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New Hope/ This large Georgian brick home was opened as Lambertville's first B&B in 1983 after it had been glamorized as a designers' show house. It wasn't the first time it had received wide publicity – the Massey Mansion was featured in 1911 in House and Garden magazine shortly after a local coal merchant had built it as a 25th wedding anniversary gift for his wife. Today's visitors are greeted by an imposing brick mansion set back from the street with pillared verandas on the front and side. It’s been enhanced lately by new owners Laurie and Mark Weinstein, she the innkeeper and he a fulltime physician, who live with their four young sons in a house nearby. "This is my dream," said effusive Laurie, "and he works to support my hobby." Mercer tiles compliment the working fireplaces in the main-floor common rooms and an original Waterford chandelier glitters over down-stuffed furniture in the living room. Besides the living room, guests spread out on the side porch furnished with rocking chairs overlooking the largest yard on the block, which was decked out in welcoming tiny white lights at one October visit. Crystal knobs open the walnut doors to six large guest quarters on the second and third floors. Each now has a private bath, including renovated Room 1 with a two-person jacuzzi beside the window. All with queen or kingsize beds, they are outfitted with TVs, electric fireplaces, down comforters and robes. Still the favorite is the second-floor front room with a step-up fishnet canopy queen bed, a fireplace, two wing chairs in the corner, an extra sink in another corner and – a startling sight in the bathroom – a free-standing toilet amid plants in the front bay window of what once was a sewing room. A winding staircase leads to the third floor and two large guest rooms with windows in the eaves. Room 6 is a suite with a kingsize wrought-iron canopy bed and a sitting room with a two-person whirlpool tub. Room 7 has a queen canopy bed and pleasant sitting area in front of a fireplace and a private hall bath. A full breakfast, prepared in a kosher kitchen, is served by candlelight at individual tables in the cherry-paneled dining room. It’s notable for a tiled fireplace, a stained-glass window above an oak sideboard and the original lineup of servant bells above the kitchen door. A fruit course of grapefruit and strawberries marinated in orange liqueur preceded buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote the morning of our visit. Poached pears in phyllo with raspberry sauce and pecan belgian waffles with caramelized bananas were the fare the day before. Homemade cookies and an assortment of hot and cold beverages are available throughout the day. (609) 397-3007 or (888) 398-3199. Fax (609) 397-6700. E-mail: Innkeeper@yorkstreethouse.com For more information: www.yorkstreethouse.com Six rooms with private baths. Doubles, $185 to $275 weekends, $125 to $175 midweek.
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