The Carriage House is located in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Originally built in 1890 as a hotel, it has undergone renovations and changes under the current ownership of Viktoria Surazhsky. The building itself has existed for eight years under her management. Viktoria strives to provide an experience that allows patrons to feel “at home” during their stay. Amenities such as a dining room, microwave, refrigerator, and en-suite bathrooms with showers are available for guest use. Viktoria hopes to provide patrons with as much time at the beach as possible and, as such, strives to be flexible with check-in and check-out times. The Carriage House is open year-round, although the level of operation may vary depending on the availability of a winter manager. The surrounding area offers attractions such as concerts, the boardwalk, miniature golf, and arcade games. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby neighborhoods like Asbury Park for dining options.
The Carriage House is a bed and breakfast located in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The establishment currently offers 13 units. While most rooms are designed for double occupancy with queen-sized beds, there are also three larger suites available for those seeking more space. The larger suites include other amenities such as porches with ocean views or refrigerators. All rooms include TVs, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The décor of the rooms is described by the owner, Viktoria, as Victorian, with the goal being to keep with the ambiance of the “historic town.”
The bed and breakfast offers common areas for guests, including a dining room where breakfast is served and a front porch. There is also a courtyard with gardens, tables, and umbrellas that patrons can use throughout the day. Additionally, the property provides bicycles, beach chairs, and beach towels for guests' use. The Carriage House occupies a double lot in Ocean Grove and is situated in the city with a variety of activities and attractions in relatively close proximity. Additionally, the beach is located a block from the property. Asbury Park is also a short five-minute walk from the bed and breakfast and offers various attractions, including five concert venues.
At The Carriage House, a complimentary breakfast is provided for guests during their stay. The breakfast offerings are designed with the hopes of catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. The breakfast menu typically includes a range of dishes such as veggie quiches, veggie frittatas, a meat dish, a breakfast pizza, and a dessert such as coconut french toast or pancakes. Viktoria personally makes the meals each morning, and the specific breakfast items may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients. Special dietary accommodations, such as gluten-free or vegan options, are provided upon request. Breakfast is typically served from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Viktoria Surazhsky, the owner of The Carriage House, aims to provide patrons with a “Disney World experience” where they can have a change of pace from their everyday lives. She hopes that those who stay with her are able to enjoy the surrounding area and take part in the local events and activities. She also hopes that those at the property can be comfortable at the bed and breakfast, saying, "We're known for our cleanliness and our food. We want our guests to have a clean and comfortable stay, and we offer delicious meals that they can enjoy during their time here." The property is known for its flexibility, allowing visitors to use bikes even after check-out and providing discounted beach passes for them to enjoy a full day at the beach. The owner strives to be accommodating and not impose strict check-in and check-out policies, except when room turnover is necessary. Guests have access to amenities such as a separate bathroom with a shower even after check-out. Those who have previously stayed at the bed and breakfast have commented on this service provided to patrons, with one former visitor saying, “She had beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas for the use of visitors. She allowed us to store our belongings before and after checkout, even having a shower for those staying at the establishment to use post-checkout if they went to the beach. The breakfast was delicious as well, with plenty of classics like pancakes as well as other exciting and delicious offerings.”
In terms of events and activities, The Carriage House does not host many events, with the exception of occasional company gatherings or small celebrations, namely baby showers or engagements. The surrounding area offers a range of attractions and activities for guests to enjoy. Just a short walk away is Asbury Park, a town with a boardwalk, music venues, and a variety of dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the nearby beach, explore the neighborhoods of Avon and Bradley Beach, or engage in activities such as miniature golf. The area is known for its cultural events, including craft fairs and concerts, which add to the diverse offerings in the vicinity. Avon and Asbury Park also offer a variety of dining options, including Clementines and Kōbe, which are recommended by Viktoria for their respective food and ambiance. The Iron Whale in Asbury Park is another restaurant that she frequently recommends to those coming to the area for the first time.
Regarding policies, smoking is strictly prohibited in Ocean Grove, and the owner adheres to this rule due to fire safety concerns. Additionally, quiet hours are enforced, especially during evenings, with signs placed throughout the property to hopefully ensure a peaceful environment for guests. Pets are not allowed at The Carriage House due to the potential allergies of other guests. Additionally, The Carriage House is open year-round, although the owner may not be present on-site during certain periods. She notes that the busiest months are typically from May to October, when the weather is favorable, and the area hosts concerts and events.
The Carriage House originally functioned as a hotel that was first constructed in 1890. The current owner, Viktoria Surazhsky, purchased the property in 2018 and completed renovations in 2019, transforming it into the bed and breakfast it is today. The Carriage House itself has been in operation for eight years, starting with the original 1890 building and later expanding with an extension.
Viktoria entered the lodging industry after seeing The Carriage House. She purchased her first home in the same neighborhood years before and had multiple neighbors running bed and breakfasts out of their homes. She saw the potential of The Carriage House and decided to renovate the property and restore it to the Victorian style it was originally designed in. Since taking ownership, she has worked to transform the property, renovating and upgrading it to its present state. The focus has been on trying to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for guests, with amenities such as a dining room, access to a microwave and refrigerator, and spacious bathrooms with showers. As for future plans, the owner is considering transitioning to an Airbnb-style model, given the evolving preferences of younger clientele and the challenges associated with traditional bed and breakfast operations.
17 Embury Ave
Ocean Grove, New Jersey 07756
United States
Victorian
Viktoria Surazhsky
