Posted by Abby Rose on Thu, Aug 05, 2010 @ 02:23 PM
It is very common for our guests to leave here saying they feel rested, rejuvenated and that they have gone on a luxurious vacation to a different country - yet are just an hour and a half from their home. The Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast is just a hop, skip and a jump away from DC, Baltimore, Annapolis and Philadelphia. However as you drive down our lane, you will find a serene paradise waiting for you at the end of the drive.
We are dedicated to providing our guests with the highest level of customer service, without being intrusive. If you are looking for peace and quiet - we have that. If you are looking for a sort of charm that Norman Rockefeller would envy - we have that too. Read on to hear what our most recent weekend guests, Bill and Peggy, had to say about their stay. We hope their words will inspire you to come and experience this hidden retreat for yourselves.
"Wanted to write a quick note to say how very much Peggy and I enjoyed our stay with you at the Combsberry Inn this past weekend. The room we had was perfect for us and the care you put into keeping it and the house that way was greatly appreciated. The breakfasts were fantastic; in fact I'd love to get your recipes for the Colorado Egg Souffle and your Peach French Toast if you are willing to share them and have the time to write. Again, many thanks for your warm hospitality and sunny disposition."
Posted by Abby Rose on Mon, Aug 02, 2010 @ 03:53 PM
A huge thank you to Alice and Reagan for the wonderful words they posted about the Combsberry Inn, Maryland on Tripadvisor.com. Best of luck in the future, and be sure to come visit us on the Eastern Shore once your little one is born.
"My husband and I were looking for a peaceful retreat for our babymoon - we're expecting our first child in September. Combsberry Inn was an idyllic getaway spot that provided a perfect romantic stay for us during a hot weekend. Ann and Abby were incredibly welcoming and made us feel at home without being intrusive at all. We stayed at the Carriage House which was beautiful, gave us additional privacy and was very comfortable/well-equipped. Breakfasts were delicious and I also got pampered by Natalie (a massage therapist) who came to the Inn to give me a prenatal massage. The grounds are beautiful and will probably be even more so in the fall (with the leaves changing color) and spring (with the blooming magnolias). We enjoyed time on the hammock with breeze coming off the water and would also have liked to canoe/kayak on the estuary if the weather had been a little cooler. Can't say enough also about the town of Oxford - charming, not crowded, with great restaurants (especially Salter's Tavern at Robert Morris Inn and Pope's Tavern at Oxford Inn; also Scottish Ice Creamery, Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, painted picket fences, and Bella Luna restaurant in Royal Oak were also highlights)."
Posted by Abby Rose on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 @ 11:09 AM
The City of Easton, Maryland will be hosting their 6th Annual Plein Arts Competition and Festival July 19-25, 2010. Painting en plein air (French for 'in the open air") simply means painting outdoors and in the moment, depicting images taken directly from life. This form of art was founded in Europe during the 19th Century and was inspired by Impressionist greats such as
There is simply no finer place to paint, en plein air, than the grounds of Combsberry. With 35 sprawling waterfront acres one can find a picture perfect view in any direction. Whether it be farmland from behind our historic bank barn; heron and osprey enjoying their home on Brighmans Cove; or the nearly 300 year old Manor House - Combsberry would surely tempt any artists pallette.
Combsberry Inn islocated just 8 miles from the City of Easton, down a secluded lane... We have all the modern amenities of a luxury hotel yet offer the peace and serenity that you have been looking for. We are the retreat you have dreamt of - whether to paint your next masterpiece, en plein air, or simply to enjoy life en plein air on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.... Channel your inner Monet and book today.
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." ~Kahlil Gibran
Posted by Abby Rose on Sun, May 23, 2010 @ 06:02 PM
A wedding brunch was hosted this past weekend by a local family, ones that became dear friends in the three short nights they were here. It is always such a joy as an Innkeeper to connect, and become friends, with the guests that stay at ones establishment. Thank you Mark, Janet, Will, Jane, Ann and company for the laughs this past weekend. It was such an honor hosting your weekend and we hope you will return soon!
In addition to having such a lovely family grace our presence, we had the opportunity to meet Susan Joy and her Staff of Blue Heron Catering. The menu and professionalism of Susan and her staff was beyond amazing. Some of the items served included Breakfast Tortes, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Bacon Twirls (out of this world), Chocolate Covered Strawberries and many more goodies.
Enjoy the photos from today and think of all the possibilities of Combsberry has to offer - from a wedding brunch venue, a wedding ceremony site, a business retreat or simply a quiet, romantic weekend with the love of your life. Enjoy!
