About Us
About Us
Innkeepers Paul and Melissa Puliafico purchased the Brookfield Inn in 1981. Thus began a process of loving restoration and rehabilitation of a building that has seen much in the way of history. Today the Brookfield Inn retains its historic charm and provides modern comforts to guests seeking relaxation and restoration of another sort!
The Brookfield Inn is situated on 12 acres in Brookfield’s historic district just across the street from the town common. Paul has spent many years renovating the building and grounds and has maintained a vision of the possibilities - even in its most deteriorated state. Bringing this historic building, which dates back to colonial times, back to life has been extremely rewarding and the Puliaficos are excited to share the Inn with their guests. Before and after pictures are part of the décor as is a collection of historical pictures, postcards and signs. Paul previously ran a coffee shop at the Inn for many years and is known locally for providing creative breakfast fare. Breakfast is made to order.
Paul and Melissa have dedicated themselves to making Brookfield Inn one of the premier B&B's in the region. There is so much to do and see in the area that Paul and Melissa are sure that your stay at Brookfield Inn will be most pleasant and memorable. Stay at the historic Brookfield Inn and experience the comfort of home while enjoying hospitality geared to your relaxation. Whether you plan to stay for a night or for days, we invite you to discover the charm and warmth of our B&B.
Amenities
We are committed to your comfort during your stay and hope you will enjoy the many amenities and comforts we have in place.
Amenities include: Private full baths in each room /hair dryer /ironing board & iron/ wireless internet /air conditioner/ free parking/reservation assistance for local attractions, spas or restaurants.
Whether this is your first visit, or you have been a guest many times, we want your experience to be excellent. Our staff is always available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
History of the inn
The Inn
The Brookfield Inn was built in 1768, and historically provided a resting place for presidents and aspiring presidents, as well as travelers from all over the world. Since its last heyday in the late 1940s and 1950s, the physical structure deteriorated significantly. The Inn finally closed in the 1960s after a fire destroyed a wing of the building.
Current proprietors, Paul and Melissa Puliafico purchased the Inn in 1981, and began the process of loving restoration and rehabilitation of the building and property.
The History - Washington (Almost) Slept Here
Across from the Brookfield Inn on West Main Street (Route 9), lies a memorial that designates this part of the road as the George Washington Memorial Highway. In 1789, our first President traveled through five of the New England states. Rhode Island had not yet ratified the US Constitution. This tour was his last visit to New England, and has become the basis for all of the “George Washington slept here” claims.
Historians know that the President had breakfast at the tavern of William Scott in Palmer on October 22, 1789, had dinner at the Hitchcock Tavern in West Brookfield, now known as Ye Olde Tavern. He fed his horses in Brookfield, and spent the night at the tavern of Isaac Jenks in Spencer. It seems that Washington's party would have spent the night in Brookfield except for an unfortunate incident. As the story goes, Washington and his entourage stopped at Brookfield Inn, then owned by a Mrs. Bannister, and wanted to stay the night. Unfortunately, Mrs Bannister was suffering from a migraine headache and turned them away not knowing it was George Washington who wanted to stay the night. Washington moved on to Spencer, MA, where the innkeeper there was only too happy to oblige! Poor Mrs. Bannister was devastated when she learned of her faux pas, exclaiming that had she known it was Washington, her headache would have gone by the way.
Area Attractions
Browse the Brookfields
A website filled with great locations of interested and fun things to do while in the Brookfields.
Old Sturbridge Village
At Old Sturbridge Village you will come face-to-face with the past and the events that shaped life from the late 1700s to early 1800s. Sturbridge, MA
Stageloft Repetory Theater
A professional community-based theater offering American musicals, comedies, children’s productions, and thrillers year round. Sturbridge, MA
Hiking / Fishing / Kayaking / Canoeing
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir.
Rock House Reservation - A massive, cave-like rock shelter, exposed after the glacial retreat 10,000 years ago, served as a winter camp for Native Americans. Fantastic nature walk! West Brookfield. MA
White's Landing - offers a wide range of services to help make the most of your visit to the area including seasonal rentals of canoe, kayak and boats, River Cruises, Fall Foliage and Historical Cruises on the Quaboag River. For fishing enthusiasts White’s Landing also sells and/or rents everything you need for a day of fishing. Brookfield, MA
Retail Options
TipTop Country Store - Organic produce and local Farmers Market. 8 Central Street, Brookfield MA
The Purple Onion - "West Brookfield's Favorite" Furniture & Gift Barn. 105 North Main Street, West Brookfield, MA
Country Curtains, Curtains can decorate either your window or your view! Plenty of styles and fabrics. Main St. (Rt. 20), Sturbridge, MA
Post and Boot Antiques - Specializing in house and garden accents. Located at the corner of Route 9 and Maple Street on the common in West Brookfield, Mass.
Millyard Market Place - Lots of different stores located in a renovated mill building. 559 Main St. (Rt. 20) Sturbridge, MA.
Wild Bird Crossing - Backyard birding products, birdfeeders, birdfeed, outdoor products and gifts. 4 Cedar St. (at Main St.) Sturbridge, MA.
Sadie Greens - Sadie Green's specializes in several kinds of unique costume jewelry and Sterling Silver jewelry. Two locations, Sturbridge, MA.
Yankee Candle and Outlet Store - A Passion for Fragrance. Main St. (Rt. 20) Sturbridge, MA.
Brookfield Orchard - Our orchards in picturesque central Massachusetts are a landmark where quality is a tradition. 12 Lincoln Road, North Brookfield MA.
Hyland Orchard - Where every outing is an adventure! 199 Arnold Road Fiskdale MA.
Cook's Farm Orchard - Cook's welcomes you to experience summer and autumn in the country at an authentic New England family farm. 106 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA.
Area Restaurants
Our area has several excellent restaurants and eating establishments, all with great selections and variety. Here is a sample of the options:
Salem Cross Inn
308 Lakeside
Rovezzi’s
The Publick House
Enrico's Brick Oven Pizzeria
Hanna Devine’s
Yamato Asian Bistro
The Clam Box
Panda Garden
Ye Olde Tavern
George’s Pizza