"A little slice of heaven"

6/18/2011

As you drive the country road leading to Great Oak Manor, you can imagine what the once-massive estate encompassed when it drew luminaries such as Guy Lombardo, Robert Mitchum and Jack Kennedy. The road segues from sunny to serenely tree-lined and shaded as you approach, and then it suddenly comes into view. Reminiscent of European manor homes, the inn stands majestic at the top of a circular drive. We had visited the previous month and couldn't wait to return, lured by the house and it's lovely views of the Chesapeake from the back yard. It's the ultimate place to sit under huge shade trees and watch boats pass by. Charly, the golden retriever and co-host of Cassandra Fedas, will welcome you with a friendly wag. The entertainment isn't confined to the water - birds of many varieties sing and soar overhead. If you are looking for stainless steel and modern decor, this will not be your cup of tea, but if you love the elegance of days gone by, you will find that and more. In a nod to modernity, the conservatory offers a bright open room to enjoy day or evening, and a good place to observe the water on days that are less than optimal, weatherwise. The endless lap pool is also here; look at the glass windows that surround it, particularly toward evening, and you will note renderings of birds in flight etched in the glass. It's always the weekend at Great Oak Manor where there are no traffic sounds and the service is always exemplary....even on Wednesday! Find your own little slice of heaven here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.