The Sea Spray Inn. April 7, 2013. All photos by Paul Goldfinger © Left click for full views

By Eileen and Paul Goldfinger, Editors @Blogfinger

Last weekend, Mary Ellen and Eric Tellefsen, the owners of the Sea Spray Inn, celebrated the arrival of their first guests since Sandy put them out of business six months ago. They had purchased the 19th century guest house (the former Love Letter Inn) in 2010, and finally, in 2012 they were having their best year. But in the summer of 2012, they were hit hard by two big storms that flooded their ground floor along with that entire southeast neighborhood in the Grove. But they managed to hang in until Sandy “knocked us out”on October 29 and brought 5 feet of water into the lower level, forcing them to evacuate and cancel all their reservations.

Mary Ellen and Eric Tellefsen in the living/dining room on the first floor.

Since that time they have been living with a “parade of contractors” who had to gut and replace everything down there including all the mechanicals. Other work was also needed upstairs because of wind damage, including 9 new windows and porch repairs. The situation has been compounded by the Broadway drainage problems which have caused misery for everyone who lives in that neighborhood. But that saga seems to be nearly over, and other projects remain to try and protect the Inn from future flooding. But for now, their heads are literally above water and the Tellefsens are feeling optimistic once again. They give great credit for “support” from their neighbors and others.

The inn is at #19 Broadway, at the corner of Beach Avenue. The first floor consists of a spacious living room and dining room with a fireplace. The second and third floors contain the eight guest rooms. Porches on the first and second floors have magnificent views of the ocean and of Fletcher Lake. The inn is very popular and was rated number one of 25 in Ocean Grove by Trip Advisor.

Views and breezes from the second floor porches.

The decor can be described as “traditional and comfortable.” Each room has its own personality, views and special features. But the best part is that Mary Ellen and Eric are welcoming and happy hosts. They succeed at making their guests feel at home. Mary Ellen says that their message to the guests is “We’re your beach house.” That is why they have many repeat guests. The Sea Spray is a year-round operation.

The “Master Bed Room”

The breakfasts are said to be excellent. Mary Ellen’s apple crumb cake is number one, and the recipe is secret. But she also is known for her cinnamon-raisin scones which are extra special, and that is because she leaves no scone unturned and because it is a raisin d’être . But she is allowing us to share that recipe with you. (see below)

The reservation process is largely on-line, and prospective guests can make all the arrangements without actually speaking to the inn keepers. The web site is: Sea Spray link

JOE WILLIAMS. From his album Music For Lovers (Yes, the Victorians knew something about sex, especially when accompanied by the sounds of the ocean. It’s true—ask Ted Bell or the folks over at the Historical Society of Ocean Grove)