We at Mayflower are privileged to have unlimited access to the Steep Rock Association’s reservations. The Association is one of the oldest Land Trusts in Connecticut and protects the rural character of Washington through the conservation of open land, farmland, forest, wetlands and waterways.

Hours of spectacular hiking, biking, kayaking, snow- shoeing and cross-country skiing are at our door-step providing all levels from true challenge to a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Shepaug river. The view of the “clam-shell” on the intermediate Steep Rock Woods hike or the pinnacle top-of-the-world vista at the summit of the Macricostas Preserve challenging hike are not to be missed.

A little bit of history. In the Spring of 1889, just as he was about to break ground on his own country house in Washington, the celebrated architect Ehrick Rossiter discovered that the wooded hillsides in his dramatic view to the west were slated for clear cutting. For him, there was only one thing to do. Using the construction money for the house, he bought the threatened land from the timber company and saved forever the 100 acres that now form the heart of the Steep Rock reservation.

Rossiter House. The charming white house with the turret beyond Mayflower’s Spa House, is in fact one of Ehrick Rossiter’s houses and so we preserve a bit of architectural history on our own estate.

Spa House Photographs. The photographs that surround the spa concierge desk are views of Steep Rock and the Shepaug river that runs through it. They are the work of the photographer Carl Weese.