“HAVE YOU ANY WOOL”? The sheep at the Woolverton Inn in Stockton enjoy strolling the grounds of this impressive country bed and breakfast. They are admired by the guests who visit the inn from all over the area and beyond.

By Jean Stratton

Are you looking forward to a change of scene? A chance to relax and leave that to-do list behind? To spend time in a setting free of the all-consuming technology that commands so much of your time today?

If that is on your wish list, the Woolverton Inn is the place for you!

A remarkable bed and breakfast in Stockton, it is situated on 10 acres and surrounded by 300 preserved acres of rolling farmland and forest. Its handsome stone manor house dates to 1792, and features eight splendidly restored guest rooms. Six cottages offer additional gracious accommodations.

Its setting overlooking the Delaware River adds further charm to this special place, with its spacious grounds, serene walking paths, biking trails (bikes are provided), and water features. In addition, its proximity to Lambertville and New Hope, Pa., provides opportunities for dining, shopping, exploring art galleries, and theater.

ROOM SERVICE: This handsome guest room is located in Carolyn’s Overlook, the two-bedroom, two-bath cottage at the Woolverton Inn. With full kitchen, spacious living area, private outdoor space, and many amenities, it offers a special getaway for those seeking a unique weekend within lovely bucolic surroundings.

Rich With History

The Woolverton Inn is rich with history. Before its evolution into a B&B in the 1980s, it was a private residence. Built by John Prall Jr. in the post Revolution era, it was originally a simple two-story farmhouse. It became part of the early days of commerce along the Delaware River, as the farm’s crops of linseed and grain were barged down the river to be sold.

In the mid-1800s, it was acquired by the Woolverton family, who completed a significant renovation, transforming the building into its current Federalist form, a three-story grand Colonial Manor House with a veranda overlooking the spacious lawn.

As the years passed, the house belonged to various owners, who continued to make changes, and it was also often a gathering place for the nearby artistic community. The opening of the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pa., brought well-known performers and artists to the area. Master showman and local arts supporter St. John Terrell established the Playhouse in 1939 and the Lambertville Music Circus in 1949; the Inn was his private residence during the 1950s and ’60s.

The nearby Stockton Inn was another attraction, known not only for its fine hospitality, but for its wishing well, which was prominently featured in the famous Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart song, “There’s a Small Hotel.”

Another fascinating piece of history features world-famous chef Julia Child, who was married on the stone patio of the Manor House in 1946.

As the property transformed into a B&B in the 1980s, it attracted many guests who wanted to experience its rustic charm. The house was updated during the 1990s, and four cottages were later added in 2002.

Historic Character

Now a total of six cottages are located nearby the Manor House, which itself offers eight guest rooms.

In 2015, Mary and Mario Passalacqua became owners of the Inn, and they have continued to make improvements, always with the historic character of the Inn and its stewardship foremost. The building retains its authentic architectural details and charm.

The Passalacquas’ previous life included careers in finance and the corporate world, not innkeeping. But as Mary Passalacqua points out, “We had enjoyed staying at bed and breakfasts over the years, and then we learned that the Woolverton Inn was for sale. We really liked the location and the feeling of a country inn and its history.

“It is such a nice opportunity for our guests to relax and spend time in the country. We do our best to welcome everyone and give them the best possible service. Mario and I are always present, and our chef and team of 10 all work hard to make sure the guests are completely satisfied. We want to provide a wonderful experience and a really positive time.”

With the number of guests increasing all the time, they are doing just that. People are arriving from the Princeton area and Bucks County, Pa., as well as New York City, Philadelphia, and beyond, including from overseas. Many are regulars who make it a point to come every year or even more often, such as one couple from Scarsdale, N.Y., who have been coming for 14 years.

“We really found the Inn by accident,” they recall, “and we absolutely love it. We especially enjoy the opportunity for biking, the country setting, and friendly atmosphere.”

Appealing Location

Many visitors are referred by other guests, report the Passalacquas, and others find them online.

What all the visitors appreciate is the Inn’s comfortable, welcoming ambiance, appealing location, and attractively appointed guest rooms and cottages. In addition, many are grateful for the charging station for their electric cars. Guests are also welcome to play the piano in one of the main rooms.

The uniquely designed rooms, suites, and cottages include carefully selected amenities, including whirlpool and jetted tubs, and private outdoor sitting areas. Whether guests select one of the cottages, such as the Hunterdon, The Audubon, The Cotswold, or an elegant suite in the Manor House, they will be assured of features such as private balconies, private steam room, handprinted murals, and views of the various fountains, ponds, other water features, and graceful landscaping.

Animal lovers will appreciate the six sheep that stroll through the grounds, and one cottage accepts dog and cat visitors.

And then there is the complimentary three course gourmet country breakfast! Freshly prepared and served from 8:30 to 10 a.m., it can be enjoyed in the historic dining room (part of the Inn’s original structure), on the veranda, or on the outdoor patio.

It starts with fresh-squeezed orange juice, locally-sourced whole bean coffee, espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate, and an assortment of teas. Fresh baked scones, muffins, coffee cake and sweet bread, fresh seasonal fruit, and greens follow. The daily entree includes choice of omelet, frittata, eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, waffles, eggs “your way,” or oatmeal.

Dietary Options

A variety of vegetables, cheese, homemade apple-cranberry turkey sausage, maple-glazed bacon, ham, and pork sausage are also offered. When available, the herbs, greens, and berries are harvested from the Inn’s garden.

Mary Passalacqua also points out that ”gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary options are always available.”

In addition to the breakfast, refreshments are served every afternoon, including homemade Belgian chocolate chip cookies, lemon blueberry biscotti, gluten-free and vegan options, and fresh seasonal fruit.

The Passalacquas are attentive stewards of the Inn’s history, and make it a point to share it with guests. Photos of the Inn’s past, including individuals who have been part of its history, are displayed on the walls.

They are also proud to have been included in Historic Homes of America, the official program of the national Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Inn is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its integrity, architecture, and ambiance.

Babymoons

In addition to individual guests, the Inn often serves as a destination location for weddings, anniversaries, and events, such as company workshops.

“We also have babymoons, when parents-to-be enjoy coming for a weekend before the baby is born,” reports Mary.

Because the Inn is so popular, booking one or two months ahead for a weekend stay is recommended. Dates for weddings and events should be reserved well ahead of time, including a year for weddings.

Costs cover a wide range, with prices varying depending on weekend, week night options, or events.

As they continue to make improvements to the Inn, the Passalacquas look forward to renovating the historic Pennsylvania Bank Barn, which is part of the property’s original
buildings.

“The restoration work will bring the barn back to life, and include multiple event spaces, a catering facility, and a restaurant,” explains Mary.

And as they look ahead — and back — the Passalacquas have never regretted that career change. As they say, “the opportunity to live and work in such a lovely country setting is a continued pleasure. And we always enjoy meeting our guests. They are all different ages, different backgrounds, and always interesting. Being able to share the Inn with them — enabling them to spend time in the country, take it easy, and enjoy themselves — is our great pleasure.”

The Woolverton Inn is open year round. For further information, call (609) 397-0802 or visit woolvertoninn.com.