Victorian Bed And Breakfast At 10 Clarke Place Frederick MD

During the Victorian Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movement there was a love of beauty and nature that was reflected in all of the arts of that time period. The artists were rejecting the coming machine age. Upon entering 10 Clarke Place, a bed and breakfast in Frederick Maryland, I was immediately transported into the Victorian world of the Art Nouveau and Pre-Raphaelite painters. The experience felt as if I were in one of those famous romantic painter's homes. Resplendent in texture and color, comfortable without being stuffy, an abundance of period antiques invited you to immediately sit and relax. Every detail observed gave the impression of living in another time, and I was loving this house! This was the perfect retreat from modern living, be it to get away from an industrialized age, or the pervasive electronic technology of today! I was grateful to be in this magical space. We were welcomed into this glorious home by the vivacious owner and designer Monique. Ben and I knew we had come to the right place for our get-a-way weekend!

Once inside, I was thrilled to find the living room walls were covered in the finest wallpapers from Bradbury and Bradbury. These masterwork wallpapers have been favorites of mine for years. How wonderful to see the many layers and trims built up along the borders and onto the ceiling of this room up close. Gorgeous! The sofa and club chair reminded me of ones I once owned. I felt at home!

Every lamp, whether it hung from the ceiling, stood on a stand, or rested upon on a table, was unique. The lovely hostess and her husband have done an astounding job of decorating and restoring this beautiful period home. They are quite a team, and we get to enjoy the benefits of their creation.

We felt entirely fortunate to find such an amazing place to stay, given our short notice of a few days. Having just moved, living among boxes at the old castle, then being surrounded by the dig out from those boxes at 'Hobbit House,' we needed to get away! Our brains were fried, and this remarkable B and B turned out to be a sublime solution! A big thanks to my fantastic husband and his thoughtful idea! I did not know just how perfect it would be for me! The Queen was in her personal heaven.

Anyone who knows me, would be aware of my love of iridescent peacock feathers, as I have them all over my home in various displays. So imagine my awe and wonder, at seeing a dining room inspired by the famous Whistler/Leyland Peacock Room from the Freer Gallery Of Art in this home! Jaw dropping! Magnifique! The decorative artists who worked on the rooms of this house were indeed talented. Since that was my former profession too, I am happy to say they did it right! I am ready to sip a cup of green tea by this fireplace, please. Then off we went with Monique up the staircase to check out our room for the night. Passing a stained glass window, and another glorious lamp on the newel post, we turned into a long hallway. What is behind door number two?

We enter and once again I am floored at how this bedroom is so me!  A romantic twig bed that is just perfect for this Fairy Queen! Yes, it's another out-of-this world piece of romantic design by Monique.

Note the hand painted lace wall in the lightest whisper of color in the photo below. This is a time consuming faux glazing technique that is well worth the effort when done in such a subtle color scheme. The wonderful charming bedroom was also appointed with a large elaborate mirrored antique armoire wardrobe. Maybe it leads to Narnia! You can see The Queen is pleased!

After gushing about our room, we unpacked and decided to go for a walkabout in Frederick for the afternoon and evening. The weather was inviting and sunny, so we were off to enjoy the day!

Out past the porch swing and avenue of impeccable historic Victorian homes we went. We were quite happy there were no brown boxes in sight! Ahhh! This felt good!

We decided to start with the little shops of Shab Row and Everedy Square.

We meandered slowly through the quaint area, and sadly a few shops had already closed for the day. Still it was a good walk through the neighborhood.

Hungry, we stopped in the casual Frederick Coffee Co. And Cafe for some healthy and delicious veggie sandwiches. I think this was the best powerhouse type of sandwich I have ever eaten. You can see from their menu boards they have an excellent vegetarian selection. Which for a vegan is really important! We definitely will return to enjoy the food at this cafe again! Now, if they could add a fresh green juice, and green smoothie bar that would be awesome!!!

Check out the vintage coffee grinder sitting in the corner of the room.

As evening set in we drove uptown towards Market street. I always love the view of the church spires from atop this parking garage on Church Street. We seem to be floating in the clouds.

Gee I wish we had gotten to this art gallery below earlier, but we were not on a schedule, just wandering...there is always much to do and see in downtown Frederick! Looks like we missed a very cool art show featuring psychedelic posters from the sixties.

As it became darker we headed back to our comfy B and B to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Moving past the whimsical fountain display, I had to peek at the walls in The Peacock room again!

Then we sat for awhile in the living room to take in that amazing wallpaper and room decor!

