This beautiful B&B by the Chesapeake Bay offers so many opportunities throughout the day for a calm…read moreand relaxing stay by the water -- from sitting by the river while watching the daybreak, to swimming in the pool while watching the moonrise, and everything in between. There are plenty of lounge and rocking chairs throughout the property to just read a book under a tree or rock yourself to sleep. There's a respectable-sized pool outdoor overlooking the river (with a diving board at the deep end), and a spa and sauna indoor. The larger room (Holly and Ivy) is 2-rooms connected together and out to the balcony with clothes line to help dry your clothes after your water adventures. The children's tale-themed rooms are decorated with family belongings and heirloom (e.g., the Blue Willow room was the owner's daughter's room), so you feel right at home. Some of our family members stayed in beds in the library downstairs surrounded by old and newer books next an antique desk and yes, a spinning wheel. Around the corner there is a pier with a bench on a floating dock tied to it. Night time is magical, with or without the moon and stars, and you can just watch the boat or house lights on the river side glitter over the water. There is no A/C, but honestly, the breeze -- even during the summer where it's 90-100 degrees elsewhere -- provides enough natural coolant that you may only need the fans, which are provided in the rooms. Robin, the friendly and accommodating owner, is always ready with a quick smile and a story about the history of the family or house. Common sense rules are posted for enjoyment of all (quiet hours observed after 11pm, tie the boat by the shed, care to be taken with the fragile bathroom system, etc.)
The farm has Pixie the goat and the 2 sheep (who have gone viral with their own video!) along with chickens and ducklings and Pete the sweet dog (with his own police record!) and a cat who just roam about the property. Eggs from the farm are abundant and the owner encouraged us to cook and eat them lest they get spoiled.
The town with groceries (Giant, Safeway), with restaurants and fast food (Arby's, Saigon Palace, and the Chesapeake Seafood with their superfresh seafood among others) are about a 15 min drive north, so this place is both secluded and convenient.
If there were any drawback, there are mostly related to the water-sport area as some gears felt a bit worn (there's some "old ignored Chesapeake" feel to it), e.g., it would help to have more adult-sized comfortable life vest and more 2-paddle oars (to match the number of seats on the kayaks/boats if all boats are to be used). The greenhouse area where the sauna and spa is also just that -- a greenhouse, with tools lying around (don't expect a lavish steam room) -- but to me, these add to the charm of this down-to-earth B&B that makes it feel closer to home.
The 1921 B&B history book mentioned spiritual entities (a white dog, a lady in black) but during our stay they didn't manifest themselves or being bothersome (they were all part of the ancestral family of the owner after all) -- It's actually made the stay a bit exciting and Robin told some of the historical stories quite light heartedly, which is appreciated.
A dreamy and memorable stay in this fantastic historic place, with a super friendly host and beautiful view all around.