House at Royal Oak: Starting Over & Rebuilding a Life One Room at a Time

by Carol Eron Rizzoli

An unforgettable story about a couple who follow their dream of converting a run-down country house into a working bed and breakfast, and what they learn along the way from an old home, a close-knit community, and a parade of extraordinary guests. One spring, Carol Eron Rizzoli and her husband Hugo bought a dilapidated farmhouse in the tiny village of Royal Oak, Maryland, on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. They spent two years transforming it into...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579128408
• ISBN13: 9781579128401
• Release Date: April 2010
• Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Good Memories

What a thoroughly enjoyable read. Having stayed at Royal Oak I could only try to visualize the way things may have been before the reconstruction. The home was truly inviting and you could sense the hard work and dedication the owners put into this undertaking. Of interest was hearing about the areas' early beginnings,tales of the locals and their eccentricities, hearing of the hardships faced by the watermen and a local landmark,the sailing ship the Rebbacca Ruark which is a designated historical landmark. On a personal note it was quite a thrill to find a reference about me and my husband who gave the owners an impromptu dance lesson one morning after breakfast. This was particularly poignant as my husband has since passed away and he would have enjoyed this small recognition. .

So great!

This was such a surprising and fun book to read. There were some really great and emotional moments and the story was fun to dive into. It is beautifully written and after a while you forget that you are not reading about your own life. I kept finding myself wanting to pick it up throughout the day and before going to sleep to just sink into the story, and I was sad when it ended. It is a nice mix of culture, romance, hard work, emotion and fun. I really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.

Mouthwatering and inspiring

A thoughtful, touching account of finding the courage to live your life on your own terms, and what happens after you finally make that decision. The recipes look amazing too.... praline pumpkin pie ... can't wait to try it.

A wonderful read!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in a day - could not put it down! I loved the story and how it was told. The couple in this book truly lets you into their lives. As the reader, you experience the joys and sorrows they experience as they undergo a huge life change and renovate an old house into a charming victorian bed and breakfast. I could not believe what they went through to get open and the people they meet as the proprietors - truly incredible. I am in no way interested in owning a bed and breakfast, but do own my own business. I loved learning about all of the ins and outs of their seemingly "simple" business. I mean, how hard can it be, right? Get some guests, give them a nice place to sleep and a fancy breakfast in the morning and they go on their merry way... Ha! I imagine many people get in over their heads (in any small business) because from an outsider's point of view, it looks so easy. I especially appreciate the author's take on the Chesapeake Bay. From the wild hurricane they survived, to the interesting wildlife, you learn to appreciate this part of the mid-Atlantic in a new way. She is thoughtful but not wordy; insightful but not overly-dramatic. It is truly a work of art. I am strongly encouraging people to read this book. I know I'm glad I did!

Great read!!!

This book is a gem. I was enthralled from the first page, and laughed and cried my way through it. The story chronicles this couple's experiences as they decide to renovate and old house and start up a B & B. They experience triumphs and setbacks along the way as they begin a new chapter in their life. It's hilarious at times, heartbreaking at others. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a wonderful read, it's one you won't forget!