We are Stephen and David, owners of the Newfane Woods Guest Suite. And we would be delighted to host your stay in our beautiful corner of Vermont.

Because the Newfane Woods Guest Suite is such an integral part of our home, we've learned that prospective guests appreciate learning a little about us before reserving their accommodations. First, rest assured that we have considerable experience in the hospitality and travel industries. After leaving corporate management positions in mid-1998, we created and operated a very successful Bed & Breakfast in Chicago called the Wicker Park Inn (see photo to the left.) During the 4+ years during which we ran the B&B, we had a wonderful time hosting the visits of travelers from all over the world and received accolades from such gay publications as Out Traveler Magazine.

While running the B&B, we also founded Diverse Directions: Self-Guided France Cycling Tours which produces and sells self-guided bike tour packages in France. Diverse Directions was a labor of love inspired by two extensive bicycle tours we had put together for ourselves and enjoyed immensely: in 1998 we cycled across southern France, and in 1999 we cycled from Amsterdam to Vienna. Since 2000, we have been selling our self-guided bicycle tour packages which include everything that an independent cyclist needs to enjoy an independent cycling adventure though some of France's most beautiful regions. From extensive preparatory materials, to route instructions, maps, hotel reservations, bike rental, and baggage transfers, our self-guided bicycle tour packages provide adventure travelers with a turnkey cycling vacation. In 2008, we began offering self-guided bicycle tours in Southern Vermont's Windham County as well, one of which is specially designed for gay men. Visit www.vtcycling.com for details.

Following our sale of the Wicker Park Inn to an enterprising young local couple (who continue its successful operation today) we fulfilled our longtime dream to live in France. What an experience! We stayed for 2 years, living in a 15th century priory called Haute Fayette (see photo to the left) during which time we continued to build our bike tour company, learned more about the complexities of French culture than we thought possible, and managed from afar the rental of two vacation residences in San Pedro, Belize.

After our stay in France and a brief return to Chicago, we relocated to Vermont with the intention of setting down roots. Like France, Vermont is rich in history, pristine landscapes, friendly live-and-let-live people, and an appreciation for a slower pace of life and the gifts of the land.

As your hosts at the Newfane Woods Guest Suite, our goal is to provide you with an opportunity to experience a private, peaceful and comfortable stay in a place that feels like a home away from home. We hope you'll choose to stay with us.

Newfane Woods Guest Suite ~ Phone: 802 365 4739 ~ email us