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Spring Lake Hundreds of windowpanes in the gazebo-shaped
solarium in front of this engaging Victorian B&B yield views onto
the tranquil lake that gives The eye-catching atrium-style solarium is the site of an extravagant breakfast served by owners Joanie and Bill Mahon. “You couldn't face a better way to start the day,” says Bill. The fare includes fresh fruit compote, cereal, banana-nut bread and perhaps waffles or a crêpe dish. The Mahons returned to the Jersey Shore, where he grew up, to take over what Travel & Leisure magazine cited as the B&B of choice in the storybook town of Spring Lake. “I’d been on a Christmas tour here and saw this house,” said Joanie. “It was so different and charming. Little did I know I’d end up living here.” Its laid-back Victorian character and its central location close to lake, ocean and village shops and restaurants sealed the deal. With an eye toward guests’ comfort, the Mahons undertook two months of renovations and refurbishing to the 1877 house. They refinished the original floors, redecorated the rooms and lightened up the decor in what Bill calls “fresh beach style.” Two guest rooms yield views of the water and two have fireplaces. Ten hold queensize beds and one has a king. Updated bathrooms, ceiling fans and air conditioning are standard. Room 4 on the third floor, up in the treetops with a view of the lake, is a guest favorite. Most in demand in summer is a rear first-floor room with a private porch. Common areas include a living room with fireplace and a large-screen TV/VCR. Guests enjoy wicker rockers and loveseats on the airy front porch shaded by century-old sentinel sycamores and cooled by sea breezes. The Mahons serve complimentary beverages including
coffee, iced tea, soft drinks and bottled water. They offer bicycles for
touring the area, as well as guest privileges at the Atlantic Club
health and fitness center. Beach passes, beach equipment and an outdoor
shower for returning beach-goers are other amenities. They led New
Jersey Life magazine to select Ashling Cottage as "one of the top
six beach houses in
(732) 449-3553 or (888) 274-5464. Fax (732) 974-9067. E-mail: ashlingcottage@verizon.net For more information: www.ashlingcottage.com
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