Discover Our Town

The Embassy Circle Guest House of Washington DC

In 2003, the owners of The Embassy Circle Guest House of Washington, DC felt their Shepherd Park home felt lonely. The couple had owned the Woodley Park Guest House, an 18-room inn just off Connecticut Avenue NW, since 2000. They had renovated the dilapidated former rooming house into a successful business, with Laura parlaying her marketing experience and Raymond using his 15-year background in facilities management at the World Bank.

It's an often-idle fancy that has beckoned many who have flirted with the idea of buying a charming old house. But the Sabas had a plan. They set their sights on a vacant 100-year-old mansion near Embassy Row. The building's 8,250 square feet would allow them the 10 guest rooms they figured they needed to make it profitable. And it was less than a mile from their guesthouse, which they planned to continue operating.

In September 2003, their $1 million bid for the house at 2224 R St. NW was accepted. That's when the complications began to mount.

Changing the use of the long-vacant building required city approval of a zoning adjustment. But opposition from the neighborhood made that more difficult than they expected. And then there was the state of the building itself: The damage and deterioration of 15 years of neglect and an earlier fire were extensive. They finally opened the Embassy Circle Guest House for business last month.

The elegant structure just off Massachusetts Avenue NW was built in 1902 for Louis D. Meline, a French-born architect, artist and antiques collector. In the mid-1940s, the building was purchased by the government of Taiwan; at one point, it was used as offices and dormitories for the Taiwanese military attache. The building had been vacant since about 1990. The roof leaked, windows were missing, and the elements had taken a toll.

Eventually, they got the ANC's support. "We ultimately believed it would be a residential asset to the neighborhood," said MaryEva Candon, one of the commissioners for Sheridan-Kalorama.

Raymond Saba recalls the almost 18 months from the purchase until the zoning approval in February 2005 as a nail-biting period -- without the approval, he and his wife couldn't proceed with the project and would have to sell the building. However, now that he knew more about the building's structural problems, he believed selling it would have been almost impossible.

All 10 guest rooms were completed and open. They are quite large, about 450 square feet, and each has a private bath. The furnishings are simple but elegant. Natural-hardwood-framed beds, old-fashioned white chenille bedspreads, antique Persian carpets over the refurbished hardwood floors, white plantation shutters and two classic armchairs with reading lamps grace each room. An eclectic and extensive mix of art from local artists and guests from their Woodley Park Guest House hangs throughout the Embassy Circle House.

"The neighborhood is inundated with embassies and chanceries, but restoring an abandoned and derelict building into a residence and providing a useful service to the neighborhood was an attractive idea," said Phil Baker, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than a decade and attended one of the parties. "The Sabas presented a good case to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and eventually turned many skeptics in their favor."

During a recent interview, Chapin, head of the neighborhood group that originally opposed the idea, said a bed-and-breakfast turns out to be a good fit for the site. However, he still is concerned about parking for guests and said he doubts they will rely on the nearby Dupont Circle Metro station, as the Sabas have maintained.

Room prices average $240 a night and include breakfast, with the conversation always coming around to the lavishly adorned interior and, of course, the story of how the building was reborn.

A Chateau on the Bayou Bed and Breakfast of Raceland, LA

A Chateau on the Bayou Bed in Breakfast is the place to be in Raceland, LA. Come enjoy a relaxing stay in this country Victorian home, A Chateau on the Bayou, located on the banks of Bayou Lafourche- 30 minutes from the New Orleans airport, 10 minutes away from Thibodaux,LA and 15 minutes away from Houma and Luling LA. 

Rest in the hammock and watch the bayou flow slowly by or rock in the comfortable rockers on the back porch.  Watch the water birds searching the floating vegetation for food.  Catch sight of a bald eagle soaring over the bayou where fish are jumping.  Catch a glimpse of an alligator or an egret perched on the wharf.  Hear the sounds of birds, crickets, owls, and bullfrogs.

Offers four comfortable guest rooms all ranging from a double sized bed, queen size bed, full sized double bed, and one twin.

Nearby attractions include plantations such as Oak Alley or Madewood, Airboat rides and Swamp tours.  Nicholls State University, Rienzi Plantation, and John Folse Culinary School is nearby in Thibodaux.  Golfing is only five minutes away.  Or in under ten minutes be at one of the few operating sugarcane factory and sugarmills of Laurel Valley.

Guest Say:

I must telly ou of the wonderful experience we had at your lovely Bed and Breakfast in Raceland, LA!  We enjoyed every minute of your wonderful hospitality.  Your Bed and Breakfast can certainly be called a "home away from home".  When looking for accommodations, I will always choose a bed and breakfast rather than a hotel.

--Mary and Jim Hollingsworth, Los Angeles

Claudette, we're back in England and now we must thank you for the five wonderful days we spent with you in your beautiful home.  We had so much fun and so many interesting things to see that you were able to help us with.  How lucky we were to find you.  As visitors from another country, the hospitality you showed us was unequalled.  If we visit Lousiana again and I hope we shall, you will definitely be our first call.  You deserve all the success which must surely be coming your way.  A big thanks also to Lisa.  Our best wishes go to you and all of your friends.

--Margaret and Anthony Holyoake, Leicester, England.

Map and contact information click here.

