The Dutch Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast

Magnificent sugar maple trees lead your way to the Dutch Iris Inn, a beautiful 1812 home located in the historic district of Granby, Connecticut, in the heart of the Farmington River Valley. We are open year-round, in an idyllic location near Hartford CT and Springfield MA, and an easy drive to the Litchfield Hills and Berkshire Mountains. Our central location makes day tripping easy.

Gracious hospitality, relaxation and comfort await you. Stroll our grounds and gardens, sit on the porch swing and sip a cup of tea or glass of wine, curl up in front of the living room fireplace with a good book, or settle into your beautifully designed guest room.

Our Inn offers modern conveniences, and each of our six guest rooms has a private bath, with jet tubs and fireplaces in select rooms. You will awaken from a restful sleep to the aroma of a scrumptious breakfast, prepared with you in mind. Our local New England countryside abounds with sparkling rivers and lakes, waterfalls, hills and valleys, wildlife preserves, biking trails, ski trails, orchards, farms, wineries and gardens. The area is also is rich in history, arts and entertainment, with many local events taking place every season. Specialty boutiques, antique shops, and superb dining are also nearby.

Regardless of your reason for visiting Connecticut, whether it's sight seeing or just relaxing, you can always expect a wonderful night's sleep and a delicious breakfast. Hope to see you soon!

Welcome to the Dutch Iris Inn! We know you will enjoy your experience here, and we look forward to welcoming you in person.

We are native New Englanders, although we have lived outside the area as well. Bill was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts. He spent his summers with his brothers on Prince Edward Island, Canada, on his uncle's farm. This tradition sparked his love for travel and meeting people from different places. Bill is a former teacher who evolved his career into selling children's educational material to school systems across the country. Nancy was raised in Simsbury, Connecticut, the town next door to Granby. Before becoming an Innkeeper, she was a medical technologist who later served as a technical trainer for colleagues in hospital labs across the country and abroad. For work and for play, travel and hospitality have been part of our lives for many years. As a matter of fact, we met while standing in line at the airport a very hospitable encounter!

As avid fans of the great outdoors” hiking, biking, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking there is no better place for us to be than Connecticuts Farmington Valley. We also enjoy the arts, sports, music, as well as exploring local wineries, sugarhouses, orchards and gardens, and other fun destinations in the greater Hartford area. We still make time for travel excursions. When we do, we leave the hotel scene behind and stay in Bed & Breakfasts, historic homes, and inns with character.

We invite you to stay with us and enjoy beautiful Connecticut the gem of southern New England.
We'll make sure you feel right at home in this special place.

Bill and Nancy Ross
Innkeepers & Owners

The Dutch Iris Inn is a beautiful 1812 New England home set on three acres in the historic section of Granby, CT. The home was built on land owned by James Dibble and Isaac Phelps, and the house remained in the Dibble family with the exception of a 48 year interruption. Mary Edwards, 5th generation from James Dibble, was the last descendant of the Dibble family to own the house.

Mary loved this home and cherished the town of Granby. Her family lived in Hartford and summered in Granby every year, much like those in earlier generations. Many antiques were left in the house by the Edwards family as they felt the pieces “belonged to the house. An early 1800s Chickering piano, as well as a fainting couch, a four poster bed, marble top dresser and a Louis XIV couch were all left with the house.

 

Each morning, you will awaken to the heavenly aroma of a freshly prepared breakfast. As you venture into our quaint Breakfast Room, you will be greeted by soft music, coffee, tea, and juice. We create a delicious two-course breakfast, with consideration for your dietary needs and food preferences. Breakfast is served 8:00-9:30am, but we will gladly accommodate an early breakfast upon request. We understand that many guests have special schedules, and we want to be sure you begin your day with a wonderful breakfast!