Colonial Comfort at the Maguire House in Ashburnham

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

One of the best things about being on the road in Massachusetts is that travelers can experience the best of hospitality new and old.
Between charming B&Bs along the North Shore, former Gilded Age estates in the Berkshires and cozy inns spread throughout the Commonwealth, there’s a passel of places to stay where the leisure of yesteryear meets the modern amenities of today.
One such spot is The Maguire House Bed & Breakfast, a historic home that first welcomed visitors to central Massachusetts more than two centuries ago and in 2014 received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
For those spending some time at Wachusett Mountain, en route to the Winchendon School or just looking to get away for a bit, the Maguire House is an excellent place to rest up.
Here’s a quick tour.

Photo: Maguire House in autumn

Built in 1764, the Maguire House was one of the region’s first B&Bs. The home is located in Ashburnham, a town sandwiched between Winchendon and Ashby below the Vermont border.
In 1898, after more than a century in operation, the Maguire House became a private residence. It would stay that way until the late 1990s, when it was re-opened by its current innkeepers. Nowadays, the house’s grounds cover more than 40 acres, and are a genuine attraction in their own right.

Photo: The view from the back porch via Facebook

Inside, the B&B combines venerable New England warmth with refined touches. There are three rooms, each of which come complete with a queen-sized bed, private bath and sitting area. The quarters are finished with fluffy comforters, handmade quilts, spa bathrobes and gourmet chocolates. In nod to 21^st-century necessities, free wireless for laptops and phones is available throughout the house, too.
When it comes to dining, guest are treated just as well. In the morning, there are fresh-basked scones and muffins, along with seasonal fruit. Those looking for something a bit heartier can indulge in the full New England breakfast, which has choices of eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast and more. The afternoon offers snacks and complimentary beverages, in addition to more fresh-baked treats.

Photo: Maguire House muffins at their most enticing via Facebook

Beyond the beds and breakfasts, the Maguire House and its surrounding area have no shortage of activities to keep visitors occupied. The B&B website has suggestions for patrons of varied interests. Shoppers can content themselves with a number of boutiques that are within easy reach on the road. Outdoor enthusiasts have more than a dozen sites to pick from that are located within a 30 minute-drive, including Mount Watatic and Mount Monadnock, which can be seen from the backyard. The Maguire House blog is another good resource to check before visiting, as it typically features updates on local happenings.

Photo: One of many walking paths located near the Maguire House

For more activity suggestions during your time in central Massachusetts, just click here. You can also browse more places to stay throughout your travels in Massachusetts here.