Weekend Getaways: The Top Boutique Hotels in the Countryside Near NYC, Paris, London, and Milan

      Monica Mendal serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, and has a background as a fashion editor, travel writer, and author of the Substack newsletter So There's This Place… where she provides curated guides, insider tips, and highlights off-the-beaten-path locales. As autumn envelops some of the most fashionable cities globally, even the most ardent city dwellers feel drawn to a different kind of allure—one that is tranquil and pastoral, characterized by crisp air, golden leaves, and beautifully set tables. For those who value both aesthetics and relaxation, the countryside offers a more personal kind of glamour, with boutique hotels, historic estates, and vineyard retreats just a short trip away from New York, Paris, Milan, or London. These destinations transform a city escape into a weekend of mindful indulgence, where every aspect, from interiors to landscapes, is thoughtfully curated, allowing understated elegance to be an accessible experience. In these countryside boutique hotels, the vibrancy of nearby cities gives way to a refined tranquility, ideal for fall getaways that merge style, comfort, and a hint of magic.

      (Image credit: The Six Bells)Just under two hours from NYC: The Six BellsContinuing with The Six Bells Countryside Inn located in Rosendale, Hudson Valley, it’s a charming boutique inn designed to evoke the feeling of a storybook English village. Founded by Audrey Gelman, the creator of The Wing (now closed), it expands upon The Six Bells, her country-inspired home goods brand that originated as a small shop in Cobble Hill. The inn embodies the brand's appreciation for country aesthetics, showcasing a blend of antiques, artisanal features, and collectibles that captivate true enthusiasts, from wrought iron chandeliers to braided wool rugs. Set within a historic building from the 1850s that has been a hostelry since its time as the Central Hotel, the property includes 11 distinctly maximalist rooms, a riverside restaurant serving Americana-style fare, and a curated selection of home goods seamlessly incorporated into the décor—all available for guests wanting to take a piece of the inn home.

      (Image credit: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay)Just 60 minutes from Paris: Abbaye des Vaux de CernaySituated just under an hour's drive from Paris, Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is a breathtaking 12th-century abbey nestled in a lush, wooded valley. The accommodations seamlessly blend historic stone walls with contemporary comforts, while the cloistered courtyard, gardens, and nearby forest trails encourage leisurely exploration. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining at the elegant on-site restaurant, partake in wine tastings, and embark on guided walks around the abbey grounds, making it a tranquil retreat where history, nature, and thoughtful hospitality harmonize. The estate includes a working farm with horses, chickens, and other animals, as well as a small cinema for private screenings. Opportunities for biking, hiking, and relaxing in the gardens further enhance the versatility of this retreat, catering to families, couples, and anyone wishing to disconnect from urban life.

      (Image credit: The Double Red Duke)Just two hours from London: The Double Red DukeThere's no more ideal time for a pastoral weekend in the Cotswolds than during the fall, when the hills take on golden hues and the air is refreshingly crisp. While the area boasts high-end properties like Estelle Manor and Cowley Manor Experimental, along with perennial favorites such as Soho Farmhouse and Thyme, it also features a variety of equally delightful boutique hotels at more affordable rates, allowing guests to experience the same farm-to-table dining, cozy interiors, and the tranquil joys of country living. One such standout is The Double Red Duke in Bampton, Oxfordshire—a traditional English pub with 19 beautifully decorated rooms. This inn merges historic charm with modern conveniences, showcasing crackling fireplaces, five bars and lounges, and a menu focused on open-fire cooking, Sunday roasts, and seasonal ingredients. It’s the ideal fall retreat for those longing for warmth and authenticity in the heart of the Cotswolds.

      (Image credit: Villa La Madonna)Just under two hours from Milan: Villa La MadonnaNestled in Piedmont's Bormida Valley, just a two-hour drive from Milan, Villa La Madonna is a family-run boutique getaway surrounded by its barbera and cabernet vineyards. Autumn is a perfect time to visit, with vineyards bustling with the harvest, local wine and food festivals enlivening the region, and truffle season in full swing. The summer crowds have dispersed, the climate is pleasant, and the rolling hills are adorned in vibrant autumn shades. With 17 uniquely styled rooms and private terraces that overlook the scenic hills, the property provides a peaceful sanctuary for guests, where they can unwind by the vineyard-fringed pool, savor seasonal Piedmontese cuisine, and partake in estate activities ranging from wine and cheese tastings to cooking classes, vineyard strolls, and