My partner and I have stayed at the Hovey House twice and loved it both times. As we were preparing to leave this last time, we went back for our luggage and overheard a conversation between the owner and one of the arriving guests. A woman was standing in the hall loudly complaining that the place looked nothing like the photos on the website. "What did you do," she demanded, "Photoshop the pictures?" She threatened to report the owner to the BBB. "Who do you think they'll believe, you or me?" she sneered.

The owner kept saying, " I'm sorry you're not pleased. What do you want me to do?" The woman continued railing and the owner just kept asking, "What do you want me to do?" At last the woman answered the question: She wanted her stay to be free. When the owner said she couldn't do that, the woman and her party left in a huff.

To be perfectly frank, there were signs of restoration work underway (the owner said there had been recent storm damage to the roof). However, we were given a tour of the whole house when we arrived and all the bedrooms and common rooms were lovely and very clean.

It IS true that the house does not look like the photos on the web -- it's even MORE beautiful when you see it for real. As the angry couple pulled out of the driveway, another couple arrived. I waited to see their reaction when they entered the house. "This place is exquisite," the woman said to the man.

We agree.

The B&B looked nothing like the photos on the website. It was in such a state of decay
and disrepair we left after 5 minutes of total disbelief.
We had to scramble to find alternate accommodations 40 miles away.

Stay away....far away.

We had a great time at the Hovey House. I was taken away by its Charm. It is truly a well kept secret nestled in the New England fishing town of Gloucouster , Mass. Fortunately we found this Bed &Breakfast place on the internet and our friends ( total of 3 couples ) thought it would be the perfect place to stay for our visit to this historic town and to the Famous Italian St. Peter's FESTA , established some 86 yrs ago. But to our surprise the Hovey House was a treat in itself. We were surrounded by beautiful 19 th furniture and antiques, a clean and comfortable bedroom and private bath and a gracious host. Our breakfast was homemade American specialties like Frittata , French toast or fresh pancakes. We enjoyed the view from high up on the hillset villa and took long walks around the quaint streets of Gloucoster. I would recommend it to all my friends and travelers that enjoy being taken away to another time and place.

My husband and I have stayed in many bed and breakfasts over the years and we decided this was our favorite. We wanted something romantic for our 10th anniversary. The antique house is beautiful and immaculate with lovely period furnishings that look like they're original to the house. When we turned in the driveway we were greeted by an opening scene from the movie, "The Perfect Storm",: the sweeping expanse of Gloucester Harbor with Ten Pound Island and two lighthouses. Early next morning we walked the almost deserted beach and arrived back in time for a delicious breakfast. We visited galleries and museums, shopped cute boutiques and went on our first whale watch. (Saw many whales; they came right up to the boat. Thrilling!) Our hostess recommended two restaurants, both were excellent. We wanted to see a play at the local summer theater but ran out of time.