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Jessica Litras

Briar Barn Inn

Briar Barn Inn Hotel Review

Just north of Boston in Rowley, Massachusetts resides the refined farmhouse known as Briar Barn Inn. The Inn combines rustic comfort and modern luxury giving that quaint and distinct farmhouse experience where you’re transported into a New England Dream. It’s also the perfect place to stay during one of your winter travels whether you’re exploring Boston and the surrounding area or hosting an event onsite. The hotel provides the perfect venue for friends, couples, and families to make wonderful memories that are worth cherishing for a lifetime.

Briar Barn Inn is located on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway where you can experience the rocky coastline and gorgeous beaches of Ipswich, Cape Ann and Newburyport. It’s an excellent location to do some exploring and also have a cozy and rustic place to come back to. I truly believe this area is one of the most beautiful in the United States, but perhaps I’m a bit biased.

Briar Barn Inn Hotel Review
JESSICA LITRAS

Briar Barn Inn Hotel Review

If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy getaway tucked in the woods with plenty of things to do onsite, then Briar Barn in is for you. As you pull up to the Inn, you’ll be greeted with modern farmhouse architecture, windy pathways, rocking chairs, fire pits and an overall peaceful atmosphere around the property. The ambiance indoors is quite warm, welcoming, and bright between the natural light, fireplaces, wooden interiors with beautiful art, lamps and books to read on every floor. What makes the hotel unique is generally the quietness you feel on property even when the hotel is fully booked. There’s just something about the layout of the hotel that makes it feel super inviting yet private and remote. 

The Inn has 30 distinctive guest rooms, a restaurant which is used for both dining and events, as well as a spa to enjoy in all seasons. In fact, it’s the kind of place where locals like to visit for special dinners and staycations. And also where travelers from afar like to visit for authentic experiences and events.

Briar Barn Inn winter

Briar Barn Inn Hotel Rooms

The rooms at Briar Barn Inn are truly special. Between the natural lighting, shuddered windows, cleanliness, luxury amenities, stunning architecture, arched door frames, lounge area and fireplaces with a welcome bottle of champagne, I felt right at home. The touches of woods, golds, greenery and neutral tones also make it the most gorgeous modern farmhouse vibes which is honestly the look I’m going for in my future home.

The inn currently offers four types of rooms including the King Suites, Double Queen Rooms, Grand King Suites and Queen Rooms. Each room is equipped with a cozy seating area, a fireplace, a custom hideaway entertainment cabinet with a 46” flat screen TV, an assortment of original artwork, custom furnishings, and and gorgeous antique pieces amenities you can find in-room include complimentary water, a mini-fridge, a selection of convenience items, a room service menu, as well as plush bathrobes, slippers, luxury bath products, an alcove tub and a separate standup shower.

If you’re interested in booking a room at Briar Barn Inn, be sure to do so through my VIP hotel booking link to get the best room and rates. 

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Briar Barn Inn high ceiling
refined farmhouse Rowley, Massachusetts
refined farmhouse Rowley, Massachusetts
Briar Barn Inn Rowley, Massachusetts
Briar Barn Inn rooms
bathroom toilet
Briar Barn Inn tub
shower area

The Spa At Briar Barn Inn Hotel

Taking advantage of the spa is always a good call at hotels. I personally don’t treat myself to spa appointments unless it is paired with a hotel stay as it just enhances your experience. The Spa at Briar Barn Inn includes facials, massages, foot soaks, makeup application, waxing and lash treatment. They also have a separate building for all the treatments where you can indulge in pampering sessions designed to help restore & relax. 

During my stay, I went for a classic Swedish Massage but learned very quickly upon arrival that this type of massage wasn’t my style. I realized I’m more into a Deep Tissue Massage for sore muscles, tightness and strains as opposed to oily and aromatherapy massages. Ryan was super accommodating, attentive and patient when figuring out what massage would work best for me. He was very professional in his practice and really helped me work through some terrible muscle tension I had in my head and neck. Because sitting at my desk all day as a blogger really builds up pain in that area. And within an hour I already felt so much relief! The room was beautifully lit, the music was calming and all the scents were so relaxing. I definitely recommend this spa for treatment. 

During the month of February, you have access to special packages including a February Foot Soak, Hot Cocoa Massage, Couple’s Deluxe Foot Soak, Valentine’s Weekend Specials, A Solo Spa Day Package, a Girls Day Out Package as well as a Classic Spa Day Package. Click here to learn more about what these packages offer.

