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Quinn -- aka Molly Quinn McMuffin -- is Ellen's seven-year-old Golden Retriever Hearing Ear Dog. She and her brother Dakota were the first dogs participating in the Maine Prison Pup program, and she is named after the woman who initiated the project, Sister Pauline Quinn.
Quinn and Ellen -- a late-deafened adult with a miraculous cochlear implant -- have been a team since 2000 thanks to NEADS, the Princeton, MA-based association which is the longest continually running program providing dogs for deaf and disabled Americans.
Quinn, who has gone from being an inmate to being an innmate, alerts Ellen to sounds Ellen cannot hear by tapping Ellen's leg with her paw. Thanks to Quinn, Ellen has never been late for breakfast! In the morning, Quinn hears the clock-radio, takes a couple of big stretches, leaves her bed, puts her paws on Ellen's bed, and taps Ellen's shoulder (and licks her face). What a wonderful way to greet the day!
Quinn also lets Ellen know when the stove timer goes off -- no burned chocolate chip cookies here! -- as well as the door bell, smoke detector, etc. Cookies are her reward for a job well done. And Quinn is first at the door to greet guests and guest pups!
At breakfast, you'll often find Quinn by the fire, hoping you'll drop something on the floor but please don't! Quinn is on a very strict diet. A born innkeeper, Quinn circulates throughout breakfast, making sure you are well taken care of. She may also join you for afternoon tea.
Quinn's favorite pastime is playing ball, and you'll often see her with one in her mouth, ever hopeful that you'll play with her outside. And she loves walks, especially in Kennedy Park across the street.
She absolutely loves our homemade doggie cookies and has taste-tested all of the recipes in our Fun for Foodies' Dog Day Afternoon dog cookie baking class, which she attentively supervises.
Because she is a service dog, Quinn is Ellen's constant companion, and you'll often see us in Lenox at our favorite restaurants, shops, and at Tanglewood. (Quinn thinks the lawn at Tanglewood is the best!)
With her warm chocolate eyes, loving smile, and magnificent tail, Quinn makes friends wherever we go. Just give Quinn a pat or two, and she'll be your friend for life!
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Room Rates and Policies
Room Rates:
- All rates are per room, double occupancy. There is a $40.00 charge for each additional person.
- A full country, award-winning breakfast served at individual tables generally at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and afternoon tea are included in all room rates.
- State and local room tax is 9.7%.
- Rates and minimum stays are subject to increases for most holidays and special events.
- Prices and terms are subject to change without notice (but not once you have made your reservation).
- Please click here to see our rate chart.
Policies:
- Smoking is not permitted within the inn or within 10 feet of the entry, porch, and Carriage House doors. Smoking is permitted in the garden.
- Quinn, Ellen's very friendly Golden Retriever hearing ear dog, is in residence. We welcome all service dogs and accept well-behaved guest dogs whenever possible. (See Pet Policy)
- Children - well-behaved children 12 and over are welcome.
- Summer weekend reservations are accepted from repeat guests only until mid-February. New guests are invited to put their names on our waiting list, and they will be contacted in mid-February.
- We do not have a liquor license but guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages.
Minimum Stays and Deposits:
- There is a three-night minimum stay on Tanglewood Season weekends as well as on most holiday weekends.
- There is a two-night minimum stay for midweek stays during Tanglewood and Foliage Seasons.
- Weekends during Tanglewood Season are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- There is a two-night minimum stay on weekends, excluding holiday weekends, from Labor Day through late June.
- Minimum stays are subject to increases for most holidays
- A one-night deposit for stays of three nights or less (with a valid major credit card, check or money order) is required when making a reservation. A 50% deposit is required for stays of four nights or more.
Cancellations:
- Should you wish to cancel or change your reservation for any reason, we do require at least 14 days' advance notice (21 days during Tanglewood and Foliage Seasons, and New Year's, and longer for groups of 3 or more rooms) by telephone. With at least 14 (21) days' notice, we will refund your deposit, less a service charge of 10% of your total reservation.
- Cancellations made within the 14-day (21-day) period will be charged for the full amount of the reserved stay unless we are able to rebook the room.
- If we are able to rebook the room, we will refund the rebooked portion, less the 10% service charge.
- We are a small inn and cancellations affect us dramatically. If you have any concerns about possibly having to cancel, we do recommend inexpensive trip cancellation insurance.
Check-In and Check-Out Times:
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We are unable to accommodate early check-ins. If you anticipate arriving after 8:30 p.m., please let us know ahead of time so that we can make special arrangements.
- Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
Room Amenities:
- All guest rooms have private baths, hairdryers, and toiletries.
- All guest rooms have telephones for outgoing calls.
- All mansion guest and public rooms have free wireless internet access.
- All guest rooms are air-conditioned (seasonal). Fireplaces are also seasonal.
- A portable stereo system is available for guest use.
- Irons and ironing boards are available for guest use.
Special Events at Birchwood Inn:
We welcome the opportunity to host:
- Small weddings (under 30 guests)
- Family/Friend Reunions
- Small Conferences/Retreats
- Luncheons and Teas
Guest Pantry:
- Open to guests from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Our guest refrigerator honor bar ($1.00 per bottle/can) is stocked with soda, and there is some room for guest food and drinks.
- Coffee and tea are available 24/7, with a Senseo System for coffee and an Instant Hot dispenser for tea
- Ice maker and ice buckets
- Corkscrews
We Love our Furry Four-legged Guests (Pet Policy):
- First and foremost, dogs must be very well behaved and well-trained furry guests.
- Depending on availability, we accept up to 2 guest dogs in the inn at one time.
- There is a daily fee of $25.00 for each dog.
- Because Quinn is a service dog and must not be distracted while working, guest pups need to be "invisible".
- Guest pets must be walked off property, and we expect that our guests will clean up after the pets completely. Lenox does have a stoop-and-scoop bylaw as well as a leash bylaw.
- While the dog owners are in the inn but not in their room, the dog should be crated in the room.
- Of course, we ask that your dog NOT share your bed, but please remove the comforter and shams, just in case.
- When guests leave the inn, the dog must accompany them or be crated in their room. We expect that dogs will not disturb other guests by barking or whining.
- Upon arrival, the dog owner will sign a waiver agreeing to pay for any damages caused or extra-cleaning needed due to the dog.
- If your dog is not well behaved or disturbs other guests by barking, the inn does have the right to ask the owners to kennel their dog or leave. No refunds will be offered.
Miscellaneous:
- Concierge Service: We are happy to make dinner reservations for our guests and provide a wealth of information and directions.
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