Posted by Abby Rose on Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
A few weeks ago one of our guests noted as she and I were walking outside "There are so many stars here"! This statement took me by surprise at first, as I have always been used to seeing the stars. It is something that I take for granted... I can look into the sky most every evening and point out Cassiopeia, Perseus and of course both the Ursas. However, I know that many people in the city rarely see the stars and if they do - they certainly aren't able to see the glitters and sparkles that blanket our night skies at the Combsberry Bed and Breakfast.
From the sprawling deck of the Magnolia Suite; the porch on either the Carriage House or Oxford Cottage; or simply walking across our thirty five acres - one can gaze up at the nights sky and become acquainted with these legends of Greek Mythology. Book a room at the Combsberry Inn now and you too may spend the night under the stars on Maryland's Eastern Shore... What a fabulous way to spend a romantic weekend getaway! No telescope necessary.
"We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them, and discuss whether they was made or just happened." ~Mark Twain
Posted by Abby Rose on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 07:22 PM
Every year, the town of Oxford asks local businesses and residents to paint picket fences to promote tourism. The idea is that the fences will be placed randomly throughout town, giving tourists and visitors a glimpse of all that Oxford has to offer. As Oxford is a charming small town, the eighteen fences this year will give people a pretty broad tour of all the charm our village has to offer. One can hop on a bike and cruise past the fences, or simply take the hand of their loved one and go for a leisurely stroll. Either way, the picket fences are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Once the summer season is over, the picket fences are auctioned off and the money earned goes to the charity of the artists choice. Just another way that Oxford Gives Back!
Our very owner, Ann; neighbor, Donnie; and dear friend Jacque painted The Combsberry Inn's entry this year. It is lovely and represents the Eastern Shore region well - complete with a lighthouse, cattails, water, clouds, sand, oyster shells and a skipjack by the name of Abby Rose! Great work, you three! The Combsberry picket fence is surely a winner and proceeds from its sale will go towards the Oxford Fire Department.
We are looking forward to your visit to The Combsberry Inn and will be sure to have a map of the picket fence tour readily available for you. And maybe, just maybe, we'll send you on your way with some homemade lemon bars! ;)
Posted by Abby Rose on Fri, May 07, 2010 @ 10:05 AM
As promised, here is the sequel to the history of the Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast. It has been confirmed that Jeanne did compile this information. Great work, Jeanne, I am very impressed at the time and effort that went into this! Thank you!
"John Oldham was in Oxford as early as 1700 when he bought two lots from Nicholas Lowe. He was described as a whitesmith, or one who worked in the light metals such as silver, tin or pewter. After his move to his Manor House, he was elected as a delegate from Talbot County to the House of Burgess. During this time he was chosen by the Assembly as one of seven "visitors" to purchase 100 acres for the use of a public school. It is interesting that the thought of a public school was being considered or even as being needed so early in the development of this pioneer settlement.
In 1729, death claimed John Oldham. He devised all his property to his only son, Edward, who took on the management of the plantation. Like his father, he too made his name in the public sector. He served in the House of Burgess and as a Justice for Talbot County. His first wife was Mary, a daughter of the Nicholas Lowes who lived at nearly Anderton. There were four children of this marriage, only one of whom survived after her mother's death in 1745. It would be another ten years before he took a second wife, Ann Goldsborough, the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah who lived in Otwell.
As the years went by the domestic scene began to deteriorate. Perhaps it was the pressure of public life or the fact that all of his children has been daughters. In any case, in 1773, his wife finally took him to Court and him declared "lunatic by reason of his sotted condition" as the language of the day described. He was put in custody under the guardianship of his two sons-in-laws. Poor old Edward no longer had control of his property or person. He died the following year.
Ann Oldham, Edward's widow, continued to live on at Combsbury until her death in 1792. The plantation then went to their third daughter, Hannah, who had married Nicholas Martin and was living a bit further up the Choptank at a Martin home, "The Wilderness". Hannah and Nicholas immediately turned the entire property over to their eldest son, Nicholas Jr. This young man is listed as the owner and occupant of Combsbury in the 1798 Tax Assessment. However, he was on a trip to the Caribbean when he succumbed to a fatal disease and the plantation reverted back to his father. When Nicholas Sr. died in 1808 he divided his holdings amongst his various children and his eldest daughter, Harriot, inherited Combsbury. She immediately moved here with her mother, as her brother Daniel has possession of "The Wilderness".
