Elegance, serenity at award-winning Inn at Kent Falls

KENT — Like so many people, Ira Goldspiel decided after the terror attacks in September 2001 that it was time to make a change. A merchandising and product development executive who had worked with major brands including the Armani Exchange stores, Macy’s and the Gap and Old Navy, Goldspiel felt he was ready to segue out of the corporate world and begin to develop a career around his own interests. At the time, he had an apartment in New York City and a home in Southport, Conn. He started looking for a new home in Litchfield County and, while he was looking, he began to wonder if he should begin a career in residential real estate — and also open a bed-and-breakfast.He found a suitable property, in Kent, and on Valentine’s Day in 2003 he closed on the purchase of the future Inn at Kent Falls. “Then I took the courses to get my real estate sales license and began two new careers,” he said.One of the reasons he decided to settle in Kent, Goldspiel said, is its easy access to New York City.“Many of the homes I sell are to New Yorkers who are looking for weekend homes. And many of the guests at the inn are New Yorkers.”When asked why he felt the two careers would work together, Goldspiel said, “I sell homes to many New Yorkers who need a place to stay while they are searching for their country home. Many of the inn’s repeat guests like the Northwest Corner so much I end up selling them homes.”In the almost 10 years since it was opened, the inn has been named Best Bed & Breakfast in Connecticut by Connecticut magazine several times; it was just given the title again for the third consecutive year.“We’ve received accolades from Travel & Leisure, Boston magazine and New England Travel magazine,” Goldspiel said. “This year we also received the 2012 Award of Excellence from the website tripadvisor.com.”With his background in style, design and marketing, it’s not a huge surprise that Goldspiel gives elegance, good looks and quality a high priority at the inn.His objective, he said, is to provide beautiful spaces for guests, serenity and an elegant-yet-casual atmosphere. The high-end decor in the rooms includes Frette bedding and furniture by George Smith. In addition to three guest rooms and three suites, there are several common rooms for guests to relax in, including a living room and a more casual family-type room. There is an inground swimming pool for days when the weather is warm.Fresh-baked goods are served for breakfast each morning by baker James Leonard. Barbara Rylander is the inn’s manager and takes reservations, greets guests and performs housekeeping duties. Goldspiel said, “On nights when I am out of town, Barbara sleeps at the inn so there is always a staff member on premises.” Goldspiel lived in the attic when the inn first opened. “While that served a useful purpose as the business grew, it was not the ideal living situation.” Several years ago he built a house for himself and his partner adjacent to the original building. “We’re connected and accessible but we have more privacy.”One of the things Goldspiel likes about operating a B&B is meeting new people every weekend. But, he added, “With many of our guests coming back on a repeat basis, we’ve gotten to know many of them and their families.”Goldspiel told the story of a 75-year-old man who visited over Memorial Day weekend on a gift certificate his children, also guests, had given him.Now that the inn is an established business with a broadening reputation, it is getting weekday guests as well as weekend business, especially during the peak season of May to October.“This year, October was fully booked up by August for the leaf season.” Rooms and suites range from $215 to $350 per night.The inn is at 107 Kent-Cornwall Road (Route 7) in Kent. For more information go to www.theinnatkentfalls.com or call 860-927-3197.