Briar Barn Inn Spa
Briar Barn Inn spa reception
spa at BRIAR BARN
spa at BRIAR BARN

Briar Barn Inn Hotel Amenities

As with any luxury hotel, you have access to a plethora of amenities available to you including the onsite restaurant, gas fireplaces, high-speed internet, bottled water, Frette bed and bath linen, flat-screen TVs, ironing board & iron, fine quality in-room bathrobes, all natural bathroom products, hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-fridge, access to the onsite spa, dry cleaning services and express check-out. 

In fact, I personally enjoyed the onsite restaurant, spa, bottled water and luxury bathroom products with makeup remover wipes as well as a black makeup cloth. This is only the second hotel I’ve seen do this and I always find it so considerate because I hate getting a white washcloth dirty with makeup. It’s a very thoughtful touch and that’s just one example of the many intentional touches and details around property.

Briar Barn Inn amenities

The Grove at Briar Barn Inn

Now let’s get to the best part of the Inn, The Grove. Located right next to Briar Barn Inn, you’ll find this luxury farmhouse with gorgeous interiors, white string lights, rustic decor, formal seating, separate rooms to explore and a bar right in the middle. Not only is the ambiance stunning with dim lighting and Frank Sinatra playing but the food is absolutely delicious. 

The menu gives you a taste of seasonal dishes year-round that you can enjoy for brunch on the weekends and dinner during the evenings. Some dishes we tried for dinner includes the Fried Dill Pickles with everything sauce, Potato Skin Patatas Bravas with a creamy and savory spicy aioli sauce, parsley, bacon, scallion & creme, the Tuna Nachos (my personal favorite) with asian salsa, sake soy broth, citrus aioli, wontons and seaweed salad and the pasta bolognese. All such rich with flavor and design making it a delicious and well-rounded meal. The cocktails were also fabulous and strong!

The Grove
inside The Grove
The Grove Briar
The Grove drinks
The Grove drinks menu
The Grove food and drinks
Briar Barn Inn pasta

The best part about The Grove is that it caters to a number of meetings, private events and weddings, making it the ideal location for celebrations. In fact, the Inn itself caters to weddings and events year-round. So having The Grove as an additional space is the cherry on top of a beautiful event. The space is very functional and allows for cocktail hours, receptions, dance floors, formal seating, casual seating and offers an abundance of choices for mingling both indoors and outdoors.

Briar Barn Inn for events
Briar Barn Inn private events

My Honest Review Of Briar Barn Inn Hotel

During my stay at Briar Barn Inn, I felt taken care of from the moment I got there until the moment I left. Between the easy parking, warm welcome in the lobby, cozy fireplaces, stunning decor and details, spacious and well-lit room, bottle of champagne, the spa experience and The Grove, I felt like I truly had the well-rounded Briar Barn Inn experience. 

The staff was kind and accommodating, the rooms were immaculate, the property was quaint and intimate and also the restaurant was to die for. The Grove was definitely my favorite part coming from a cuisine and an events perspective. It’s such a classy spot to host a celebration whether an anniversary dinner or a full-fledged wedding. Oftentimes event spaces and venues within hotels feel a bit stuffy or formal since they are typically held in conference-room style setups. Briar Barn Inn + The Grove create a completely immersive experience where you get that intimate and luxurious setting in stunning buildings designed to entertain. 

While I typically have a few dislikes to share, I don’t have any for Briar Barn Inn. I think the winter is an awesome time to come, especially when it snows. But being able to enjoy the outdoor courtyard and patio connected to The Grove for events would definitely be epic in the spring and summer.

Overall, Briar Barn Inn is great for staycations, couples, north shore travelers and also those looking to host a memorable event.

Briar Barn Inn in winter

Upgrade Your Stay

If you plan to stay at Briar Barn Inn and are interested in receiving the best room and rates possible, booking your hotel through my booking request form will give you access to a trusted travel advisor who will help you book your stay!

