Today we’d like to introduce you to AnnMarie & Ed Comer and Tony & Patty Sapienza.
AnnMarie, Ed, Tony and Patty, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Over 30 years ago, Ed and AnnMarie Comer spent a summer in a cute little section of Gloucester called Rocky Neck, which is the home of the oldest art colony in the US. Gloucester is primarily known for its fishing heritage, but also because of the phenomenal “glowing” sun light, it has been a mecca for artists around the world. So, we fell in love with Rocky Neck, the charm and uniqueness of “Cape Ann” and always dreamed that someday we would return.
Fast forward to 2007, and Ed and I, along with our life-long friends, Patty and Tony Sapienza , had the opportunity to purchase a beautiful oceanfront inn from a couple we met back in 1981 from our Rocky Neck days.
The location is absolutely incredible, directly across from one of the most beautiful beaches in New England, and although none of us had any experience as innkeepers, and were involved in other careers, we knew this was an adventure that we had to take!
We jumped in and made many improvements along the way, hoping that our motto “May you come as a guest and leave as a friend” would create the ambiance we desired. It has obviously worked as thousands of guests, and eleven years later, we have become one of the top rated Inns in the area, with people booking a year in advance in order to get their reservations in! Perhaps it is the camaraderie of other guests meeting each other while enjoying our continental breakfast, or sitting around the fire pit at night toasting marshmallows while listening to the waves crashing on the shore, but one thing is certain, The Blue Shutters Beachside Inn is a special place.
We have many, many guests who return every year since we first bought the Inn. We have had guests get engaged here, started their families here…..Ed has even been asked by some guests to “officiate” their weddings on the beach. Everyone comments it “feels like home here” and “this is my happy place and sanctuary” … and we are blessed and honored to be able to provide an experience unlike many other hotels in this area.
Has it been a smooth road?
When we look back at what we faced when we first started, we often wonder how we did it!! We had full-time jobs and careers on top of everything else we were trying to accomplish! Prior to 2007, the inn was run much differently and had a number of challenges that we had to overcome as new owners…these stories will be the focus of a great comedic book should we ever decide to write it! The decor was very dated and the previous reputation of the inn was, let’s just say, not stellar. BUT, we had a dream, we had a vision, and we had this incredible property that is one of the best locations on Cape Ann, so we worked (and continue to work) tirelessly to maintain the standards we set — to provide a welcoming, relaxing and enjoyable stay for all.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Blue Shutters Beachside Inn story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a 12-room inn on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA. We are unique in that there really are no longer any inns in this section of Gloucester and we have rooms and suites as well as apartments that are very popular with families. Add to the mix the ability to walk to the beach in less than a minute after enjoying our complimentary, continental breakfast provided each morning, and you can see why we are so popular!
As previously stated, our inn is unique because of our location, our ability to make our guests feel welcomed, and the sheer beauty of Cape Ann.
There are also many fine restaurants, museums, shops, music venues, art galleries, fishing charters, whale-watching cruises, schooner sails, and biking and hiking paths in the area to keep everyone entertained.
In the other seasons, we also hold wine tastings, psychic weekends, chili cook-offs, murder mysteries and other activities to attract guests who prefer the fall, winter or spring weather.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Tourism has become a primary focus of the Cape Ann, and inns, hotels, and guest houses will continue to be an important part of the region’s economy. Given the scarcity of properties directly on Good Harbor Beach, our future is bright!
Pricing:
- Seasonal rates ( Memorial Day – Columbus Day) run from $150.00 per night to $360.00 per night dependent on room
- Discounts are available for stays of 7 days or more
- Off-season rates go down to $95.00 – $250.00 per night
Contact Info:
- Address: The Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
One Nautilus Road Gloucester MA 01930 - Website: www.blueshuttersbeachside.com
- Phone: 978 283 1198
- Email: info@blueshuttersbeachside.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.shutters
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/blue_shutters
- Other: http://blueshuttersbeachblog.blogspot.com/
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
