There’s something about crossing the threshold of GardenSpirit Guesthouse that allows you to simply shrug off your burdens and let your true self come out to play!

It’s a calming yet energizing place that feeds your soul.

Everything is “soft” at GardenSpirit Retreat Guest house – a pure expression of Linda’s deepest self. There are fluffy blankets, soft cushions, overstuffed furniture and brand new pillow-top mattresses.

Sit, relax, unwind, dream ….

To the right is the “formal” living room, aka the coaching alcove which is anything but formal. Periwinkle walls, dusty pink sheers at the windows and snuggly soft seating make this a wonderful place to curl up with a good book (actually even a mediocre book gets better in this room!).

The famed “Purple Dining Room” is on the left, replete with elegant hats and white gloves ready for afternoon tea.

Every good dining room has a kitchen next door and the GardenSpirit kitchen is a marvel of efficiency, good design and whimsy. Linda painted the walls aquamarine with crisp white cabinets and ultramodern lighting fixtures to mingle with the shabby chic accessories.

Peek through the “window” over the kitchen sink to catch a preview of the hearth room, with its massive stone fireplace. The furniture is comfy, the throws oh-so-soft and the gas logs warm and toasty (except in summer when the ceiling fans make things oh-so-cool).

If you step down into the anteroom (aka laundry room) you’ll find our glorious sunroom with floor to ceiling windows plus four skylights and sliding glass doors. The bamboo floors were installed for private meditation, movement and yoga. Linda’s furniture is lightweight, so scoot it out of the way and enjoy. The woodsy view here is spectacular – you can catch a glimpse of Linda’s Purple Treehouse.

Of course there’s a wonderful full bath on this floor as well as a cozy butter-yellow bedroom described below. But maybe it’s time to head upstairs…

Second floor of the Guesthouse

Take the stairs to the second floor – those purple spindles on the staircase were hard won – the painters almost refused to paint that precious wood such a silly color! Note the robin’s nest halfway up and the picket fence that circles the landing (it’s real paint, but not Linda’s original).

The second floor, of course, has mostly bedrooms – see below for a full description, as well as a couple of wonderful bathrooms, the linen closet with thirsty beach towels and one of only three phones in the house.

Guest rooms at the Guesthouse

First floor:

Carolina on My Mind

This first floor bedroom is painted a sunny yellow, guaranteed to brighten your day….. click here for

Second floor:

Once in a Blue Room

OK, strictly speaking the room is actually periwinkle, but do you know how hard it is … more details

Tickled Pink

This cozy bedroom where Linda sleeps, in part because it over-looks the private back yard and in part … more details

In the Limelight

The all-time fave, perhaps due to the pale green and peach decor or perhaps … more details

Thoughtful amenities, next page…

Enter the Guesthouse at the front foyer, which is dressed in Easter egg colors of palest yellow and soft lilac. The “garden” rug and funky chicken give you a hint as to what’s to come…