The Sleepy Valley Inn offers modern amenities in an historic building

WARWICK — Perhaps it was its fame as the largest bar in Orange County or its world famous selection of different brands of liquor and wines that more than 70 years ago attracted celebrities like Babe Ruth to a quiet country inn in Warwick.

In those days the Sleepy Valley Inn, then owned by Viola and "Doc" Sherlock, had been converted from a 150-year-old homestead and boasted on its menu that it was, ". . . a delightful place to dine, hunt, or enjoy recreational hours as few have ever had the opportunity to do."

Renovations
Ten years ago, Yesterdays Restaurant proprietor John Christison and his wife Peggy, a master pastry chef, purchased the property, which had long ceased to be an inn and was in much need of repair.

The couple painstakingly renovated the building while preserving its historical architecture, including exposed beams, large floorboards, hand-built fireplaces and original woodworking.

Today, the Sleepy Valley Inn serves as a romantic B&B with a grand room and four guest rooms. And included with your overnight stay is a full gourmet country breakfast served in a charming breakfast room by a gas fireplace.

Each guest room has a private bath, queen size bed and over sized whirlpool tub. And three of the rooms also have gas fireplaces.

Local residents are well aware that the Sleepy Valley Inn, only a few miles and a five-minute drive from the Village of Warwick, is also just minutes away from ski and golf resorts, historic locations, a wide variety of shops, restaurants and the like.

Available for weddings, retreats

But some may not know that the grand room with its huge wood burning stone fireplace, bar and outdoor patio has become a popular choice for private parties. And having Yesterdays Restaurant as its sister establishment means all catering is in house and closely supervised by the owners.

"The Inn is the perfect place for a wedding, baby shower, reunion, or corporate retreat," said Peggy Christison. "Our grand room can accommodate up to 85 guests. There is also a coffee area and full bar as well as an outdoor patio for use in the warmer months."

Essential information
The inn is located at 117 Sleepy Valley Road.

For additional information or to make a reservation call 986-7829 or visit www.sleepyvalleyinn.com.

- Roger Gavan