Sarah Boucher: Briar Barn Inn

In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.

Briar Barn Inn offers guests a distinctive farmhouse experience with 30 custom-boutique rooms, a holistic spa, and 100-seat restaurant in a picturesque barn, which can be reserved for weddings and private events. The property combines casual elegance and rustic comfort, making for all the essential elements that goes into memorable weddings, business events, celebrations, or a unique New England getaway. The full-service restaurant set to debut early 2019 will be open year-round to guests of the Inn and neighbors alike, serving local seasonal ingredients from North Shore farms and purveyors. Located on the Essex Coastal Scene Byway, Briar Barn Inn is just a short drive from the North Shore’s popular destinations. Briar Barn Inn is part of the recently founded Bramble Hospitality and will be led by the seasoned team behind Willowdale Estate. The four-acre full-service property is the first of its kind in the area, bringing dining, overnight retreats, and a spa to one dynamic property.

Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.

My passion for creating community, promoting culture, and helping new projects grow started early- I’ve always enjoyed things that bring people together. This led me to a career in events as a caterer, event organizer, and eventually to my current role as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Bramble Hospitality, which operates Willowdale Estate and Briar Barn Inn. The north of Boston area is so rich with culture, history and excellent places to eat and drink – we hope that our newest project in Rowley will help even more people enjoy all there is to do and see along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (1A), with a stay at our inn, a meal at our restaurant or a moment of relaxation at the spa

What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community?

As a place where people gather, I feel it’s natural and necessary to partner and support the creative community. Having strong relationships with creative businesses has added so much value to the work we do. We love featuring and referring creative businesses to our clients, and hosting events that promote or feature the arts. We want to play a role in making the North of Boston area a great place to live – and can’t wait to get to know the businesses in the Creative Collective!

What was the last book you read?

All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr

What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?

We are a very musical company! Our owner, Briar Forsythe, studied classical voice and is fervent supporter of the performing arts, she founded The Summer Institute for the Vocal Arts (SIVA) – a summer music and theater program that offers young singers the opportunity to study under the guidance of New York City and Boston industry professionals. Our CEO, Melissa, went to Berkley and I conduct a local choir and studied flute for many years.

Want to learn more? Visit their website at www.briarbarninn.com

Interested in having your business featured and partnering with the collective to grow your business? #joincreativecollective today.