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Saratoga Springs One of Saratoga's oldest guesthouses, this Queen Anne Victorian structure has been accommodating guests for more than 100 years. But it has been greatly enhanced since its purchase by Bob and Stephanie Melvin of Washington, D.C. They had traveled extensively and stayed at B&Bs before they opened their own, and Stephanie said they approached the endeavor differently than others in town. “Comfort was paramount to us,” she advised. “So while we have very fine things, we encourage people to feel at home. We want the rooms to be restful and our guests to feel special.” The hallmarks here are hospitality, plus attention to detail, amidst a residential garden setting. Hospitality comes easily to Stephanie, an opera singer who performs occasionally in Saratoga. She has arranged antiques, “old” art and contemporary artworks to co-exist in a welcoming environment. Brass and copper chandeliers, oriental paper-cuttings on the walls, high ceilings and gleaming wood floors topped with oriental rugs dignify the common rooms. Rich woodwork, oak newel posts on the staircase banister, blue tiles, two elaborate fireplaces and distinctive wainscoting are all original. All seven upstairs guest rooms have handsome private tiled baths and all but one have king or queensize beds, except for one with two three-quarter beds. We were comfortable in the Jefferson Room, where the new kingsize iron bed is dressed in fine linens. Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, fresh flowers and chocolates embossed with the Westchester House logo are among amenities in all the rooms. Guests relax in six distinct sitting areas amid terraces and Victorian gardens on the extra-large side lawn bordered by a thick hedge of spirea – a real in-town oasis in summer. Or they gather on the wraparound porch overlooking the Melvins' colorful, old-fashioned perennial borders for tea and cookies or wine and cheese. They relax at other times in either of the two main-floor parlors, where decanters of sherry are at the ready. A continental breakfast is served stylishly and with lively conversation amid pink linens, china, crystal mugs and stemmed glasses in the dining room or on the porch. Juice, fresh fruits, fresh breads and muffins and sometimes cheese are the fare. After breakfast, Bob snaps photos of guests, which he and Stephanie forward with a thank-you note to remind them of their stay. Happy customers, they know, are repeat customers.
E-mail: innkeeper@westchesterhousebandb.com For more information: www.westchesterhousebandb.com
Material excerpted 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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