Goodi Stewart calls the style ofher 1877 cottage Carpenter Gothic “because, as far as we can tell, the carpenter made it up as he went along.” Furnishings are a mix of antiques and reproductions, and utilitarian wood closets are built into many of the rooms. Flowers turn up everywhere in this intimate, unpretentious house—in the fabrics of spreads and drapes as well as in garlands hung on windows and wrapped around head-boards. One room has an intriguing sunken bathroom, while another has an attractive iron four-poster.
Ashling’s atmosphere is easygoing, and innkeepers Goodi and Jack Stewart are experts at down-to-earth informality. The most popular room is the solarium, where guests savor the buffet breakfasts and occasional impromptu afternoon refreshments while looking out at Spring Lake and the beach, both about a block away. The inn has an extensive collection ofgames and books for whiling away quiet hours.
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