both while creating a contemporary destination.

Designed by Champalimaud Design, the studio behind Belden’s sister property Troutbeck in Amenia, the interiors blend global sophistication with a distinctly local sensibility. The property’s creative story is enriched by the work of regional makers and artisans, including custom furnishings by Ian Ingersoll, lighting by Dumais Made, tilework by Bantam Tile Works, millwork by White Dog Woodworking and drapery by Lakeville Interiors. The landscape, designed by Reed Hilderbrand, extends that same philosophy outdoors, creating gardens that are connected to the pastoral beauty of Litchfield County.

With architectural guidance from PBDW Architects and preservation expertise from John Kinnear, Belden House & Mews stands as a model for thoughtful restoration — a place where history, craftsmanship and contemporary hospitality meet.

Belden House & Mews, 31 North St., Litchfield. Find out more or make a reservation for the hotel, spa or restaurant at beldenhouse.com.

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Lelah M. Somers

Lelah M. Somers

DOVER PLAINS — Lelah M. Somers, 97, a longtime Dover Plains, New York, resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York. Lelah was born on July 3, 1929, in Pawling, New York, to the late Byron and Lelah (Watts) Brill. Lelah grew up in Pawling and on Nov. 22, 1946, in Pleasant Valley, New York, she married James F. Somers, Sr. Mr. Somers passed away on Sept. 3, 1970. Lelah worked for New York State as a therapy aide for thirty-years and as a senior companion for New York State for thirty-two-years, with specific care provided to the mentally disabled.

She enjoyed taking care of the mentally disabled, was a wonderful mother to her four children, always putting her family first. She is survived by her son, James F. Somers, Jr. and his wife Donna of Dover Plains; two daughters, Doreen Monica of Wingdale, and Frances “Fran” Horton of Dover Plains, who was also her caregiver for many years; seven grandchildren, Debbie, Margie, Leah, Stephanie, Deirdra, Benji and Jimmy and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her step-son, Kenny Elliott. In addition to her parents and husband, Lelah was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol “DeeDee” Maile and Gil Maile, her son-in-law, Stephen Monica, and her son-in-law, Benny Horton as well as her companion of over forty-years, Andrew “Mac” McAlravey and her siblings, Ferris Brill, Eleanor Barryann, Richard Brill, William Brill and Barney Brill.

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Provided

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Provided

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Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.