Photography by Scott Suchman
Smack-dab in the heart of Easton is a formidable circa-1874 colonial revival mansion that’s long been known as the Wrightson House to everyone in town but me—a Wrightson. While growing up, I knew it as a doctors’ office and most recently as a dilapidated apartment building. Only months ago did I learn that in the 1800s, it belonged to my ancestor Charles T. Wrightson, who co-owned Shannahan & Wrightson Hardware (the first place on the Shore to sell cars, as well as the site of the town’s first gas pump).
So when given the chance to stay the night, I couldn’t possibly refuse the opportunity. Who knows, maybe I’d even receive a tap on the shoulder from Uncle Charles in the middle of the night…
The Innkeepers Ronald and Shelby Mitchell had been mulling over the idea of their own inn for a few decades. But Shelby was an attorney and Ron, an ad executive, and their busy D.C. lives got in the way of their peaceful plans. When they started the hunt for the perfect place, they scoured the Mid-Atlantic with two rules: 1) stay close to the kids and 2) find a culturally sound community on good footing. Ronald ventured into town to eye another property when he took a wrong turn and passed the Wrightson House.
“I slammed on the breaks and got on my phone immediately to call Shelby,” he recalls. “This was it.”
The massive year-long restoration was enough for everyone in town to want a first-hand peek. Workers spent thirteen weeks alone hand-sanding thirty coats of paint off of the exterior. More than $2 million later, the structure’s original wood and cut-glass doors, grand stairway, gaslight chandeliers, and wainscoting were returned to theiroriginal luster.
The Rooms Guests can choose from four suites and one en suite (a hair smaller than a regular suite). The French suite, painted in hydrangea blue and cream, has toile drapes, French-style furniture, and gilded bath fixtures—cherubs included. The only suite on the first floor, it has its own back porch and entrance. (I envision it as the perfect spot for the bride-to-be on her wedding day, spacious enough to fit a flurry of bridesmaids, even in the bathroom.)
The Asian suite has a bamboo canopy bed, a gas fireplace, rosewood furnishings, and gilded dragon bathroom fixtures. If you prefer pink and green, the English suite (the most expensive and largest) should suit you. The Victorian room is the smallest of the four, but is perfectly cozy—and not heavily decorated in Victorian, ahem, “charm.” The most masculine of the group, the Safari Suite, is filled with animal print fabrics and earthy tones and also features a remote control gas fireplace. (All five rooms have flat screen HDTVs, stereo speakers built into the ceilings—even in the bathrooms—and wi-fi.)
Special Touches The thoughtful goat cheese, cracker, and fruit plate Shelby brought up once I unpacked my bags had me. Another plate, filled with poppy seed bread, chocolate-chip cookies, and fruit—as well as a turned-down bed—was waiting for me when I returned from dinner in town. I had plucked a copy of Historic Easton from the small library downstairs for a nighttime read, but after throwing on the super-thick terrycloth robe hanging on the armoire, I nested under the soft sheets and caught an episode of high-def “Desperate Housewives” instead.
What’s for Breakfast Ronald told me right away: “This is my kitchen,” as he listed some of his specialties, including scrambled eggs with goat cheese, tomatoes, and basil; caviar omelets; and upside-down apple pancakes—and, on occasion, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, too. “I don’t like to get bored,” he said, “so something different happens each morning.” I had the pleasure of tasting the croissant French toast with orange sauce, served after a bowl of fresh fruit (peaches, blackberries and blue-berries, oranges). Wedgwood china, sterling silver flatware, and linen placemats set the tone at the long table with ten high-back chairs.
Diversions The inn is just two blocks away from downtown Easton’s shops, restaurants, and galleries. Check out the Avalon Theater if you’re in the mood for world-renowned musicians in an art deco setting. Oxford and St. Michaels are only a ten- to fifteen-minute scenic drive away. If the great outdoors is more your thing, biking in Talbot County could not be better, and, thanks to the abundant shoreline, boating of all kinds is easily had via charters and kayak rentals. (Shelby will arrange bikes and boating tours for guests.)
Romance Factor Your own living room, air-jet tubs, steam showers, and pillow-top beds with piles of puffy pillows and duvets like clouds…it all spells snugglefest. But be warned: The rooms are not exactly soundproof. The downstairs glass conservatory with wicker seating for two, set amongst orchids, ferns, and gardenias, is another cozy nook, as are the enclosed porches, complete with love seats, a baby grand piano
(a birthday present from Shelby to Ron), and huge windows.
What It’s Going to Cost $375-$475 per night year-round. A two-night minimum is required on weekends.
Elizabeth B. Wrightson writes from Easton, Md
