Business Details
9 Years
experience
Experience Historic Charm at Stone Arches Bed & Breakfast
Stone Arches Bed & Breakfast was founded in 2017 by Bette and Paul Stern, who spent six years transforming a 300-year-old historic stone home into a premier lodging destination. Our expertise in hospitality stems from decades of combined experience in recreation, journalism, and culinary arts. We specialize in offering guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort, with meticulously renovated accommodations, homemade breakfasts featuring locally sourced ingredients, and personalized service.Our property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflects our commitment to preserving architectural heritage while providing exceptional guest experiences. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, from handmade quilts and custom T-shirt quilts to a fully restored kitchen and EV charging station. Our deep ties to the Mansfield community and extensive local knowledge ensure every guest enjoys an authentic and memorable stay.
Services
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
Homemade Breakfast
EV Charging Station
Historic Property Tours
Local Produce Sourcing
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer 300 years of historic charm with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and Roku TVs.
- Our homemade breakfasts feature eggs from our own chickens and local produce.
- We provide EV charging stations for guests' convenience.
- Our owners have six years of hands-on experience renovating historic properties.
- We accommodate dietary restrictions including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options.
What people say
Outstanding hospitality
Delicious homemade breakfasts
Beautiful historic property
Comfortable accommodations
Knowledgeable hosts
Services
Bed & Breakfast Stay
Our historic stone home offers three guest rooms with Roku TVs, handmade quilts, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and en suite bathrooms. Each stay includes a full homemade breakfast featuring eggs from our backyard chickens. Located near UConn and Mansfield Hollow State Park, this National Register-listed property combines 300-year-old architecture with modern comforts for a unique lodging experience.
Homemade Breakfast
Start your day with a first-class breakfast featuring homemade bread, scones, and eggs from our free-range chickens. We use locally sourced produce, sausage, and cheeses whenever possible and accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. Meals are served in a dining room showcasing original 17th-century architectural elements, including hand-hewn beams and wide-plank floors.
EV Charging
We provide a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station for guest convenience. This amenity allows travelers to charge their vehicles overnight while enjoying our historic accommodations. The charger is available as an extra option during reservation, making Stone Arches an ideal stop for eco-conscious visitors exploring northeastern Connecticut.
Historic Tours
Explore a 300-year-old property with Colonial-era features like funeral doors, hand-hewn beams, and original wide-plank floors. Guests learn about Deacon Joseph Hall's 1694 settlement, Louise Ferguson's 1927 stone transformation, and the home's connection to Connecticut's Mohegan tribe history. Self-guided tours highlight architectural evolution and preservation efforts completed during our six-year renovation.
Event Hosting
Host intimate gatherings in a historic setting featuring stone arches, a European-style cottage, and 2.5 acres of landscaped grounds. Our venue accommodates weddings, family reunions, and academic retreats with period-appropriate ambiance. The property's unique architecture and proximity to UConn make it ideal for events combining heritage with modern comforts like central air conditioning and high-speed internet.
People
Bette Stern
Co-Owner & Innkeeper
A former Mansfield recreation professional, Bette managed local programs including summer camps and community events. She renovated the 300-year-old property, handling painting, tiling, and flooring projects. An accomplished quilter, she creates custom T-shirt quilts and maintains the guest rooms' handmade decor.
Paul Stern
Co-Owner & Innkeeper
A retired journalist and former Hartford Courant editor, Paul attended cooking school and teaches bread-making. He prepares gourmet breakfasts using eggs from their chickens and previously cooked for 300 people at Paul Newman's camp. He also manages property renovations and guest hospitality.
Questions
What historic features can guests expect to see?
Our 1694 stone home features original wide-plank floors, hand-hewn beams, funeral doors, and Louise Ferguson's 1927 stone arches. The property includes a European-style cottage chimney and multiple fireplaces with exotic stones.
Do you offer special dietary accommodations?
We accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, and vegan diets. Please inform us of allergies or restrictions when booking to ensure proper meal preparation.
What nearby attractions are accessible from your location?
We're 5 miles from UConn, 4 miles from Eastern Connecticut State University, and adjacent to Mansfield Hollow State Park. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resorts are 25 miles away, with Bradley Airport 30 miles distant.
Are pets allowed on the property?
We have two house cats restricted to common areas, but do not accept guest pets to maintain cleanliness and historic preservation standards.
Is the property accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
All guest rooms are on the second floor with uneven historic flooring. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss accessibility needs and room selection.
What technology amenities are available?
Each room includes Roku TVs with free Netflix, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports. Some rooms offer Hulu/Amazon streaming access through personal accounts.
