The charms of age—the cozy parlor’s low-beamed ceiling, wood floors, and stairs that sag and creak—are enhanced by country touches and old-style pamper-ing. In the hall, a wagon load of teddy bears sits on a floor painted with an apple tree. Two spruce-clad rooms under the eaves are deckedwithrockers and bright-ened by painted flowers—morning glories in one, sunflowers in the other. Trays with complimentary wine and chocolates nestle atop feather beds. The only draw-back is some noise from Route 47.
Though the inn is close to but not on the shore (Stone Harbor is 20 minutes away), there’s plenty to do besides beaching. Leaming’s Run Gardens are just to the east, the spectacular spring spawning of the horseshoe crabs is to the west on Delaware Bay, and good bird-watching and antiques-hunting can be had in any number of locales nearby. Those more interested in staying put can enjoy 55-acre Ludbam’s Pond, just across the shell driveway. Guests are encouraged to explore it in the inn’s canoe, borrow rods and reels for great bass fishing, or just admire it from the gazebo or swing.
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