The Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House

Located in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, in a relatively rural area, the Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House offers five guest rooms, each named for one of the nearby covered bridges for which the inn is named. The inn is open year-round for visitors to occupy, and breakfast is provided every morning for guests staying at the inn. Situated on one acre of land, the bed and breakfast is near the Ashuelot River in the West Swanzey village, which is primarily residential. Many of the nearby attractions that can be found in the vicinity pertain to outdoor recreation, with one of the most popular tourist sites being Mount Monadnock in Monadnock State Park and another being the six covered bridges.

About

The Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House is located in a residential village in a rural region of southwestern New Hampshire. Guests can reserve one of the inn's five guest rooms, each of which is decorated with a different color scheme and unique furniture arrangement. The owner of the inn, Susan Karalekas, explains that the names and styles of the rooms are derived from the six nearby covered bridges.

Every guest room is equipped with a private bathroom as well as beds, TVs, and air conditioning (seasonally). The bed sizes include king, queen, double, and twin beds. The bathrooms supply soap, shampoo, hair dryers, towels, and other standard toiletries that visitors can use during their stay. Susan says that they add a bowl of chocolates as well as bottled water in each room for guests to enjoy. WiFi is available throughout the inn. The innkeepers observe that the Coombs Bridge Room tends to receive the most reservations. 

Guests are offered a full breakfast every morning that is served buffet-style in the dining room. Susan says the breakfast is their "claim to fame," based on feedback in guest reviews. The menu varies daily, depending on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions, such as food allergies, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets. A typical breakfast consists of an egg dish, such as a quiche; a baked item such as pastries, scones, muffins, pancakes, or waffles; a meat dish, such as bacon or sausage; and a potato dish, which may include sweet potatoes and vegetables. Susan remarks that the apple crisp is a guest favorite. Fruit is served daily, with a favorite being a watermelon basket, which is a watermelon that is hollowed and carved to resemble a basket and filled with a variety of berries, watermelon chunks, and other seasonal fruits. While breakfast is customarily served between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., the innkeepers try to work around guests' schedules to accommodate their needs.

Susan characterizes the style of the inn as Colonial with Victorian touches. Several common areas such as a double parlor, dining room, gazebo, and screened-in porch comprise the premises. In one of the common areas is a piano, which guests are welcome to play, as well as a library with an eclectic collection of books such as history, art, fiction, and non-fiction.

Mount Monadnock is a nearby attraction, and according to Susan, this mountain is the "second most climbed mountain in the world." The covered bridges can also be found nearby. Susan acknowledges that outdoor enthusiasts are often drawn to the area to engage in recreational activities, such as hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and canoeing or kayaking. For those who are interested in the history of the region, a few historical and cultural sites are located in nearby cities and towns. The region also offers arts, culture, entertainment, museums, antiques, and shopping. The region offers an abundance of food and beverage choices such as fine dining, casual dining, ethnic food, breweries, and places to get sweets.

Culture

The innkeepers hope that their guests will feel "welcomed, at home, and comfortable" during their stay. To provide this hospitality, Susan says that they “ask guests about their dietary preferences, what time they would like breakfast to be served, and show them where the self-serve coffee and tea are located." The innkeepers strive to be welcoming by balancing the amount of interaction they have with their guests while respecting their free time. 

Comments about the innkeepers' service are frequently made in guest reviews. Examples of guests' comments are that the "energy of the inn is positive," and "the cleanliness and décor of the property are notable." One person described their experience in the following review: "The hostess was amazing and so kind. She was always offering to help us out with anything, whether it was the room or food in the morning. The rooms were quiet and cozy, and the internet worked great." The innkeepers hope to give a quality experience to everyone who stays at their inn. "I wouldn't have anyone sleep in a bed that I wouldn't sleep in or eat food that I wouldn't eat, so we do try to have high standards," Susan remarks.

As for policies, pets are not allowed due to allergies. Susan can provide information about nearby establishments that can board guests' pets during their stay at the inn. The inn also prohibits smoking and vaping on the premises.

While the inn is open year-round, Susan observes that October is the busiest time of year. The business primarily receives middle-aged and older couples, however, the inn has also accommodated a number of young adults, young couples, and families. People of all ages are welcome to stay at the inn—couples, families, individuals, and business travelers. According to Susan, several guests return to the inn year after year, and many of these repeat guests "see the property as their home away from home."

History

The Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House is historically significant, as the house dates back to 1792 when it was originally built. Susan explains that the home was initially fairly small, and over time, additions were built until it met the barn. The Whitcomb family—the early owners of the property—were reportedly "a prominent family in town." The house stayed in the Whitcomb family until 1961 when it was sold. It served as a private residence until 1996 when the owners converted the home into a bed and breakfast business. Susan is the third owner of the inn, which she purchased in 2006.

As to how Susan was led into the lodging industry, she states that she "always had a fantasy of owning a bed and breakfast." Since becoming an innkeeper, Susan finds that her favorite part of the job is "meeting people from all over the world." She says, "I see my job more as a labor of love rather than an occupation because I love it so much." 

The inn has undergone numerous improvements over the course of its history, many of which were "aesthetic and functionality updates," according to Susan. One significant change was paving the parking lot, which was hardpack (gravel) when Susan purchased the property. The innkeepers also hired a specialist plumber to update the water system throughout the inn and an electrician to update the electrical system both for safety and functionality. Replacement of bedspreads, sheets, towels, China dishes, and various accessories is ongoing. Also ongoing are improvements such as painting or wallpapering walls and replacing flooring, such as upgrading the bathroom floors to ceramic tile. The owners also do landscaping and gardening projects each summer with the intention of keeping both the exterior and interior attractive and in good shape.