I love the tapestry drapes that hang from the entrance to each of the sitting rooms downstairs, as they really give the air of authenticity. Just look at that wooden hand carved decorative Victorian birdcage. What a beauty! Those fantastic giant palms are a nice touch too!

It's time to retire to our soothing room where sparkling water waits on the nightstand.

We awoke to the smell of breakfast in the air. Anyone want to take a long peaceful soak in the claw foot tub below? A glass enclosed shower stall, and hand painted sink on a marble topped chest was equally lovely in this light filled room. You can get pampered easily here.

 
Breakfast was served in the Peacock Room! As the morning light filtered through the windows I thought, "What a wonderful room to start our day!" More eye candy for me!

One of my favorite parts of going to a Bed and Breakfast along with the intimate settings is getting to know new people. So we invited Monique and her husband to join us for breakfast. I was fascinated by these people who would create such a lavish setting, and share it with guests. Just imagine going on antique hunts with Monique! We ran into her a few months later in town, and that was exactly what she was doing! She has the best eye for what works together! Below is my tasty mango smoothie!

Pictured is Ben's generous breakfast plate of Monique's home made chocolate waffles with strawberries, fresh whipped cream, and a side of bacon. I spy fresh muffins too! They were sent over from a neighboring B and B, so nice!

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I no longer eat meat. Monique provided me with fresh kiwi slices instead of bacon, and an extra helping of strawberries on my waffles! Yum! During breakfast some very nice friends of the owners stopped over, and we all sat around the dining table chatting and having some tea. I loved learning more about this home and the historic area.

After our divine breakfast it was time for us to go to a Renaissance festival in Annapolis for the day. We really enjoyed our stay, and we will return again... and probably again...to 10 Clarke Place. The captivating setting, friendly hosts, and the fresh made food, provided us with all we could have wanted for our quick get-a-way weekend! Monique and her husband have lovingly restored this stunning home, and the care taken is evident in every exquisite detail, I think you will like it here too!

I have an idea, which is the only way they could improve on this Victorian immersion experience for me, this would be to create a bedroom dedicated to my favorite Art Nouveau graphic artist Alfonse Mucha! (See my old Mucha foyer here) Then perhaps scatter a few Pre-Raphaelite influenced paintings or tapestries throughout the home! Something like this, this or this. (Of course there are so many more...) The Painting Queen thinks such romantic artistry would fit nicely into a home based on such elegant beauty. So wonderful to live in our dreams! That is what this bed and breakfast does for me!

Ben and I can highly recommended this gem of a bed and breakfast at 10 Clarke Place that's nestled on a very quaint Victorian street in Frederick, Maryland. Once you step inside to this quieter place in time, you will be surrounded by the picturesque loveliness of another era. A breath of fresh air in a busy world. Dream on.

Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel And Restaurant: What An Amazing Venue For A Christmas Wedding

I get excited when I accompany Ben Sherman Classical Guitar to weddings that are held at lovely venues like the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel and Restaurant. I love to experience these elegant locations that the bride and groom choose as the place to express their love. The Antrim 1844 is a stately brick Mansion that was once a Plantation consisting of 2,500 acres. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the grand home sits nestled on a 24 acre location that is west of Baltimore, at 30 Trevanion Road in Taneytown Maryland, just 15 minutes from Gettysburg Pennsylvania. 

We have visited the Antrim before and enjoyed the superb 'Smokehouse Restaurant' which presents a deluxe six course gourmet dining experience! The food prepared by Chef Michel Gettier is worth getting a reservation for, so you too can partake in a delightful evening. Enjoy the Mansion's first floor of rooms while you wait for your table in the Smokehouse. The discerning wine lover can sip some wine from the award winning wine cellar.

Additionally there are ten other buildings on the property, filled with finely appointed rooms lavishly decorated in Victorian furnishings for your overnight stay. Isn't that incredible! That's a total of forty rooms and suites available which includes the main Mansion. Guests also get the traditional breakfast and afternoon tea for spending the night at the Antrim. I suggest you check out the map of the grounds and its amenities on this page.

Now let's get to that December wedding in which Ben Sherman is once again playing classical guitar music to set the ambiance of this historic setting. The Mansion has decked its halls in all the finery of Christmas past! As you can imagine this is a fantastic time to be having a wedding at The Antrim! Let's have a look around!

Attention to detail is evident everywhere you look! Pine garland hangs from every chandelier, mantle, stairwell, painting, and mirror. All draped in the live greenery that smells so good, I overheard a number of people commenting on the pine scent that filled the air!

