At first glance, The Tidewater House will grab your attention. The vintage mansion was built in 1874 and has been a fixture of Dover Street ever since. Pearly-white pillars support the front of the home while a wall of windows allows the curious a peek inside. Three dormer windows grace the third floor, adding a touch of class to a Grande dame of architecture.
In the spring of 2019, the Tidewater Inn purchased the mansion to add to their room offerings. The previous owners had completed extensive renovations in their goal of making the home Easton's most luxurious lodging. From what I saw during my stay, they succeeded. Well-trained staff are on hand most hours of the day, providing the best in concierge assistance, and other services during your stay.
Five distinctive suites provide an experience like no other on the Eastern Shore. The English Suite offers the guest full views of Dover Street, a sitting room, antique and authentic reproduction furniture, over-sized bay window, a steam shower, and a jetted bathtub that faces the wall of windows.
The English Room's décor reflects a classic English garden style without feeling stuffy. The sitting area comes with a sofa, armchair, ottoman/coffee table, and neutral wallpaper. Guests can add the Victorian Room if an attached bedroom is needed.
On the backside of the mansion, the Safari Room is tucked away from other guest suites. Themed wallpaper and furnishings remind one of the glory days of safari life. An old camera and tripod have been re-purposed to hold a small round clock in the sitting room. The vaulted ceiling makes one feel as if they were in a luxurious safari tent. A sofa, desk, two armchairs, a round laminate coffee table, and TV complete the sitting room. Just outside, in the common area, is a butler's pantry with coffee, tea, and soft drinks 24 hours a day.
The bedroom is lavished with a functional gas fireplace that adds color and warmth to the room. On chilly winter days, a plush armchair provides a comfortable place to relax with a good book in front of the fire. The bathroom has plush robes to use after enjoying the separate jetted tub and shower. The vanity holds a sink and granite countertop while below three carved elephant heads show off what appears to be real ivory. Made during a time when elephants were more numerous than today, the age of the vanity suggests it was from a different era.
The French and Asian suites round off the five room choices guests may choose from. The French Suite, on the first floor, will appeal to those who don't want to climb stairs to and fro while staying at the Tidewater House. Contrasting the blue wallpaper, comforter, and pillows are white highlights in original window frames, doors, and bathroom tiles. Gold plated bathtub fixtures have cupids looking on while you bathe. If you choose this room, you'll feel as though you are staying in a French chateau.
The Asian Suite has a bamboo canopy bed, Asian rosewood furniture, and an Asian-themed vanity. The bathroom has the original subway tile, steam shower, and an air-jet tub for your soaking pleasure. After bathing, sit by the fireplace, snuggled in your robe and warm up a bit before venturing out.
The common areas are anything but common. The atrium is the place to relax in natural light, mimicking the outdoors. Located on the perimeter are several armchairs, perfect for a bit of reading. The library has a large portrait of a young woman, probably from the 1880s, setting the mood of this classic book space.
The bar room is in the front and side of the main floor. Gather here from five p.m. to six p.m. for complimentary happy hour with cheese, crackers, and other nibbles to pair with fine white and red wine.
A continental breakfast is served each day just off the library. Enjoy scones, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and toast. A more extensive breakfast can be had at the Tidewater Inn, just a five minute walk away.
The dining room is perfect for a special event. With a commercial kitchen on-site, you can have a lavish meal to compete with the magnificence of the Tidewater House. Rent the whole house and invite friends and family for a stay in historic Easton, none will forget.
Although Easton is a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the quality of dining, shopping, and recreation is top shelf. Try Bas Rouge for fine dining that is on par with the best in Washington DC, New York, or Baltimore. Open just on Friday and Saturday nights, Bas Rouge serves a three or four-course tasting menu to please the most discriminating guest. Their sister property, The Stewart, is the place to enjoy single malt scotch, champagne, and small plates in a small but elegant space.
Other excellent restaurants are Hunter's Tavern in the Tidewater Inn for regional American cuisine, Scossa for Italian fare, Out of the Fire for pizza and other wood-oven meals, or Mason's Redux serving upscale American cuisine for lunch and dinner.
It defies perceptions of the Eastern Shore to find such luxury and elegance in this small town. To get here, you can fly your private jet into the nearby Easton Airport-just two miles away, or drive from Baltimore over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Disclaimer: Even though my stay was comped, my opinions are my own.
Safari room sitting area
Safari room bath
Tidewater House dining room
Tidewater House library
Tidewater House happy hour
Tidewater House Exterior
