The Old Mill on the Falls, located in Hatfield, Massachusetts, has a variety of units for guests to reserve. With a total of 30 units, including single queen rooms, twin bedrooms, and Queen suites, the innkeeper remarks that the property caters to a diverse range of travelers. Some units are equipped with a full kitchen and a living room, while one suite offers a king bedroom. Patrons are given access to modern amenities such as Keurigs, tea, and hot chocolate in all rooms, as well as WiFi and TV with movies for entertainment. One feature of the property is the waterfall that is illuminated at night, which visitors can see from certain rooms. Additionally, an on-site cafe serves homemade treats, including buttermilk biscuits. The history of the property dates back to its origins as a grist mill, and recent renovations have transformed it into a boutique hotel with an industrial feel. The owners, Justin Killeen and Bill Willgrid, took over in January 2021. Since then, the owners have focused on creating a culture that fosters a sense of community and hospitality.
Hatfield, Massachusetts, is home to the Old Mill on the Falls. There are a total of 30 units on the property, with 6 single queen rooms, a room with 2 twin beds, and 2 Queen suites. Suites that feature a queen bedroom, a full kitchen, and a living room are often popular among visitors. Additionally, there is one suite that has a king-size bed, and there is a self-standing unit called the carriage house, which is also a queen suite with a full living room and kitchen.
The most sought-after rooms, according to the innkeeper, are those that offer a view of the waterfall located nearby. At night, the waterfall is lit up, creating a pale blue spectacle that guests can enjoy from their rooms. This view can be seen from two of the suites and one of the king rooms, making them more desirable in comparison to the other rooms.
Among the amenities in all of the rooms, those staying at the property can find Keurigs with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for their convenience. WiFi, TV, and movies are also available in each unit, with the intent to provide patrons with entertainment during their stay.
Besides the accommodations, the Old Mill on the Falls has a café where guests can eat homemade treats. The café is separate from the rooms and serves breakfast items such as homemade buttermilk biscuits, which Gail, the innkeeper, remarks are a favorite among visitors. Accommodations for dietary restrictions can be made for guests, providing a variety of gluten-free options to meet guests' needs.
Outside the property, patrons can access the covered front porch, which overlooks the waterfall and offers a spot to enjoy the natural surroundings. Another outdoor area includes a terrace area where there are also tables and chairs. For those who fish, the property has access to the Mill River, and Gail says that the river is a popular spot for trout fishing. The Old Mill on the Falls is located in the town of Hatfield, near Northampton, a city that often attracts visitors with its relatively small venues that host concerts and events.
Old Mill on the Falls tries to focus on creating a culture that enables guests to "feel at home" and comfortable during their stay. Gail, the current innkeeper, mentions that many patrons have expressed that staying at the Old Mill feels like being at home rather than just traveling. Those who have stayed at the inn have left reviews commenting on their time at the property. One such review said, "We loved this place. The rooms were well laid out, clean, and comfortable. The location served as a great home base for traveling around the area."
Other reviews often make remarks about the staff who work at the establishment; one guest commented, "The staff was extremely welcoming, warm, and very accommodating. We felt like we knew them for life after just a few minutes." The innkeeper accredits the staff, commenting that they play a significant role in creating the culture of the property. One example of this is that the staff greets visitors as they arrive at the Old Mill on the Falls.
The Old Mill on the Falls has a relatively diverse demographic of those who visit the property, ranging from older couples to younger couples and families. Its location near the Five College Area often attracts parents that are visiting their children who are attending the college, while its proximity to various wedding venues makes it a fairly popular choice for wedding parties and guests. A generally high amount of bookings come through word-of-mouth recommendations from patrons who have shared their experiences at the establishment with friends and family.
While the Old Mill does not host its own events or activities, its central location allows guests to explore the nearby towns and attend local events, such as concerts, theater performances, and private music venues. The Old Mill's proximity to a variety of dining options, including the downtown areas of Northampton and Amherst, provides visitors with various choices for dining and entertainment.
The Old Mill on the Falls in Hatfield, Massachusetts, has a history dating back to its original construction as a grist mill in the 19th century, potentially even earlier than 1870. Over the years, the innkeeper explains that the building has seen various transformations, serving as a place where long guns and pistols were manufactured. Later on, it became the headquarters for the local newspaper, the Valley Advocate.
In more recent times, the property underwent a significant change when it was converted into a bed and breakfast. However, in January 2021, Justin Killeen and Bill Willgrid purchased the establishment and reimagined it as a boutique hotel. Since then, they have made several updates and renovations to the property, including modernizing all of the bathrooms and kitchens as well as creating a new covered patio.
The new ownership has retained the historical features of the old mill while giving it an industrial feel. Some original features, such as the overhead wheels, are still displayed, paying homage to the building's past. As of now, there are no specific plans for further changes or renovations, as the focus is on maintaining the property's upkeep and providing good customer service to guests.
Gail Chevalier, the current innkeeper, has been overseeing the operations of the Old Mill on the Falls since 2022. As the innkeeper, she intends to foster a cohesive team environment where all team members work together to ensure the guests have a good experience.
87 School Street
Hatfield, Massachusetts 01038
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Justin Killeen and Bill Willgrid
