Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 6 | Page 14

widening the entry channel to the marina, installing
living shoreline buffers, the first in the region.
Chaney’s ecologically aware approach to marina
management is considered a model for environmentally
appropriate waterfront development throughout the
Chesapeake Bay watershed. Herrington Harbour’s
buffers also make fabulous habitat for finding natural
treasures like fish, turtles, frogs, crabs, herons and
other tidal creatures.
Several years ago, Chaney dug up the 1940’s era
drive-in parking lot around the motel, replacing
the pavement with a winding sidewalk framed by an
abundance of native trees and flowers. Walkways
around the Inn are studded with hidden details like
soothing fountains and amusing antiques he has
acquired on visits to southern France. The fountains
make for a pleasant, relaxing sound during the day,
and are gently lit at night, when the entire property
becomes both romantic and relaxing.
Chaney transformed several individual rooms into eight
elegant Arts and Crafts inspired suites. Each has a
large living room, dining room, separate bedrooms and
baths and a full kitchen stocked with service-ware, pots
and pans.
We stayed in the Chesapeake Suite, which offered the
luxury of space and total privacy as well as beautiful
sunset views from the upstairs balcony. Decorated
with period details like Tiffany lamps and authentic
antiques, the suite also has aromatherapy steam
showers (much-loved by my eight-year-old daughter).
Standard rooms are single level, ground floor
accommodations with small front stoops and a pair of
wood rocking chairs, perfect for twilight conversation.
Several rooms have screened-in porches shaded by
groves of leafy trees while others have Jacuzzis.
In fall 2015, Chaney plans to renovate an entire wing
of the inn by adding new rooms and three more suites.
Each will have stunning views west over the marina
to H