John Stam House

The John L. Stam House, formerly Hills Inn, near Washington College in Chestertown is named after the second President of the College. When they renovated the house recently, the owners found Mr. Sham's grandson, Colin Furguson's name and the dates 1857-1860, during which he built it, inscribed into the tower, a distinguishing feature of the inn.

Intricate hand painted moldings, floors and marble mantels are all original on the first floor. In the front parlor, portraits of Colin and his wife preside over elegant English antiques beneath a shimmering tear-drop chandelier with the Scottish thistle motif. The second parlor with hand printed wallpaper of the era, leads into a lovely dining room, which hosts splendid English teas, enhanced by the china motif that matches the needlepoint upholstery of the chairs.

This beautiful room leads back into the foyer, boasting exciting Chinese red walls and a stained glass portrait of St. Jude on the staircase landing.

At the top of the staircase is an inviting room with a four poster bed graced by a romantic chiffon canopy and drapes, while another room is in periwinkle blue with balloon curtains. Still another offers a fresh Cabbage rose motif and either a king or twin beds.

On the third floor, one room has a half-tester bed under the eves, a couch that makes into a child's bed and a bathroom with claw foot tub and Jacuzzi. A powder room in rose trim features the staircase leading to the tower where a claw foot tub gives one the view of the town in complete privacy as a unique dividend to your stay in this exemplary historic inn, where you can also avail yourself of modern internet service.

INNKEEPER: Marta Girone. ADDRESS: 113 Washington Avenue, Chestertown. PHONE: (410) 778-1926. ROOMS: 5 with King or Queen sized beds and private paths. MEALS: Full Breakfast and teas by appointment. NEARBY: Washington College, shops, restaurants, hunting, fishing, sailing, galleries.

John Stam House Website