Meet the woman of Henrietta House
I invite you to explore my home, roam the grounds, play with my farm animals and experience a breakfast crafted from classic recipes, made with the freshest ingredients.
Marian Matthews
Proprieter/Owner since 1985
Born and raised in a very small town in the Panhandle of Texas, I have since traveled and lived in a number of different countries and a variety of places in the United States. However, I found my home place when I moved to beautiful northeastern Connecticut, in what has been called the Quiet Corner and the Last Green Valley. I never tire of learning all the new places we have for hiking, swimming, biking, and kayaking. It really is a paradise to me.
My house spoke quietly to me when I stepped into it, saying, “You belong to me.” A 1722 colonial, it had retained its antique charm and amenities throughout the years and it was filled with light! I loved it at first sight. I have always loved history and historical houses. Now I could have my own. I have since tried to uphold my responsibility to the history and beauty of the house and the land with the renovations I have done in order to make the house even more delightful. Though I still love to travel, I also love to come home. Our guests seem to love it, too.
Gardening, cooking with local ingredients, and living sustainably has long been my goal. After retirement from my job as an educator, I was finally able to raise much of the food that we serve for our breakfasts and I find joy in that and in the animals and plants that allow us to accomplish that goal. I love seeing the excitement that our animals create in the visits of our guests and the animals seem to love it, too. They are curious about you and want your undivided attention.
We warmly welcome you to our wonderful place with delicious farm to table breakfasts. Cooking delicious breakfasts (our most important meal, according to my dad) is another passion. I learned to cook starting in junior high, first with home ec, and then when I joined a cookbook club (our famous waffles come from a recipe from one of those cookbooks). I have since collected a large number of cookbooks and while living in Europe, I actually worked my way through The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. So bring your tastebuds.