The Mansion is filled with wonderful antiques, fine furnishings, and sumptuous linens. Still there are touches of whimsy that give such large rooms a cozy home like feel. One of the themes in the Mansion decor is Nutcrackers, and you will find them guarding both sides of the front door entry. Two more large nutcrackers stand upon the hall buffet, and if you look up, there is one sitting atop a grandfather clock.

Then a first floor Mansion room that holds a display of fruits and cheeses during the cocktail hour, contains wreaths that each have a different three dimensional scene inside. A bit like circular doll houses. Below is just one of those charming homespun wreath designs. 

A cozy pub room sits at the rear of the main house, with a fox hunt theme called The Pickwick Pub.

Outside of the pub is a cheery holiday staircase continuing the hunt decor.

The weather is mild on this day and the wedding party had no problem having their photos taken outside. So let's go see the gorgeous bride as she is being photographed beside the main house. I love getting a chance to photograph the bride too, so I took a couple shots as well. What a background! I just love the mistiness in the atmosphere!

What you do not see in the photo above is the scene in front of the bride. A lovely classic garden. I attended another wedding during the summer months where the wedding ceremony was held in this formal rose garden.

Here are a few more photos I took of the bride and her wedding party.

I love the December colors and faux fur cape.

A nearby water fountain statue.

There is a separate building on the grounds to hold special events like wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events, called The Garden Room. Let's go inside where a wreath adorns each panel of windows surrounding the building.

Here we find Ben Sherman Classical Guitar is prepared and warming up before the guests arrive for the ceremony.

Elegant Christmas and wedding decor is evident as well in this light filled garden view building.

Now as the guests arrive for the wedding ceremony, Ben Sherman is playing classical prelude music and will continue with music for the processional of the wedding ceremony. Click on the player below to listen to a music clip of Mr. Ben Sherman performing on classical guitar, "Gymnopedie No. 1" by Satie.

Ben Sherman Classical Guitar continues playing after the ceremony as the newly married couple, wedding party, family, and guests leave the room. Above is a music clip of Ben playing "Scherzino Mexicano," by Ponce.

The guests are on their way back to the beautiful main house for cocktails where Ben Sherman will play a mix of classical guitar and modern classic tunes. Award winning musician Ben Sherman is also a classic rock, and jazz musician, so he can lend a wide musical variety as the wedding guests start to relax and get their festivities started.

Entering the drawing rooms your eyes immediately go to the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Warm and inviting, these formal rooms contain antique sofas, chairs, and upholstered benches. You can easily settle in to enjoy a sculpted marble fireplace view, and the traditional holiday decor. All the while listening to Ben Sherman's sophisticated guitar music, while you carry on a conversation with friends.

Afterwards the guests will return to the Garden Room to eat a delicious meal set with fabulous table linens. I especially loved the opulent material that was used for this wedding along with the dramatic winter white and cream table decor. You can click on any of my photos for a closer view.

During the cocktail hour the wedding guests mingle between the rooms and grand staircase of the front hall. Some guests in the Drawing room areas made song requests of Ben Sherman, which he happily accommodated when possible. All this while the amazing Antrim 1844 hors d'oeuvre's were being served throughout the main floor of the Mansion.



Listen in and hear Ben Sherman play the song "Horizons," by Steve Hackett.

I was very impressed to learn of all the buildings that are part of the Antrim 1844 property and wanted you to see one of the other buildings known as the Smith House, which is seen from the front porch of The Garden Room in the photo below. Go to their website to learn about the other historic buildings that you can stay and enjoy overnight with top notch accommodations.

In accordance with that fanciful taste that seems to be in abundance at the Antrim Mansion, just check out this Santa in this most marvelous ornate antique display case sitting casually in the corner of the room. Love!

It's time for us to pack up my camera, and the music gear, to let the party continue at the dinner reception at the Garden Room. The bride, the groom, friends, and the family, have all graciously thanked Ben for the classical guitar music he provided during the wedding and cocktail hour. A truly lovely family, and group of friends. We couldn't help but notice that the bride and groom full of smiles, took a few spins around the reception hall together, before being announced to the waiting guests. See the love that is glowing into the night from their joyful celebration.

We wish them both much happiness in their marriage and uniting of open hearts. Ben and I know the value of a loving partnership that gets you through all the hills and valleys of life. A blessing to enjoy upon waking to each new day! Below is a clip from a song Ben Sherman wrote and is performing called, "First Light." Enjoy.



Should you know of any one requiring the musical talents of Ben Sherman Classical Guitar for a wedding or special event, please click on the photo below to be taken to Ben's official web site for more information. 
Spread the music and love.