TRAVEL EXCURSION:
NEW ENGLAND B&BS
By Patrice
Raplee
New England is generally one of those "dream" vacation spots
West-coasters mean to visit, but never seem to plan. This year, indulge
your vacation dreams in Rhode Island with sailboats set against an azure
sky, fabulous antiques, Victorian bed and breakfasts and fresh Maine
lobster dripping with butter.
Referred to as the Ocean State, Rhode Island is generally associated
with towns such as Newport and as a jump off point to Cape Cod and Martha's
Vineyard. However, located just 20 minutes north of Newport is the quaint
little harbor town of Bristol. This community is a jewel and quickly
becoming a more desirable vacation site than its costly and upscale
Newport neighbor. On the average, accommodations in Bristol run 50 percent
less and are just as elegant as lodgings in the larger towns.
Many fine B&Bs are available in Bristol, but Hearth House on Hope
Street is one of the most charming and interesting. Built in 1798 by
Sea Captain Parker Borden, this exquisite Victorian home is a classic
example of Federal Architecture. Parker Borden and his descendants are
also connected to another infamous Borden family, mentioned at the conclusion
of this article.
Surrounded by a verdant English garden, Hearth House overlooks Bristol
Harbor across the street and upon sunset, the view is unmatchable. Proprietors
Tony and Angie Margiotta were so enchanted by the house that they gave
up their teaching careers in New York when the Inn became available.
The Margiottas are warm, engaging and dedicated to their guests. "We
love people," Mrs. Margiotta said. "We want people to feel
like part of our family and to be able to completely relax when they
visit." Their three delightful cats are just as friendly and are
fuzzy ambassadors to all of the guests.
Hearth House is kept as original as possible, yet comfortable updates
are added that keep in style with the house's original design. The Inn
has ten fireplaces, a dining room, private parlor, entry parlor, a common
room and three guest rooms. Each room is filled with antiques, faithful
period reproductions, replete with king size beds, air conditioning
and beautiful private baths. The Harbor View Suite is especially captivating
with a fireplace in the bedroom and windows that overlook sailing ships
gliding past the harbor. The suite is also perfect for viewing the East
Coast's early summer storms. Curl up with a cup of tea and watch lightning
flash through softly blowing translucent curtains, while rain patters
down, cooling the night air.
At the end of the evening, bubble away in the lovely, tiled Jacuzzi
while enjoying the bathroom fireplace, or read a book on the comfortable
settee.
The Rose Room and Skylight Garden Room possess their own magic ambience
and are equally alluring.
The Hearth House breakfast cuisine is superb and is served on fine
China in the airy dining room. The Margiottas prepare a luscious array
of specialties from crepes and muffins to Portuguese French toast.
When you are ready to plan your day, have a chat with the Margiottas.
They are quite knowledgeable and will provide you with self-guided walking
tours, maps, suggestions on the wide array of local antique shops, Newport,
Providence, the best restaurants and of course, historic museums. They
can also help you plan a special surprise or engagement for you and
your partner. Make sure to call ahead for arrangements.
If you are wondering whether Parker Borden and his family are related
to Lizzie Borden, the woman accused of the heinous 1892 crime, you are
correct. They are distant cousins and Lizzie lived only ten miles away
from the Bristol House in Fall River, Massachusetts. Did Lizzie and
her sister know the Parker Borden relatives or visit the Bristol House?
Look for next month's issue when Travel Excursion visits Fall River,
Massachusetts and the Lizzie Borden house.
Hearth House is definitely a haven on the harbor and has been
so since 1798. The Margiottas continue to provide their guests with
gracious accommodations, a peaceful environment and a warm welcome.
For more information on the Hearth House Bed and Breakfast and Bristol,
RI, call the Margiottas at (401) 253-1404 or see website at www.hearthhouse.com.
HOME
|
