Inn home at Gosby House!

Hi guys, I'm back from my three week long annual vacation and feel like I'm ready for another one! Lots of travel, gorging on amazing food and endless partying can leave one exhausted! Naturally I have lots to share and the first on this list is a cosy little place that I stayed in while driving along the Pacific Coast in California.

I have had my share of 5-star hotels and however much I may love the luxury and comfort that they have to offer, there is nothing that can beat the charm of a homestay or a quaint little inn. So when I found Gosby House on line, I knew I was up for a treat. A heritage mansion built in 1887 and located in the beautiful Monterey peninsula, it's just a few minutes away from the famed '17 mile drive' and a stone's throw from picture perfect towns like Cramel-by-the-sea and Big Sur.

We had been on the road for a while and reached Gosby House rather late at night by which time the inn keeper had left for the day. I had been instructed to let myself into the house upon finding the envelope that had been left for me on the porch...the old key-under-the-mat routine. As we tiptoed in, careful not to wake up other guests, I was struck by the fairly-tale-like quality of the place. I almost expected to see an elf run out with a glass of milk and some cookies! There was no elf but the note did say that I could help myself to the refreshments in the dining hall and drinks in the refrigerator. I was home.

As I walked into my room, I was greeted by a teddy bear who sat on the bed with a red rose in hand and a card that read "adopt me". Nice strategy to sell those bears. How could one possibly refuse? God forbid if you have kids with you, then you'll be buying the whole place out, coz these cuddly monsters are scattered all over the house! 

Now for those of you who have a floral phobia, I suggest you proceed with caution. This is a Victorian styled vintage property after all. As for me, a warm bed, a crackling fire place, comfortable seating, elegant decor and a collection of antique furniture did the trick...

I woke up the next morning to the smell of coffee and a delightful breakfast of eggs and scones served in an equally delightful dining room. The perfect place to sit around a table and exchange tips on local sights with the inn keeper and other guests...

Don't say I didn't warn you about those teddy bears. They are all over, sitting on an old carousel horse, stuffed in a baby carriage, on various chairs, they even have a whole cabinet dedicated to them...

After breakfast I decided to peek into the front parlour which had a cosy fire going. It was so inviting that I didn't feel like leaving the house. I could have sat there with book and a cup of coffee and floating marshmallows all day. Alas! There were many more brilliant sights to see so I set off with a collection of pamphlets that were laid out on a beautiful console in the hallway...

Goodbye Gosby. You will be missed.