Hotel Snapshot
There’s something immediately calming about arriving at Woolverton Inn. The winding drive, the farmland stretching into the distance, the quiet stillness broken only by birdsong and, in my case, sheep bleating softly outside my window the next morning. The inn’s tagline — “A Far Away Place, Close to Home” — sounds almost impossibly aspirational until you spend a night here and realize it’s entirely true.
Set across 10 idyllic acres surrounded by more than 300 acres of preserved farmland and secluded forest, the historic bed-and-breakfast dates back to 1792 and was originally built as a private residence. Today, it feels less like a hotel and more like staying at the countryside estate of someone with impeccable taste and a genuine gift for hospitality.
Former finance professionals Mary and Mario Passalacqua purchased the inn after years spent staying at bed-and-breakfasts during their travels. Over time, they thoughtfully restored and upgraded the property while preserving its historical character. The result feels polished but never overly precious: plush robes, soft towels, tasteful furnishings, and thoughtful touches throughout that make guests feel genuinely cared for.
Design & Character
The property strikes a delicate balance between historic charm and understated elegance. Original architectural details and antique-inspired furnishings give the inn warmth and character, while the updates keep everything feeling fresh rather than dated.
The grounds themselves are a huge part of the appeal. Gardens bloom around the property, sheep graze on the grounds, and guests can even feed them during their stay. Everywhere you look, the setting feels impossibly serene. Despite being just minutes from both Lambertville and New Hope, the inn feels wonderfully removed from the outside world.
There’s also a fascinating piece of culinary history attached to the property: Julia Child married Paul Child here in 1946, which somehow feels fitting for a place so rooted in warmth, hospitality, and memorable meals.
The Rooms
The inn’s 14 guest rooms and cottages each have their own personality, though all lean cozy, elegant, and quietly luxurious. Some rooms feature fireplaces and soaking tubs, while the standalone cottages scattered throughout the grounds offer additional privacy, more space and pastoral views.
Rather than trying too hard to feel “luxury,” the accommodations succeed because of their comfort. Beds are plush, furnishings are distinctive to each room, and the atmosphere encourages slowing down completely.
Food & Drink
Breakfast alone is reason enough to stay here.
Served either on the back porch overlooking the grounds, in the elegant dining room, or delivered directly to guest rooms, the daily-changing three-course breakfast turns mornings into an event. On my visit, there was brioche French toast, fresh fruit, quiche, eggs cooked to order, and more, all presented with the kind of graciousness that makes lingering over coffee inevitable.
Afternoons bring jars of house-baked cookies waiting for guests returning from sightseeing, while the Summer Kitchen at the back of the property keeps refrigerators stocked with complimentary sodas and drinks guests can help themselves to throughout the day.
There’s no formal bar here, though the property is BYOB — a setup that somehow perfectly suits the relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Then there’s Northridge Restaurant, the inn’s farm-to-table restaurant housed inside the property’s beautifully restored original barn. Opened about a year ago, it has quickly become a destination in its own right.
The restaurant brings a sense of polish to the barn setting without stripping away its rustic character, while the seasonal menu showcases local ingredients with confidence and restraint. Dinner during my stay included ahi tuna tartare dressed with sesame and ginger, zoodle pasta layered with radishes and fresh pesto, and beautifully moist cod served with nori rice, avocado, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and watermelon radish finished in a lemon butter sauce. Offered as two- and three-course prix-fixe menus, the meals feel elevated yet entirely approachable.
The Amenities
What Woolverton Inn lacks in splashy resort amenities, it makes up for in thoughtful hospitality. Complimentary beverages, homemade cookies, beautifully maintained grounds, and personalized service all contribute to the feeling that guests are being welcomed into someone’s home rather than simply checking into a hotel.
The property also serves as an ideal base for exploring the small towns of Bucks and Hunterdon counties, brimming with antique shops, galleries, restaurants, wineries, and charming streets perfect for wandering slowly over a weekend.
Location & Neighborhood
Located in rural Stockton, New Jersey, Woolverton Inn sits just minutes from Lambertville, New Hope, and other charming towns in Bucks and Hunterdon Counties while still feeling entirely secluded. The setting offers the best of both worlds: countryside tranquility with easy access to restaurants, shops, galleries, and diversions for a weekend of fun.
Fast Facts
Location: Stockton, New Jersey
Rating: Boutique Bed-and-Breakfast
Room Count: 14 guest rooms and cottages
Pricing: Rates from $299.
Dining: Daily three-course breakfast included; Northridge Restaurant serves seasonal farm-to-table prix-fixe dinners inside the restored barn; BYOB property
Amenities: Complimentary beverages and snacks, gardens and walking grounds, sheep feeding, in-room breakfast available, fireplaces in select rooms, cottages, free parking
Nearest Airports: Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Stockton, New Jersey, United States
