Mary Ruth’s Retreat

$132/night

Mary Ruth's Retreat is our downstairs bedroom that features a queen sized bed, a refinished antique cherry dresser, a night table with a reading lamp, an antique rocking chair and a private bath with closet space. The room faces the rose garden to east of the house.  The well-appointed bath has an antique pedestal sink, and a tub/shower that completes the suite and allows guests to enjoy long soaks after a day on the bay. A subtle bird theme creates serenity and elegance. The room is decorated in in yellow and red floral accents and custom made window treatments to create a sense of island charm and reflects the beautiful flowers that surround the inn in the springtime months.

Mary Ruth was an animal lover who took great pride in her roses and enjoyed creating lush landscapes with flowers and perennials. Her garden at the family farm featured a large strawberry patch, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers that was framed with plum, apple, peach, and cherry trees. She was known to make herb-infused sun tea every day on her back porch. Mary Ruth, or Gram, as she was known, loved watching birds and had bird feeders throughout her farm. Gram’s different tea infusions are still served at the Inn.

Gram was an avid game player and was involved in many community activities, and was the founder of Operation Blessing, a church-based group that donated toys to disadvantaged children. She loved playing golf and was delighted when she scored a hole in one, long before her husband accomplished the same achievement. During World War II, she took over her husband’s gas station business out of the need to keep the business afloat during the war. Michele’s fondest memory was when Gram forbid the children from tracking in dirt and debris from the barn.  “Gram handed you a bar of Ivory soap (it floats) and a towel, and sent you to the spring-fed lake to bath!