KHS Contracting of Mt Laurel, NJ

KHS Contracting of Mt Laurel, NJ has been in the business of remodeling kitchens for over fifteen years.  This involves the complete remodeling/renovation of kitchens from assistance in design and layout to tear-out and installation of all kitchen related material. 

KHS Contractings is a NJ licensed contractor (Lic# 13VH00925900) and stands behind all work and craftsmanship.  KHS Contracting does one job at a time and will not "leave you hanging" while work is being done on another job.  They stay with your job from start to finish. 

In addition to remodeling kitchens, KHS Contracting subsidiary, "Cabinets by Ken", designs and builds custom cabinets, specializing in wine and liquor cabinets.  All cabinets by "Cabinets by Ken" are custom-built in his Mt Laurel, NJ shop.

For contacting KHS Contracting please call 856-235-7187

Homer FloatPlane Lodge and Cabins of Homer, AK

                                                             

Homer FloatPlane Lodge and Cabins of Homer, AK is a premier starting point for Cook Inlet saltwater fishing, fly out fishing, fly out bear viewing, and photo expeditions.  Whether out on Kachemak Bay on their fishing vessel the "SeaHawk"-- or just relaxing in the hot tub watching a late Alaskan sunset after a day on the water-- you and your companions will experience the best they and Homer can provide.

At Homer FloatPlane Lodge and Alaska Anglers Charter Services, they provide all inclusive fishing vacation packages which include first class lodging accommodations at Homer's finest fishing lodge, plus all meals prepared by our chef with an Alaskan flair.

They provide world-class Alaskan salmon, halibut and Ling cod fishing at one great price.  They even clean, vacuum pack, flash-freeze and box your catch for you to take back home.  Your local ground transportations are included.

Easy and affordable vacations for families, groups, fishing clubs, corporate retreats or business incentives.

Their commitment to you is a fantastic Alaska Fishing Adventure.

Discover the beauty of Homer.  All you have to do is show up and enjoy!

Recent guest to Homer FloatPlane Lodge in Homer, AK had this to say about their trip.

"Thank you again for helping us experience Alaska.  It was beyond anything we had imagined.  Glen and I both feel as though we've left a part of us behind!  And for sure we will be back.  Hope you enjoy our little gifts from N.H. We'll keep in touch" -- Glen, New Hampshire

Native Guide Hawaii

Native Guide Hawaii, providing family friendly and educational private tours on the Big Island of Hawaii since 2003 is proud to announce the opening of their new online store!

Check out the Native Guide Hawaii General Store at: www.cafepress.com/nativeguideshop

Here you will find official Native Guide Hawaii logowear and unique items featuring Hawaiian birds and plants, lava images from Kilauea volcano, original art, and more!

Also, check out www.nativeguidehawaii.com or email warren@nativeguidehawaii.com for more information about arranging an awesome private tour for you and your family and friends. Native Guide Hawaii offers private tours to all the best places on the Big Island of Hawaii; Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the gorgeous Puna coast, Historic Hilo, Hamakua waterfalls, and stunning Waipio valley. Private birding and photography tours, too!

We are the tour company of choice for individual travelers, honeymooners, families, and anyone else seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaii's unique culture, history, geology, and biology.

Check us out. Native Guide Hawaii - Family friendly and educational... "it's time well spent!"

Beautiful B & B For Sale Madison, CT

The Scranton Seahorse Inn

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFERED BY: Owner Privately LOCATION: 818 Boston Post Rd., Madison, Connecticut 06443  United States B&B WEB SITE: www.scrantonseahorseinn.com TEL: 203-245-0550 CELL: 203-415-9853

PROPERTY DETAILS

YEAR BUILT: 1833 GROSS BUILDING AREA: 5,501 LOT SIZE: .50 acre

CITIES NEARBY: New Haven, Hartford, Foxwoods and Mohegan Casinos in Ledyard

DESCRIPTION 

The Scranton Seahorse Inn is located in the heart of the village of Madison on the Connecticut shoreline, a popular and growing tourist area.  It is close to spectacular beaches, charming boutiques, elegant restaurants and outlet shopping.  After a total renovation this wonderful inn opened January 2006.  Housed in the historic 1833 Greek revival home of Sereno Scranton, the Scranton Seahorse Inn offers its guests the convenience of luxurious newly appointed accommodations along with the charm and ambiance of a historic New England homestead.  It has seven guest rooms, each with private bath, cable TV, state of the art heat and air conditioning and internet access.  Three of the guest rooms have Jacuzzi baths.  The deluxe first floor suite includes a charming fireplace in addition to a rain shower Jacuzzi.  The Inn was selected for the Shoreline Foundation Connecticut Designer Showhouse September, 2005 and as a winner in the 2007 Shoreline Newspaper Comfiest Bed and Breakfast category. This is a turnkey opportunity with all start up costs completed.  The inn is profitable, booked and busy with potential for increased occupancy with marketing by motivated innkeeper.  Separate on site quarters are available for the innkeeper.  Wonderful opportunity for retiring couple or single person wishing to become part of a vibrant community in a culturally enriched area.  Owners will also consider lease of property to run the Inn with purchase option or phased buy-in with financing available.  Call for alternate investment opportunity. This property would also make a great single family home!!