This Queen Anne Victorian structure— a true painted lady—was built in 1885 by a master carpenter in Saratoga to house his own family. The elaborately carved fireplaces, fluted columns, handcrafted chestnut moldings, and other details make this bed-and-breakfast especially impressive. Innkeepers Stephanie and Bob Melvin furnished the house with an-tiques and works of art, but there is no air of the museum here. The Melvins— he worked in government and she sang opera in Washington, D.C. (you may be able to convince her to sing an aria)—are outgoing and happy to converse on sub-jects ranging from the Eastlake influence on their house to the culture and history of their adopted city. Their di-verse interests are represented by the variety of books in the living room. An open doorway connects that room to the two-room breakfast area, which has arched windows overlooking an outdoor garden.
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