The personal touch
By Claudia Caramiello
GLENWOOD — When you come upon the 1831 country inn, a few words immediately spring to mind. Cozy. Elegant. Inviting. It's hard to imagine that The Apple Valley Inn and Candy Apple Shoppe were once a diamond in the rough. But for innkeepers Leigh Petroski and Lauren Brophy, when they pulled into the driveway on an unusually blustery April day, they knew right away they were home.
Petroski, a regulator on Wall Street, and Brophy, a comptroller for a gluten free company, were two professionals who had a vision of opening the perfect bed and breakfast. They had a clear idea of the type of inn they were searching for; something warm with country appeal and modern amenities. Not a fan of over the top design, nor cluttered antiques, Petroski and Brophy viewed over 100 properties all they way from Maine to Florida before finally seeing and falling in love with the look of Apple Valley.
"The day we came to see this inn there was three feet of snow on the ground and the place looked very rough," said Petroski. "But we loved the look of the porches, we loved the area which was rich in ecotourism, and the inn had a separate building which we knew we wanted to eventually turn into a separate business. We just knew this was it."
So began the task of transforming the property in a way that would modernize the inn yet still keep that rustic charm alive.
With exposed beams, quilted bedspreads and custom made curtains, the Apple Valley Inn has six guestrooms, with a first floor bedroom that is handicapped accessible. Each guestroom is named after a type of apple, and is uniquely decorated by Petroski and Brophy. For example, the Granny Smith guestroom is a cheerful, sun dappled room done up in yellow and white gingham fabrics and accented in sage green. If one is staying in the Cameo room, they can enjoy a lilac and eyelet canopy bed and modern bathroom with blue glass tile.
"We pay very close attention to detail here," said Petroski.
For Petroski and Brophy, making their guests feel like home is what drives them to constantly upgrade and evolve the bed and breakfast. Each guestroom has a TV, DVD, WiFi access, and remote control fireplaces. The bright sunny dining room has a large table situated underneath four vast skylights for guests who want to dine with others. However the innkeepers are also sensitive to those shy travelers who prefer to have their full country breakfast at their own table.
"Usually when people ask to be seated at their own table in our dining room, they end up moving to the large table because everyone is having so much fun," said Petroski. "People from all over the world stay with us; from Rome, Poland, Alaska to folks who live right here in Vernon. This area is very diverse, with Woodbury Commons being close by, to the wineries and the proximity to Warwick and the Appalachian Trail."
The lure of the countryside, the abundance of high end spas, and the appeal of nature is what drew both Petroski and Brophy to choosing the bed and breakfast. The knowledge and love they have for Sussex County has enabled this cozy inn to endure despite difficult economical times.
"We are well schooled on the attractions and activities the area has to offer," said Petroski. "When people come to stay with us they look for guidance on where to eat, what to do...we represent Sussex and Orange County [NY] and we are proud to do so."
The Candy Apple Shoppe
Ten years ago, when they first opened the inn, Petroski and Brophy loved the fact that there was a separate building, because they knew wanted to open a second business. The Candy Apple Shoppe is celebrating its eighth year in business, and it is the loving attention to detail and customer service that has turned this unassuming little candy shoppe into a thriving business. The shoppe - which sells unique, gourmet apples ranging from rocky road to nonpareil - has blossomed into a huge success, catering to corporate events as well as the 500-person black tie wedding. The hand-dipped candy apples may be delectable, but it is also the kindness and hospitality that Petroski and Brophy extend to every customer that contributed to the growth of their business.
"We treat everyone the same, from the kid who comes in to the shop and spends five cents, to the person who puts in an order for 100 apples," said Petroski.
Despite still working outside jobs, maintaining the inn, candy shoppe and acting as cook, decorator and social director, both Petroski and Brophy revel in what they describe as controlled chaos, ensuring that their guests never feel rushed. Both innkeepers feel that it is that connection and closeness to the guests that make for a true meaningful stay at their bed and breakfast.
"We have cooperate jobs, but this is our passion," said Petroski. "Getting to know people, becoming part of their lives is what it's all about."
The Apple Valley Inn and the Candy Apple Shoppe are located at 967 Rt. 517 in Glenwood. For more information visit www.applevalleyinn.com.