From childhood I've enjoyed trips to beaches along the eastern coastline, each staking claim to the grandest offering of the Atlantic Ocean. But until one views the majestic Atlantic from Spray Cliff, the full glory of the Atlantic Ocean is unknown.
Spray Cliff presents the only oceanfront Bed & Breakfast in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and the magnificent vista appears infinite. In addition to a large picture window in the breakfast area framing the ocean, five of the seven bedrooms provide ocean views as well. For those preferring outside ocean gazing, chairs are available on the sea wall giving the feel of being perched upon the upper level of a luxury ocean liner.
From Spray Cliff, ocean gazing is mesmerizing. The panoramic view is similar to ones seen in Acapulco and reminiscent of the coast along northern California. Interest is added to New England's coastline by rugged rocks looming out of the water; others provide a backdrop for the shore. As Marblehead is a major yachting center, sailing races are often seen off of Marblehead Harbor; lobster boats are in action all year long.
Built in the early 1900's as a private summer home, Spray Cliff has been owned and operated since 1994 by Roger and Sally Plauche and their schnauzer Sadie. Sally's background and expertise in interior design are evident throughout the house. Since Sally and Roger have lived in a number of cities over the years, each bedroom is named after one. To add a note of interest, Sally hangs family photographs in each bedroom as their family appeared at the time they lived in the city for which the room is named.
The rooms at Spray Cliff are spacious, and each has a private bath. If you are visiting during the winter months, two of the bedrooms feature a fireplace; there is also a fireplace in the gathering room. My favorite bedroom is "Manhasset," a second floor room with a fireplace, king-sized bed, and a panoramic view of the ocean. The host and hostess have their living quarters in a separate part of the house, and there is a private entrance for guests.
Spray Cliff is a Bed & Breakfast catering exclusively to adults, and a two nights' stay is required; there is a 25% discount the third night. Fresh flowers adorn each room, bicycles are available for guest to borrow, a complimentary paper is delivered daily, and an open bar is provided for guests. Roger says," At Spray Cliff we have tried to create a casual relaxed way of life.
A gourmet continental breakfast is presented on a "serve yourself" basis and offers a variety of homemade pastries baked by the Plauche's daughter-in-law. Cereals, juices, fruit, and coffee are also available. Trays are provided for those desiring breakfast outside.
For anyone traveling to the Boston area on business or pleasure, staying at Spray Cliff in Marblehead is a treat. Spray Cliff is just 15 miles north of Boston and easily accessible from Logan Airport and major highways. A quaint, picturesque seaside community, Marblehead boasts a winning combination of diverse activities and excellent restaurants. Walking through Old Town Marblehead is like walking through an old English village. The area is speckled with eighteenth century clapboard homes on the water or right beyond.
INN: Spray Cliff on the Ocean; LOCATION: 25 Spray Ave., Marblehead, MA 01945 (near Boston); Tel.: 1-800-626-1530, E-mail: spraycliff@aol.com; FAX: 617-639-4563; ACCOMMODATIONS: 7 guest rooms w/private baths; BREAKFAST: continental; CHILDREN: no; SMOKING: no; RATES: $169 - $189; CHARGE CARDS: yes; RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS: several--ask innkeepers WEB SITE: www.marbleheadchamber.org/spraycliff
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