A Place Guests Call Their Own

New owners make Wooden Duck guests feel right at home Andover - A little over a mile off Rte, 206 but miles away in ambiance, is The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast in Andover. The 10-room inn is now operated by new proprietors, Beth and Karl Krummel, and innkeepers, Trish and Ben Clough. On a recent visit to The Wooden Duck, remnants of a pre-Christmas snowfall decorated the landscape, adding to the picturesque beauty of the setting, rivaling any New England experience. Traveling down the secluded country lane leading to the inn, the traveler immediately realizes that he’s leaving the everyday hustle-bustle world for a relaxing stay. Creative outlet Owning their own business was a goal of the Krummels. Beth, who said she has always had an interest in cooking and decorating, recognized that owning a bed-and-breakfast would be an outlet for her creative expression, an opportunity to try the recipes she’s collected, and a place to display the many collectibles amassed from various places throughout the U.S. and Europe. “It was time to do this,” she said, “We always wanted to own our own business, and a bed-and-breakfast appealed to us. We like being with people.” When the opportunity arose to buy The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast, the Krummels were optimistic because of its successful history. According to the Krummels, about half the inn’s visitors are leisure guests and the other half are business travelers, who often return time after time. Beth notes that those on business are particularly pleased to be in comfortable surroundings where they can “feel at home.” Many “locals” who stay at the Wooden Duck are usually seeking either relaxation or romance. They appreciate having the opportunity to be away, yet be within a few miles of their homes. Beth recalled a woman who “kidnapped” her sister and three children, brought her to the inn after arranging for her accommodations, then taking the children to stay with her for the night, allowing the harried mother to enjoy a short vacation. Each morning, guests are treated to a full country breakfast that features a selection of home baked breads or muffins, eggs, pancakes, French toast, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee. Breakfast treats “We try to serve a menu that is a little different, not what you would ordinarily expect,” said Beth, “and at the same time offer an informal, though gracious atmosphere.” A guest kitchen offers complimentary beverages, snacks, fruit and cookies, available any time. Ten spacious guest rooms are all turned out with queen beds, sitting/work areas, air conditioning and private baths. Each room is equipped with a telephone, TV/VCR, and high-speed wireless Internet access. Each of the four deluxe rooms has a fireplace and a two-person soaking tub; two include a private balcony. The Wooden Duck is prepared to accommodate business meetings and team-building gatherings and will provide lunches from outside caterers. A brick patio and in-ground swimming pool invite guests outdoors to enjoy the open-air surroundings while providing a lovely spot for breakfast or a sunbath. The game room offers an extensive video library and an assortment of reading materials The inn is located minutes away from antique shops in Andover, Lafayette, and Stillwater. Outdoor activities that can be accessed in a short ride include horseback riding; skiing and summer water sports at Mountain Creek; Kittatinny Valley State Park, which is adjacent to the property; cliff climbing, hiking and bicycling; several world-class golf courses; outlet shopping; and many and varied restaurants, from country casual to fine dining. The Wooden Duck is listed in the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America, Preferred Inns of N.J., and is a member of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. The inn is totally smoke-free. The Wooden Duck offers gift certificates and will accept phone credit card reservations. The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast is located at 140 Goodale Rd. (Andover Twp.), Newton. For information, call 973-300-0395, or visit online at woodenduckinn.com.