Harriot made this her home for the rest of her life. She ran the plantation and cared for her mother until the latters' death in 1828. The news of her brother Daniel's sudden death while serving as Governor of Maryland must have staggered her. She never married. She lived here alone for the next fifty years in spite of a declining economy. It was a remarkable achievement in an era so dominated by men. However, the clouds were gathering. The work force was restless and Harriot finally faced the reality, though it must have saddened her, when she wrote in her will that her real estate be sold. Thus, the Oldham/Martin ownership came to an end.
Nathaniel Leonard was the buyer. There have been many owners since. The kitchen wing to the east was added by the Wingard family in 1877. They probably added the bank-type barn so reminiscent of the Pennsylvania country where they had come from. The library wing to the west was built by the Stanley Coxes in 1927, but it was the Oldham/Martin families who have left their enduring legacy."
Thus, we are wrapping up another week at the Combsberry Inn. It was a productive and fun filled week with events that still have Megan and myself giggling. I am still in the process of planning new Spring/Summer menus and will be posting them soon. Also, I met a wonderful boat Captain yesterday who will be able to offer guests rides from our very own dock to the destination of their choosing... More details to follow, and stay tuned for our exciting summer specials! Come visit soon, you definitely need a vacation and there is no better place to enjoy some R&R than on the hammock of the Combsberry Inn.
Posted by Abby Rose on Mon, May 03, 2010 @ 09:35 AM
Often times I walk around Combsberry Inn and wonder what these walls would say if they could talk. The home is nearly 300 years old - it was erected during the early settlement of our country, it had been a place to sleep for General Lee during the Civil War, it was standing during the rise and fall of slavery. Combsberry is drenched in history and indeed would have a great deal to say...
On that note, I would like to share with you all a history of Combsberry that is neatly kept in a scrapbook in our library. I am not sure who actually put together this in depth piece of work, but have a suspicion it is Jeanne - Ann's sister. I by no means will take credit for this impressive account of Comsberry, I simply read it from my comfy abode late at night. The history gathered is quite inclusive, and a bit lengthy as it spans 300 years, so I will share it a little bit at a time.
"A short sail up the Great Choptank River from Oxford, Maryland is an inlet called Island Creek. As you turn in, directly ahead stands an impressive old plantation home - The Historic Combsberry Inn Bed and Breakfast. It is steeped in history. The last owner of the original families lived here until death claimed her in 1859.
In 1649 Josias Cooper was awarded a grant of 100 acres "Combsbury", for transporting he and a woman to Maryland. The grant was later reassigned to William Riche in 1664, a planter who owned the adjacent property. Riche was living on the neighboring land, and used the plot deemed "Combsbury" for production purposes. In 1685, his will read that his eldest son William shall inherit "all that parcel of land by the name Combsbury whereon I now live." William continued caring of the land which included 150 acres plus more that he purchased, houses and other various outbuildings. When William Jr. passed, his will stipulated that the house and all land be sold.
In 1718, John and Mary Oldham, purchased "Combsbury" for the price of 21,000 pounds of good, marketable tobacco and fifty pounds silver of the Province. What Mr. Oldham must have purchased had been acreage and some worn down houses since the land had been paid for with mainly tobacco. Usually the more expensive plots were purchased with only silver and gold. Mr. Oldham immediately set about building an imposing brick house for himself and his family. This house has survived the years and is one of the finest examples of early architecture in Talbot County, Maryland.
There were no architects in the colonies at this time and a builder had to depend on pattern books brought over from England. John Oldham built with an exquisite sense of proportion and a restrained use of curvilinear for embellishment. He started with a deep cellar, a "Great Room", a dining room with a stair tower above it. The two rooms have fireplaces with huge oval openings, the windows also have arched brick openings and the wide pine floors that you still see today, are original. Two bedrooms grace the second floor, and two more on the third story.
This house is similar to "Troth's Fortune" further up the Choptank, as they are the only two houses in Talbot County with a stair tower. The exterior of the home is laid in header bond on the water side and English bond elsewhere. Many of the headers are glazed. This is a house that lets the sunlight in, the breezes through and seems planned for gracious living and hospitality. Beyond the dining room was the original kitchen with its big cooking fireplace and loft above for the cook. This was still standing until the late 1970's but is gone now. This was one of the earliest two and a half story houses to be built in the county."
This shall be continued as I have a garden to finish planting! Thank you again to whomever put together this fine piece of history. I imagine it was loads of work. And thank you, Combsberry, for still standing beautifully and gracefully in the waterfront spot you were placed nearly 300 years ago. Take a walk back through history and come visit this little slice of heaven on the Eastern Shore.
