During a recent visit to New England from Ireland we were lucky enough to find this little gem of a B&B in Marblehead which was in a perfect location for us near Salem and Boston Airport for our return flight back to Dublin the following morning. THe owner Gene Arnold was hospitable and full of knowledge about the surrounding area and a great ambassador for the American tour industry.Marblehead itself is quaint and full of history and like the rest of New England has good seafood restaurants within walking distance.We enjoyed our stay and would hope to stay in Brimblecomb again.

We stayed two nights in the very comfortable first floor room that had a hallway door connecting to the breakfast and sitting room which gave us the effect of having the house pretty much to ourselves. Our host was congenial and always willing to help with questions or just tidbits about the town even though he also ran an art gallery & frame shop just a block away. Being innkeepers ourselves, we know how hard this is to do sometime.

Marblehead is full of old houses, 1623 was the earliest we noted, that have been beautifully restored. The streets wind up and down about the harbor; the homes all have blooming gardens and window boxes that add to the charm; the restaurants are just the right combination of quaint, slightly scruffy, and gourmet. We will definitely stay at Brimblecomb again when we are in the area.

Gene is an excellent host, warm and friendly, without being imposing.
We stayed in the Isaac Mansfield room, and it was very nice, and adorned with antiques, as you can see for yourself at www.brimblecomb.com. The room was en suite, and the bathroom was clean and modern.

The lovely 18th-century house is very nicely situated in the center of the village - a short walk to just about everywhere.

The breakfast room is small (and dominated by more antiques), but with only three rooms on the premises, there's plenty of room.

The only word of warning is that the breakfast is continental style; if you like a full eggs & meat breakfast, walk down to The Muffin Shop, just a short distance down Washington Street.