FOOD PROFILE Chesterfield Inn • West Chesterfield, New Hampshire Where Countryside Living Meets Quiet Luxury

January's frigid cold often stretches well into February in southwestern New Hampshire, yet it is also the month of the heartwarming Valentine's Day. Romance is in the air, leading many couples to the welcoming Chesterfield Inn, where they can relax in warm country charm. &emsp;Chesterfield Inn, on a knoll in West Chesterfield, N.H., just two miles east of the vibrant arts scene of Brattleboro, Vt., and the winding Connecticut River, the Inn beckons guests to savor not only fantastic food but also a cozy, comfortable stay. &emsp;Judy and Phil Hueber have been innkeepers there for nearly 40 years, and Judy says she loves the flexibility, making their own business decisions and having work "that never gets boring." &emsp;Romantic weekend specials draw people to the bright, spacious rooms here, many of which boast in-room fireplaces and antique furnishings, along with modern amenities like jetted tubs, private decks or patios, and very large windows that help people feel connected to the natural world outside. &emsp;Fragrant roses, local wines or sparkling champagne, and Burdick's artisanal chocolates are just a few of the indulgences available to enhance a stay at the tastefully decorated Inn. Plush armchairs, fresh flowers, and soft lamplight create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and luxurious. These relaxing weekends, available year-round, have become cherished traditions for many couples, according to owner Judy Hueber. &emsp;For Valentine's Day, the culinary team crafts decadent dinners and exquisite desserts, adding creative flair to the regular menu. The three dining rooms are transformed into romantic sanctuaries: a rose on every table, flickering candlelight, soft strains of music, and plenty of space between guests to foster intimate conversation. &emsp;Dinners are open to both guests and non-staying guests. However, it's a good idea to schedule reservations well in advance, Hueber notes. She adds that they market the two days before Valentine's Day, Feb. 12 and 13, as less-busy nights to come celebrate the holiday. &emsp;Valentine's Day draws guests during the slowest part of the year, January through March. Other activities, like the Brattleboro Winter Carnival in February, bring a lot of business, as do cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. &emsp;Chesterfield Inn is busiest between July and October. People from New York City who come to stay are surprised to see room sizes "as big as their apartments," says Hueber. Autumn's vibrant colors create stunning views out the windows. People can admire them without even leaving their rooms. &emsp;The pandemic produced silver linings for the innkeepers, Judy and Phil Hueber, including teaching them how to make wiser use of their space. &emsp;"Business expanded a lot, and it has never gone back," she explains. &emsp;The Huebers bought the inn in July of 1987 from Pam Lendzion, who had the vision of transforming the place into a nine-room bed-and-breakfast and installing oversized windows. &emsp;Carl Warner was their chef when they opened, and she says he was instrumental in getting the place off the ground. Their current chef is Curtis Bates, who's been there almost two years, and Hueber says he is excellent and a pleasure to work with: "The depth of flavor from his food is outstanding," she adds. &emsp;Three separate constructions over the years expanded the inn from nine to 15 guest rooms and relocated the kitchen and original dining room. Fireplaces were a feature guests sought, so 10 rooms offer fireplaces and six rooms are pet-friendly. &emsp;Four of the newer rooms are in the Johanna Wetherby Building, built in 1992 and named for the woman who originally owned the property in the late 18th century. &emsp;The Huebers added the "Cottage" in 1995, housing two secluded rooms that are among the guests' favorites, particularly for weddings. "This is always where the bride and groom stay," says Hueber. &emsp;Some weddings are low-key elopements with few or no guests. The inn provides the wedding cake and officiant for these. They can accommodate up to 45 wedding guests; any more than 40 requires reservations for all 15 rooms. &emsp;While the Huebers has been innkeeping for many decades, they remains enthusiastic about many aspects of innkeeping: "The food is always challenging and interesting," she explains, referring to the infinite possibilities of combining new flavors and always having something to learn. And she also delights in the variety of guests that arrive at the Inn: "The world comes to your door." BOX with LOGO Chesterfield Inn 20 Cross Road West Chesterfield, N.H. 603-256-3211 chesterfieldinn.com