Harborside House

arborside House offers gracious accommodations and warm hospitality in a great location. This handsome 1850 home in the historic district overlooks picturesque Marblehead Harbor. Guests enjoy water views from its wood-paneled parlor, period dining room and summer breakfast porch. Two well-appointed guestrooms feature antique furnishings and period wallpaper.

Only a short walk from Harborside House are antique shops, art galleries, shops of local craftsmen as well as a variety of dining choices to suit every taste bud and budget. A great location and gracious accommodations are only part of the Harborside House story. Hostess Susan Livingston offers caring and friendly hospitality. Owner of this home since 1964, she began welcoming bed and breakfast guests in 1985. She is happy to share her knowledge of the area and its history. Mother of three grown children and Nana to two grandchildren, Susan is a recently retired bridal dressmaker and calligraphist. Recreationally, she is a nationally ranked Masters swimmer and avid cyclist.

Since 1985, visitors to Marblehead have been enjoying the quiet, comfort and convenience of this historic home overlooking the harbor. Built by a ship?s carpenter about 1845, the original rooms are the living room, dining room and the two bedrooms above. The shaped lintels and original plastered dados are evidence of early construction.

At the top of the stairs on the left is a spacious twin guest room with antique mahogany beds. This room offers a spectacular view of the harbor and the lulling sounds of waves lapping the shore (and the occasional excitement of a nor'easter!)

The rise in the floorboards in the hall indicates the newer part of the house. On the right at the end of the hall is a double bed guest room with antique mirrored dressing table. The single room across the hall is used as either a sitting room or in conjunction with guests renting the double.

Downstairs in the living room, the fireplace paneling is original, although at some point the chimney wall was pushed back to enlarge the room. In cool weather, afternoon tea is served by the fireside. The den is a resource room with brochures on Marblehead, Salem, Cape Ann and Boston. A folder holds menus of local restaurants, all within walking distance. The dining room features a stenciled pineapple wallpaper; this symbol of hospitality evolved from the custom of ship captains placing a pineapple on their gate post as a sign of their return and a welcome to visitors.

Breakfast is served between 7:30 am and 9:30 am; late sleeping guests may help themselves. A typical menu includes fruit, juice, home-baked breads and muffins and a choice of cereals. Freshly ground coffee, herbal teas and decaf are available. In suitable weather, breakfast is served on the porch.

Guests may enjoy the patio, yard and sundeck, all abundant with flowers in the summer. The driveway allows for off-street parking. Amenities include white terry bathrobes, bedside Harbor Sweets candy, toiletries and Harborside House postcards. Our goal is to create a memorable visit to Marblehead.

Marblehead, a historic seacoast village on Boston's North Shore, has much to offer. Explore its patriotic past as reflected in period architecture and historic sites. Enjoy the natural beauty of a rocky coastline studded with beaches and parks overlooking picturesque Marblehead Harbor. Watch lobstermen pulling their traps, elegant yachts setting sail and small boats rounding racing buoys. Walk charming old footpaths past lovely homes and gardens of a traditional New England character. Browse the antique shops, art galleries and boutiques that offer treasures special to Marblehead. Relax over a bowl of New England clam chowder, feast on a boiled lobster or enjoy a gourmet dinner at local restaurants offering both casual and elegant dining.

At Abbot Hall, the famous painting The Spirit of '76 can be viewed. The Jeremiah Lee Mansion is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture with period furnishings. The King Hooper Mansion, an early 18th century home with slave quarters and a ballroom, now serves as an art gallery sponsored by the Marblehead Arts Association. Summer concerts are held at Crocker Park, overlooking the harbor and Marblehead Neck. Fort Sewall was built in the 1600's to ward off pirates. Experience the unique character of Marblehead by staying in one of its many charming bed and breakfast homes.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

• Historic home
• Antiques
• Reproduction wallpapers
• Spectacular harbor view
• Beautiful gardens
• Porch, terrace, deck
• Wi-Fi available for guests with laptops and PDA's
• Afternoon tea
• Home-baked goods
• Recipes