Innkeepers Donna and Byron Cain say their goal is to create a European atmosphere, which they achieve with high-end bed linens, comfortable robes, homemade sweets with afternoon tea, and concierge-like assistance with planning activities and choosing restaurants. One guest noted that the only thing about the bed-and-breakfast that isn’t “European’’ is the bathrooms, which are spacious.
We were welcomed by Byron Cain and Harrison, an ebullient labradoodle. Cain showed us to our room, asked our preferences for breakfast, and recommended a walking trail that began across the street.
A regal, white farmhouse and a carriage house are set in a beautifully landscaped yard with a brick walkway and stone drive. A massive ash tree in front is more than 150 years old, Cain said. Shrubs and gardens surround the inground pool. Big, floppy blue hydrangeas were still blooming when we visited in late August, and the vegetable gardens were bursting with fruit.
In the first-floor Beach Blossom Room, soft green walls with white trim, a green plaid bed skirt, and floral comforter created a soothing ambience. Along with a queen-size white wrought iron bed, we had two swivel barrel chairs, a flat-screen television with a DVD player, and a desk and chair.
A large armoire in one corner contained extra pillows and blankets, an iron, and an ironing board. Two waffle robes hung on the back of the door.
On the desk we found a booklet of information about restaurants and activities in the area, a book on Cape Cod, crystal highball glasses on a cut glass tray, and a price list for the mattress toppers and bed linens. The innkeepers are so sure guests will love the beds - mattresses topped with a fiber featherbed alternative - they offer them for sale. We were tempted.
The bathroom was large and spotless. It had a shower, whirlpool tub for one, hair dryer, and night-light. The white enamel faucets and diamond-pattern black-and-white floor tiles created a sense of retro elegance. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries were stocked in a pretty glass-front cabinet mounted on the wall, and there was quite a variety: facial and exfoliating soaps, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body butter, bath salts, a shower cap, shoe buffer, and sewing kit.
