Bare Foot in the Snow

The Windward House is surviving another Maine winter. The 2007- 2008 winter season is intense. We have seen several feet of snow, below freezing temperatures and lots of ice. I am always surprised that not everything in this house does not freeze. The house was built in 1854 and was originally a private residence but then was made a rooming house for lobster men in the area. About 25 years ago the Windward House was finally made into a Bed and breakfast, of course still welcoming lobster man - when they are in the neighborhood. One special boat man comes from Australia every year and stays at Windward House with us for sometimes months on end (mind you never in the winter!!). The past owners have really put a lot of love into this house. The original clap board on the front of the house was taken off and insulated and double windows were put on. The insulation, which I find rather funny, was not for heating purposes, but to soundproof the front of the house from the noise of the street. Jesse and I are sometimes hesitant to tell people this because it may imply that Rt 1 is noisy, which to us, coming from NY, it is far from noisy. But, some might notice the occasional truck or traffic in the front. There is no other Inn on Rt1 that can offer this amenity - that of a quite in-town room.
Anyway, being an Innkeeper in the winter is a job and a half, and has a very high stress level. It is our constant job to clean away snow, make sure ice is not unbearable and unsafe, pray that pipes do not freeze and oh yah, always make sure the 100 year old furnace is working.
Couples have been coming to Windward this winter, some to look for a summer house, some for a private getaway, some for toboggan weekend, some to ski and others looking for the perfect wedding venue. Windward House has stayed warm, thank goodness, for all the great winter guests. I think it is only technically half way through the winter. The Windward House is now offering a great Bare foot in the Winter package - so if you want to come and see how the old house is holding up in the winter, please call and make a reservation. The package is $99.00 room rate and a bottle of Bare foot champagne upon arrival. The package is good for any of the fireplaces rooms, excluding Quarterdeck Room.