Southbury’s First Bed & Breakfast

By Steve Sundlof

SOUTHBURY — The Cornucopia at Oldfield is Southbury’s first bed and breakfast establishment, though the “Oldfield” house has been a landmark in the community since it was built in 1818 by John Moseley. The home is an excellent example of Georgian Federal architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Georgian style architecture originated in England, eventually making its presence known in New England during the 1700s as building was widespread throughout the colonies. Travel was frequent between England and the states, and Colonists used English precedents and adapted them to fit the area and climate of New England, tempering these elements with Puritanical influences.

The Cornucopia at Oldfield has 14 rooms, six bedrooms, three and one-half baths, eight fireplaces, some with exquisitely carved formal mantles, twelve-over-twelve windows, much original glass, and three staircases. The chestnut and oak used in the construction was personally selected by John Moseley in Maine and brought by boat and ox cart to Southbury. John Moseley was given the land by his mother, Patience Hinman Moseley.

Guest accommodations include four rooms: The John Moseley sleeping quarters, The Rebecca Moseley bedroom, The Selena Aston Boudoir and The Admiral Aston Bedchamber. The inn is a comfortable refuge and guests are reminded of a simpler time in the furnishings, décor and historic elements of this rambling home.

The immaculate grounds cover two and one-half acres, and flowers, gardens, benches and a hammock all set a stage for relaxation and contemplation. A stream fills a small pond, home to lily pads, and a cornucopia of plantings all vie for attention.

A gazebo sits at the perimeter allowing a guest or two the chance to get away and view the rambling grounds and the patio. Lounge chairs set the tone by coaxing guests to stretch out and let themselves be taken care of by owners, Dave and Sue Andros, both former IBM employees. Dave, having “traveled my whole career, living in airports and hotels,” knew this was the place for he and Sue to call home and provide the same for others.

A generous breakfast is only surpassed by a sumptuous dinner; wine and cheese at 5:30 bridges the gap. Other amenities include an exercise room, guest pantry, an inground pool and a “keeping” room where guests can enjoy a fireplace, cable television, video movies, a stereo system and traditional board games. The front parlor, a more formal sitting area, provides yet another area for guests to relax in front of a fire wishing they had booked one more night.

The inn is located at the intersection of Routes 6 and 67 in Southbury. For information, call 267-6707.