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Welcome to Nantucket Resort Collection, The Veranda House @nantucketresort ✨  The newly restored Veranda House just opened its doors again after a terrible fire in 2022. The property is now thriving and ready to welcome guests in this beautiful Federal-style mansion with so many great amenities.  Bubs and I loved our stay here with Morgan, waking up to balcony views, enjoying a quiet breakfast, and being in prime location within walking distance to downtown.  Here are the property highlights:
🛏️Luxury rooms 
🌊Waterfront views 
☕️Continental breakfast 
🏖️Beach amenities 
🐾Dog-friendly  ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with!  #verandahouse #ack #nantucket #nantucketresort
#nantucketresortcollection
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Welcome to Nantucket Resort Collection, The Veranda House @nantucketresort ✨ The newly restored Veranda House just opened its doors again after a terrible fire in 2022. The property is now thriving and ready to welcome guests in this beautiful Federal-style mansion with so many great amenities. Bubs and I loved our stay here with Morgan, waking up to balcony views, enjoying a quiet breakfast, and being in prime location within walking distance to downtown. Here are the property highlights: 🛏️Luxury rooms 🌊Waterfront views ☕️Continental breakfast 🏖️Beach amenities 🐾Dog-friendly ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with! #verandahouse #ack #nantucket #nantucketresort #nantucketresortcollection
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Day 4 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊  Oh my this was the most gorgeous day of all. Full sunshine and we even got a little sunburnt! Here’s what we did:  🦮Walked Morgan around town 
🥤Grabbed ice coffees to go from @lemonpressnantucket 
🪜Walked to Steps Beach 
🌊 Walked to Jetties Beach
🍔 Grabbed lunch at @roseandcrown_nantucket 
🏡 Strolled down Old North Wharf
🍝 Dined at the BYOB-friendly @blackeyedsusansnantucket  ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with!  #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Day 4 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊 Oh my this was the most gorgeous day of all. Full sunshine and we even got a little sunburnt! Here’s what we did: 🦮Walked Morgan around town 🥤Grabbed ice coffees to go from @lemonpressnantucket 🪜Walked to Steps Beach 🌊 Walked to Jetties Beach 🍔 Grabbed lunch at @roseandcrown_nantucket 🏡 Strolled down Old North Wharf 🍝 Dined at the BYOB-friendly @blackeyedsusansnantucket ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with! #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Welcome to @fourwindsgifts 🛍️🌊  Right in the heart of downtown you’ll find Four Winds Gifts, a family-owned business operating since 1970 with authentic Nantucket products. It’s the perfect place to visit for all your souvenir needs to bring home a piece of Nantucket with some of the most affordable prices.  They have everything like coasters, pillows, magnets, mugs, glassware, sweatshirts, and more! I grabbed some prints for my office, a mug, coasters, a comfy set, and a cute tote bag.  ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to shopping with!  #nantucket #nantucketisland #nantucketshopping
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Welcome to @fourwindsgifts 🛍️🌊 Right in the heart of downtown you’ll find Four Winds Gifts, a family-owned business operating since 1970 with authentic Nantucket products. It’s the perfect place to visit for all your souvenir needs to bring home a piece of Nantucket with some of the most affordable prices. They have everything like coasters, pillows, magnets, mugs, glassware, sweatshirts, and more! I grabbed some prints for my office, a mug, coasters, a comfy set, and a cute tote bag. ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to shopping with! #nantucket #nantucketisland #nantucketshopping
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Day 3 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊  Today was all about adventuring and exploring new places. Here’s my day three guide:  🚗 Rented a Jeep from @youngsbikeshop 
🚶‍♀️ Walked the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk 
💡 Visited Sankaty Lighthouse 
🪨 Went off-roading on the south shore 
😋 Snacked on @nantucketcrisps 
🦞 Grabbed lunch at @thelobstertrapack food truck
🍺 Ordered a beer flight at @ciscobrewers 
🌊 Enjoyed the remote atmosphere at Dionis Beach  ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with!  #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Day 3 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊 Today was all about adventuring and exploring new places. Here’s my day three guide: 🚗 Rented a Jeep from @youngsbikeshop 🚶‍♀️ Walked the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk 💡 Visited Sankaty Lighthouse 🪨 Went off-roading on the south shore 😋 Snacked on @nantucketcrisps 🦞 Grabbed lunch at @thelobstertrapack food truck 🍺 Ordered a beer flight at @ciscobrewers 🌊 Enjoyed the remote atmosphere at Dionis Beach ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket and send to someone you want to go with! #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Welcome to @21broad located on Nantucket, Massachusetts 💛  This boutique luxury hotel is absolutely stunning, charming, quaint, peaceful, all the things. It’s in the perfect location as it’s just a few steps from the ferry and downtown. The rooms are luxurious, the beds are super comfy, and the space is historic. I love the outdoor patio with lounges and firepits!  ✔️Use code LITRAS for the best rates available.  #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Welcome to @21broad located on Nantucket, Massachusetts 💛 This boutique luxury hotel is absolutely stunning, charming, quaint, peaceful, all the things. It’s in the perfect location as it’s just a few steps from the ferry and downtown. The rooms are luxurious, the beds are super comfy, and the space is historic. I love the outdoor patio with lounges and firepits! ✔️Use code LITRAS for the best rates available. #nantucket #nantucketisland
