New at the Manse

What’s New at Bryn Brooke

Something is always going on at the Manse.

Wow, look at that moon! A drop dead gorgeous harvest moon hung over the Manse on Labor Day night. C’mon, Halloween!

Shine on, harvest moon.

Guest’s Culinary Inspiration

Frequent guests from Canada, Frank and Brenda, recently enjoyed their eighth stay at Bryn Brooke and provided inspiration for our latest breakfast addition. Frank enthused so about the Eccles cakes he buys at Ontario farmers markets, we decided to give the Bryn Brooke try. I remember the classic British pastry from our days living in England, but had never made them. Not only did they meet Frank’s approval, our following guest, who happened to be English, dubbed them “fantastic.” I think we’ll be baking a lot of Eccles Cakes this summer.

Eccles cakes. Sugared puff pastry filled with black currants. Terribly English. The filling recipe is secret.

Ah, it’s cool in here!

We love this big old place and our fervor for restoration and improvement has been in high gear this year.

We’ve made a major upgrade in climate control, installing split units in guest rooms and common areas. These units are quiet, efficient and wonderfully effective. No more window air conditioners! Not only were “window rattlers” unsightly on the facade, they were murder on my back.

These oddities on the wall keep the rooms cool or warm, and dehumidified.

Wall unit for climate comfort.

Garden Contentment

We filled in the pool last year and this year we’ve had a wonderful time landscaping.

Love those pollinators! This busy bee appreciates a Martha Washington geranium.

Flowers and Pathways

The Lilac Nook

How handy is that?

All rooms are now equipped with a small refrigerator and freezer, just perfect for water and wine, Farmers’ Market

cheese and produce, or restaurant leftovers. Ice available on request.

In room refrigerator, contents not included.

New for Breakfast

Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

I had my doubts when making this delectable for the first time, concerned that the stiff dough would result in a hardtack cake. All fears were happily retired; this is marvelous. A buttery cake with a tender crumb, bursting with fresh blueberries.

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