In a frenetic world, the South Shire Inn is the perfect escape, even if only for just a short time. The estate, formerly the private residence of Louis A. Graves, was the creation of architect, William C. Bull who designed many of the stately Victorian structures in the Shires of Vermont.
Ten-foot ceilings, the mahogany-paneled library with ornately carved fireplace, leaded glass pocket door and bookcases, and the raised plaster moldings of the Dining Room make the South Shire Inn a showpiece in Southern Vermont Victorian Era.Choose from nine spacious and individually decorated guest rooms.
Ten-foot ceilings, the mahogany-paneled library with ornately carved fireplace, leaded glass pocket door and bookcases, and the raised plaster moldings of the Dining Room make the South Shire Inn a showpiece in Southern Vermont Victorian Era.Choose from nine spacious and individually decorated guest rooms.
Services
Located in the Heart of Historic Bennington, the South Shire Inn offers the corporate traveler the comforts of an elegant, turn-of-the-century home combined with the necessities of business. Consider us for your meetings & conferences. Call us about corporate rates. Nine spacious guest rooms, all with private bath, work area, air conditioning and some with whirlpool baths and fireplaces provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Explore historic Old Bennington with the Old First Church, the Old Burying Ground where Robert Frost rests, and Old Bennington's many splendid examples of Colonial architecture. Visit the Bennington Museum with its exhibits of Bennington Pottery and a gallery devoted to the work of Grandma Moses. Browse through the many antique and craft shops as well as the Camelot Village Antique Center located nearby.
Reviews (15)
Terry Mullen
Dec 17, 2021
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Whodoyouthinkyouare
Dec 15, 2021
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I really don't write many reviews, however I can't say enough positive things about my experience at the South Shire. Overall there is nothing negative to say about the stay. The room, fireplace, bathroom, and breakfast were all fantastic. If you are staying in Bennington there really is no other option for any other lodging.
Felicity May
Dec 11, 2021
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Craig Elkins
Nov 13, 2021
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Lisa Manzi
Oct 17, 2021
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My husband and I loved our stay with the South Shire Inn. The owner, Joe, was great. Happily greeting guests in the mornings as he prepared (himself) and served us breakfast. Great stories and conversation that made us feel like fast friends. Patty, Joe's mom is a gem. A sweet smile to greet us each morning with endless cups of coffee. We stayed in the Carriage House and the room was very nice. From previous ownership, the carpet and bath were a bit dated, but in great condition and very clean. The main house, has a fantastic living room for relaxing with a book or drink or sitting and playing
Deryck Durston
Oct 13, 2021
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Walk into a mahogany paneled living room with exquisite finishes that a banker built before this house and carriage house became an inn. The bedroom we had included a working fire place and very comfortable bed, was spacious and wonderful to relax in. The host/owner and his family warmly attentive. Breakfasts were a cut above in quality. Will return.
Michael Daly
Sep 28, 2021
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My wife and I stayed over night at the South Shire Inn for our anniversary. We, easily, booked the Hayloft room on their website and I made a note that it was our anniversary.
Upon our arrival, Joe gave us a tour of the beautiful main house and then showed us our room in the Carriage house. The main house is gorgeous! Apertifs and a beautiful sitting area in the parlor that is next to a dining room full of antique charm.
The room was clean, well appointed and awaited us with a lovely bottle of champagne and a note wishing us a happy anniversary.
Breakfast was a delicious waffle with a locally
Upon our arrival, Joe gave us a tour of the beautiful main house and then showed us our room in the Carriage house. The main house is gorgeous! Apertifs and a beautiful sitting area in the parlor that is next to a dining room full of antique charm.
The room was clean, well appointed and awaited us with a lovely bottle of champagne and a note wishing us a happy anniversary.
Breakfast was a delicious waffle with a locally
Jw Brooks
Sep 26, 2021
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Michelle Bernasconi
Sep 15, 2021
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Pros: fantastic breakfast and the building was very impressive. Really enjoyed the breakfast and the staff were absolutely wonderful.
Cons: the lack of comfort of the mattress, various stains on the coverlet and overwhelming amount of cobwebs and dust in our Coach Room made the experience less enjoyable. Would've probably been better off with a different room. Had a bit higher expectations given the price of the room per night of almost $200 before tax.
Will likely consider a return, just not in the same room.
Cons: the lack of comfort of the mattress, various stains on the coverlet and overwhelming amount of cobwebs and dust in our Coach Room made the experience less enjoyable. Would've probably been better off with a different room. Had a bit higher expectations given the price of the room per night of almost $200 before tax.
Will likely consider a return, just not in the same room.
Cheri Anderson
Sep 01, 2021
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The new owner is wonderful. We stayed in the Osgood Room, it was large and comfortable, the tub was heavenly, the four poster bed took you back like a fairy tale, the library/common area was stunning, beautiful woodwork, games, books, comfortable seating. When we weren’t on the porch having coffee we were enjoying exploring some of the picture books and history of Bennington. We walked to the monument, passed Robert Frosts grave, up the elevator of the monument to see beautiful 360 degree views, and found an ambitious young teen selling lemonade, fresh squeezed for $2. The newer pubs and restaurants
Will A.
Jun 08, 2021
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I was unsure about booking after reading fairly recent reviews. I was very happy I took the chance, the South Shire Inn was a gorgeous place. My wife and I met both Joyce (the former owner) and Joe (the new owner). They were both very kind and welcoming. We apparently arrived during a transition in ownership. The room was very comfortable especially in the extreme heat, our breakfast was delicious! The town was lovely although I wouldn't recommend visiting Bennington on a Sunday, walked the town around 5pm and almost everything was closed.
Shyloh C.
Apr 26, 2021
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Dan L.
Apr 05, 2020
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What a complete disappointment with this place. My new wife and I decided to honeymoon here. What a mistake. The inn wholly misrepresented their accommodations, and refused to assist us. We were turned away. They also had the gall to charge us and never refunded a cent. The fundamental issue was their advertising which indicated certain amenities--which they clearly did not have. I would never consider staying at this place, after the way we were treated.
Brian B.
Jul 18, 2019
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Was greeted by Joyce (the sole owner now) in a way that was so cold and unwelcoming, we almost left on the spot. Have never, ever been treated with such pure disdain by any other person or place in my life (in my 60's). A beautiful place, but we will never return because of the nasty owner. No wonder the place was empty.
Ping P.
Jun 09, 2009
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We happened upon this inn through happenstance. We were in town and needed a place to stay the night. We started calling around and they had a room for us.
The owners are really welcoming. The inn itself is gorgeous! Breakfast was filling and delicious. Our room was on the first floor and had a fireplace and huge soaking tub.
Our only issue that we ran into: the bed was too short. My fiance is 6 foot 1 and with a footboard on the bed (it was a gorgeous antique carved mahogany bed) it was impossible for him to lie out straight.
The owners are really welcoming. The inn itself is gorgeous! Breakfast was filling and delicious. Our room was on the first floor and had a fireplace and huge soaking tub.
Our only issue that we ran into: the bed was too short. My fiance is 6 foot 1 and with a footboard on the bed (it was a gorgeous antique carved mahogany bed) it was impossible for him to lie out straight.
