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Saratoga Springs She had owned and
operated a Victorian B&B for seven years in She named it to
reflect the theme of her collection of hunt prints that dot the common
rooms, then set about enhancing a reputation for gourmet breakfasts
reflecting her culinary training – all the while blending her special
brand of European hospitality with the warmth of home. The Romanian-born
innkeeper had scoured the Northeast for the appropriate site to move
back East and open a B&B. “The minute I walked in the door I knew
this was it,” the ex-New Yorker said of the handsome house with a
large entry foyer paneled with birds-eye maple, a sweeping spiral
staircase and a large, stained-glass window. Two parlors (one
full of plush velvet furniture and ornate carved burl paneling), a large
dining room, a butler’s pantry and a kitchen – all bearing fine
Victorian woodwork and detailing – contributed to her decision. The
attributes of five upstairs guest rooms sealed the deal. Stunning wallpaper
and handmade window treatments and bed canopies lent themselves to
Marlena’s furnishings. That’s particularly evident in the Crown
Room, named for the large purple and gold satin canopy that crowns the
kingsize bed. Purple satin draperies puddle to the floor, adding to the
regal feel of a room graced by an armoire that looks as if it had been
there forever. The angels on the wallpaper border inspired the name for
the rear Cherub Room, an L-shaped space with a kingsize carved oak bed
nicely angled in the corner of the ell, a matching armoire, a fainting
couch in the far alcove and a large bath. The Lilac Room, richly dressed
in eggplant colors against a prevailing white backdrop, has a kingsize
bed draped in sheer fabric and sports a private balcony. Queensize beds
and whirlpool tubs are features of the Guests avail
themselves of the wraparound porch and side lawn with gardens and
statuary. Marlena, who was a
chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park before
moving to Recipes for these
as well as for soups, salads and specialties that she offers at
prepared-by-request dinners turn up in her recently published cookbook,
“Marlena’s Secrets.” Cookies, chocolates and tea are available in the afternoon in the main dining room. “People can help themselves,” says Marlena. “Decker and I want everyone to feel at home.”
For more
information: www.foxnhoundbandb.com. Five rooms with private baths. Doubles, $149 to $245. Racing: $295 to $400. Mid-November to mid-April, open Thursday-Sunday, $149 to $189.
Excerpted and updated from Getaways for Gourmets in the Northeast, by Nancy and Richard Woodworth. Copyright 2006. Wood Pond Press E-mail feedback to: Home
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