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Day 2 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊 My entire day was focused on picking up my people at the ferry 🥰 it rained most of the day, so we cuddled up in our hotel room and relaxed.  Here’s a guide for those who want to bring your dogs to the island:  💡THINGS TO KNOW
• Take the Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises. Both allow dogs on leashes and they don’t need a ticket.
• Stick to the leash laws downtown and in village areas but enjoy off-leash freedom at many beaches!  📋WHAT TO PACK
• Collapsible water bowls & bottles filled with water
• Food for enough days you’ll be away
• Favorite treats and bones
• Comfort toy and/or blanket
• Tick spray for outdoor areas
• Long leash and short leash
• Everyday Dog wipes 
• Trazodone for the anxious pups (that’s Morgan)
• IPad or laptop for FaceTime when you are away from the room  🦴DOG-FRIENDLY DINING
• Bar Yoshi 
• Bartlett’s Farm 
• Cisco Brewers
• Island Kitchen
• The Handlebar Café
• The Tavern
• Sandbar at Jetties Beach  WHERE TO GO  🏝️BEACHES 
• Surfside Beach – dogs allowed before 9am and after 5pm in summer; more relaxed off-season
• Jetties Beach – same hours as Surfside; calm waters, great for pups
• Dionis Beach – quieter option with calm waters; dogs allowed
• Nobadeer Beach – popular with locals; some off-leash space
• Madequecham Beach – remote and perfect for off-leash exploring
• Ladies Beach – secluded and often quiet, good for off-leash
• Steps Beach – beautiful views, dogs allowed with leash
• Eel Point – good for off-leash walks during off-hours/seasonsSconset Beach – peaceful beach walk in the village area  🏞️TRAILS & NATURE WALKS
• Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture – wide trails, fields, and ocean views; leash recommended but often off-leash-friendly
• Tupancy Links – one of the most dog-popular trails; off-leash friendly
• Swuam Swamp Trail – shaded and great for cooler walks
• Masquetuck Reservation – wooded and pond-side walksHead of the Plains – open conservation land with fire roads for long runs
• The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk – charming village walk with ocean views (stay leashed)  ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket with your dog!  #nantucket #nantucketisland #dogfriendly
jesslitras
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•
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Day 2 of Nantucket in the spring 🌼🌊 My entire day was focused on picking up my people at the ferry 🥰 it rained most of the day, so we cuddled up in our hotel room and relaxed. Here’s a guide for those who want to bring your dogs to the island: 💡THINGS TO KNOW • Take the Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises. Both allow dogs on leashes and they don’t need a ticket. • Stick to the leash laws downtown and in village areas but enjoy off-leash freedom at many beaches! 📋WHAT TO PACK • Collapsible water bowls & bottles filled with water • Food for enough days you’ll be away • Favorite treats and bones • Comfort toy and/or blanket • Tick spray for outdoor areas • Long leash and short leash • Everyday Dog wipes  • Trazodone for the anxious pups (that’s Morgan) • IPad or laptop for FaceTime when you are away from the room 🦴DOG-FRIENDLY DINING • Bar Yoshi  • Bartlett’s Farm • Cisco Brewers • Island Kitchen • The Handlebar Café • The Tavern • Sandbar at Jetties Beach WHERE TO GO 🏝️BEACHES • Surfside Beach – dogs allowed before 9am and after 5pm in summer; more relaxed off-season • Jetties Beach – same hours as Surfside; calm waters, great for pups • Dionis Beach – quieter option with calm waters; dogs allowed • Nobadeer Beach – popular with locals; some off-leash space • Madequecham Beach – remote and perfect for off-leash exploring • Ladies Beach – secluded and often quiet, good for off-leash • Steps Beach – beautiful views, dogs allowed with leash • Eel Point – good for off-leash walks during off-hours/seasonsSconset Beach – peaceful beach walk in the village area 🏞️TRAILS & NATURE WALKS • Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture – wide trails, fields, and ocean views; leash recommended but often off-leash-friendly • Tupancy Links – one of the most dog-popular trails; off-leash friendly • Swuam Swamp Trail – shaded and great for cooler walks • Masquetuck Reservation – wooded and pond-side walksHead of the Plains – open conservation land with fire roads for long runs • The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk – charming village walk with ocean views (stay leashed) ✔️Save this for your adventures on Nantucket with your dog! #nantucket #nantucketisland #dogfriendly
4 days ago
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6/6
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