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New Preston, Connecticut

The Boulders

Ulla Adema describes her approach to innkeeping and that of her husband, Kees, by saying that she wants guests to feel that they are staying with friends. She likes things to be "mismatched and relaxed." Nevertheless, The Boulders approaches perfection in many ways, from the exquisite gardens that the owners have planted themselves, to the outstanding menu, the concern for details and the cheerful accommodations. Typical of their "friends" are New Yorkers Bonnie and Gary Klein who find the inn ideal in many ways. Although most of the Kleins' acquaintances have weekend homes, they think of The Boulders as their vacation house.

"We've been coming here several times each summer for nine seasons," joked Gary, "trying to make up our minds whether or not we like it." Klein, who is senior vice president of creative services and new media at M.I. Publishing Company, turned serious and said, "We enjoy the quality of everything. As Europeans, the hosts have created a special ambiance. They have high standards and each year we have seen them invest, improve and plan."

When they decided to become innkeepers, the Ademas bought and remodeled an old mansion on beautiful Lake Waramaug in the northwestern part of Connecticut. They added four guest houses with fireplaces and lake view private decks and a carriage house with three individual rooms. They also indulged their passion for collecting, particularly early American antiques and European paintings, which adorn the suites, guest rooms and public spaces, creating a traditional New England look. The circular dining room has windows on all sides overlooking the lake.

When asked how they spend their time at the inn, the Kleins answered that they are at the lake for most of the day, sunning at the private beach, swimming, canoeing and using paddle boats.

Guests can also bicycle, hike up Pinnacle Mountain, which is behind the property, play tennis and fish. Golf and horseback riding are not far away and there is easy access to both downhill and cross country skiing in winter.

The Boulders is located in Litchfield County, one of Connecticut's 11 tourism districts. People visit from as nearby as Fairfield County because of the activities in the vicinity, particularly the antique shops, art galleries, recreational areas and garden centers.

The Boulders, East Shore Road (Route 45), New Preston, CT 06777. Tel. 800-55-BOULDERS, 860-868-0541. Rates begin at $200 for room and breakfast and $250 for MAP in season and on weekends and holidays. www.bouldersinn.com

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

White Flower Farm is a nursery that has several acres of glorious display gardens, as well as dozens of acres of production fields. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, bulbs and house plants are sold in its retail store.

Reid & Wright Bookseller specializes in antiques and accessories, such as Italian desk sets for the library, prints, maps and antiquarian and out-of-print books.

Haight Vineyard has guided winery tours on the hour and complimentary tastings.

The Litchfield Jazz Festival features three days of continuous performances by well-known artists. Sit on the lawn or under the tent.

White Flower Farm, Route 63, Litchfield, CT 06759. Tel. 860-567-8789. Open daily, November to March, 9 am. to 6 p.m.; April to October, 9 am. to 5 p.m.

Reid & Wright, 287 New Milford Turnpike (Route 202), New Preston, CT 06777. Tel 860-868-7706. Open Monday to Saturday, (closed Tuesday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Haight Vineyard, 29 Chesnut Hill Road, Litchfield CT, 06759. Tel 860-567-4045. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

The Litchfield Jazz Festival, White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT 06759, August 14 to 16, 1998. Tel. Litchfield Performing Arts, 860-567-4162, for information.

Winter 1997-98