In 2004, Elaine and Theo Nagelmakers, and their partner, Helen Westervelt, bought seventeen acres at the base of the Kittatinny Mountains, just before the hills rise to the famous notch that forms the Delaware Water Gap. They began an extensive renovation and restoration of the property, which was previously a working farm with structures that dated to the early 1800s. The RoseMary Inn opened in January, 2008, the result of an extended family effort, named for the mothers of both Elaine and Helen. Family created much of the artwork—pieces of pottery, watercolors, and oil paintings. A niece painted the interior. A nephew landscaped. Two different brothers helped in construction. A brother and sister-in-law cleared pastureland for the horses. Others painted barns, donated furnishings, and supported the project financially or emotionally—all to help make this dream of a gracious bed and breakfast become a reality.
The RoseMary Inn speaks hospitality and comfort loudly and clearly. Overlooking a picture-postcard pond, surrounded by a profusion of landscaped gardens and wildflowers, the inn is furnished with period antiques. There are five distinctive guestrooms for your lodging accommodations — four on the building’s upper level and one wheelchair accessible room on the ground level—all with separate heat/ac controls, Wi-Fi, sound board for privacy, etc.
A complimentary traditional-style European breakfast lures guests to the table every morning with a multiple-course menu that varies with the seasons: freshly baked-from-scratch German apple cake, lemon blueberry tea cake, cinnamon scones, ricotta cheese crepes, Spanish omelets, or a vegetable quiche. Or the simpler allure of artisan breads, fresh fruit cup, spice poached pears, or baked apples stuffed with homemade granola. Of course, it’s all accompanied by freshly brewed coffee, juice, and an assortment of black and herbal teas.
Nature trails wind throughout the property inviting you to view abundant wildlife and birds. For more avid hikers, the Inn, situated at the edge of the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, offers quick access, not only to the spectacular network of hiking trails in the Gap, but also to the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the top of the Kittatinny Ridge, and the Paulinskill Valley Trail, a former railbed perfect for long bike rides. The inn also shares their Columbia address with the beloved Lakota Wolf Preserve, the newly opened Brook Hollow Winery, an abundance of farms, and several fine restaurants. Your hosts will gladly book a Delaware River canoe or kayak adventure, or, in winter, a visit to the Shawnee Ski Area. With a little prior notice, they will try to accommodate special diets and even pack a light ‘to go’ breakfast if you have a full day ahead.
A survey of the regular Internet sounding boards for travelers— bedandbreakfast.com, Yelp, or TripAdvisor, —holds the RoseMary Inn in good stead. “We work hard to maintain our establishment and many guests are surprised that we have not just opened,” says Elaine. They also comment on the great breakfast, the comfortable beds, the peace and serenity of the place, and the attractive décor. Oh, yeah, and they comment about our hospitality. All in all, they are quite surprised by their B&B experience. A large number of guests have never visited a B&B, and some others have had some negative experiences. So we are quite pleased when we see the surprise and delight on their faces not only upon their arrival but also upon their departure!”
The RoseMary Inn is located at 88 Hainesburg River Rd., Columbia 07832, just off Route 80, Exit 4. For availablity and special packages, call 908/496-8855 or check their website.
