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By Patti Gurthie
When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, plan a relaxing getaway to Milford, New Jersey’s exclusive riverside bed and breakfast, Chestnut Hill on the Delaware.
Started in 1982 by Linda and Rob Castagna, Chestnut Hill is located in the W.E. Thomas House. (For those who know Italian, Castagna means chestnut.) According to the Milford Borough Historical Society’s Walking Tour, the house was built by Wilson Thomas in 1860 for his bride Lizzie. It was the first home in Milford to have plumbing. The Thomas family owned the landmark gristmill in Milford, started the first bank, and produced Milford’s first mayor.
Linda and Rob Castagna are involved with the Milford community. Whether through local events such as Milford Alive or Christmas in Milford, or their work with local businesses, the Castagna family strives to keep small town Milford a local treasure. They have an extensive collection of historical artifacts pertaining to Milford. Linda Castagna worked diligently on the Milford Borough Centennial book, which celebrated 1911-2011. The book showcases her expertise in taking photos. Linda Castagna also documents history through the Milford Merchants Association’s Facebook site, Good Morning Milford.
Thousands of guests have stayed at Chestnut Hill over its 32 years, from all corners of the world. The front porch is lined with rockers and tiny tables for friendly conversation or contemplating the scenic river. When entering Chestnut Hill, Victorian opulence takes you back to a simpler time in history. The downstairs rooms are the social rooms. There is the parlor, complete with plush sofas and a fireplace. The drawing room features a pump organ, an antique bridal gown on display, cozy sitting areas, a piano, and, of course, a fireplace. Authentic apothecary hutches display the Castagna collection of Milford memorabilia. The Dining Room has a grand table and chairs, an antique case clock, impressive chandelier, and a sideboard with an antique pink glass light that was originally in the Milford Opera House. Breakfast is served here, with such favorites as Stuffed French Toast made with fresh raisin bread, or Lemon Risotto Pancakes with a light fruit sauce.
Climbing up the steps, there is a collection of photos documenting the history of Milford. The cheerful Rose Garden offers a second-floor view of the Delaware. It has a queen size bed, private bath with whirlpool and shower, and a hidden TV/VCR. The quaint Bayberry room comes with a bay window and a full size quilted bed. The Pineapple Room, a former servant’s quarters for the historic home, is a few steps down from Bayberry and has four picturesque windows. This room has a queen size bed, desk with data port, hidden TV/VCR, and a private bath with shower. The Summer Morning room exudes the brightness and romance of summer with its soft colors and a river view from its large windows. Special features of this bedroom include a Claudio Reyes king size cloud bed that was designed in Italy and handcrafted in Argentina, a library, electric fireplace, and a hidden TV/DVD/VCR. The luxurious bath has a Jacuzzi with waterfall spout, rainfall shower, heated floor tiles, and lovely stained glass accents. Tucked away on the third floor is Teddy’s Place, with a queen size bed, shower/whirlpool, desk, hidden TV/VCR, and a refrigerator. There is a nearby terrace with a table and chairs under a historic copper beech. Across the hall from Teddy’s Place is Hearts & Flowers, complete with a twin bed and full size bed.
Next door to Chestnut Hill is another historic property that consists of strictly self-contained suites. According to Linda Castagna, the building is circa 1830 and was a former hospital as well as creamery. The spacious Country Cottage faces the river and has a living room bedroom with a fireplace, king size bed, private bath, fully stocked pantry, kitchen, and TV/VCR. Guests can nap in the hammock, sit by the Cottage fountain, or relax on the veranda. The second-floor Paradise Suite has a great river view, as well as a one-of-a-kind cast iron queen size canopy bed. A fireplace is directly across from the bed. The bath features a tropical fish stenciled scene, Spanish tiles, oversize Whirlpool, and glass shower. Paradise has a kitchenette with some breakfast staples, as well as a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and toaster oven. The sunny Palms is adjacent to this kitchenette. It has queen size bed, hidden TV/VCR, and a private bath. All Chestnut Hill bedrooms have pressed linens, turndown service, a pillow chocolate, a custom bag of handmade gingerbread cookies on the bed, and fresh flowers.
Guests at Chestnut Hill on the Delaware can enjoy the property’s manicured gardens, large boat deck and river walk, a historic ride on the inn’s pontoon boat, floating chairs by the boat deck, or a casual tea with homemade baked goods. Guests have access to a classic video library, reading materials, and books on tape. The Borough of Milford has restaurants, shops, and historic sites to take in. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, fish, canoe, and go ballooning. Everything is catered to individual needs.
Chestnut Hill on the Delaware, 63 Church Street, Milford, NJ. 908-995-9761; 888-333-2242. Free Wireless Internet. Check in 3 p.m.; Check out 11 a.m. Minimum two-night stay on weekends. Non-smoking. No credit cards. Reservations via the phone. On-site parking. Visit Facebook or www.chestnuthillnj.com.