Historic DeBary Inn Re-Opens for Contemporary Clientele

Summit residents know that their city is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind shops, Zagat-rated restaurants, and renowned businesses. And as of last month, "executive inn boutique" can also be added to that list.

Last month, the DeBary Inn officially re-opened for business on Springfield Avenue, welcoming a diverse group of clientele and perpetuating a history that began in the late 1800s.

The inn was purchased in September 2009 by five Summit partners who included one of the city's most recognizable citizens, TV personality Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money.  

In fact, Cramer discussed the recent acquisition with Martha Stewart during a Nov. 9 appearance on The Martha Stewart Show:  "(I) bought an inn," Cramer said. "It was one of those things where I think that we could do good because the town's hurting–Summit, New Jersey—and if we make a profit, that's even better."

Stewart went on to give the Summit celebrity and her viewing audience advice about entertaining overnight guests, using Cramer's latest acquisition as inspiration.

In addition to the Mad Money host, others involved in the investment include Lisa Detwiler, Ellen and Mike Haley, Lou and Wendy Helfer, Steve and Lisa Meyers, and Joe and Gail Riela.

"We're five Summit residents just looking to do a little give-back to the community and to have a little fun," said Mike Haley.

The inn can trace its history back to 1880, when it was first erected on nearby Hobart Avenue as a home to Frederick DeBary. DeBary grew up in northern France and moved to the United States as an adult to begin a wine-importing business in New York City.

Years later, in 1916, the family sold the home, the land was subdivided, and the house moved to its present location just past Summit's downtown.

Soon after, in 1923, the house began to take on its first official lodgers, and in 1977, it was purchased by Paul and Peggy Brown and became The DeBary Guest House.

At the time of the Browns' purchase, The DeBary was home to 14 senior citizens, who the Browns would board and care for in the coming years. Other guests during this era were made up of those in transition, perhaps changing jobs or towns, or needing a place to stay due to personal circumstances.

Following the Browns, the property was purchased in 2006 by Anita and Hill Rose, who had hopes to make it into a bed-and-breakfast but faced challenging setbacks in their progress due to city zoning laws.

The property was put up for sale again and in 2009, the DeBary home timeline would add its latest milestone: Summit-resident-owned executive boutique inn.

From the outside, the inn still appears to be a Victorian mansion, but don't let its façade deceive you.

"It's not like an old-style bed-and-breakfast," Haley said. "It's a little more trendy." 

The co-owner went on to explain that the entire building's infrastructure is brand new, and that the restoration included replacing the roofing, plumbing, and toilets, among other amenities.

"The renovations were so extensive that we needed to get the women in, too," said Helfer, giving credit to the wives in the group who carefully chose the colors, patterns, and decorations that would adorn the next stage of the building's life.

"Everybody had their hand in it," said Haley of the process that involved purchasing the DeBary, renovating and remodeling the structure, and finally making it their own by decorating the historic mansion.

The inn's 16 rooms and suites, each with its own private bath, are now equipped with High-Definition televisions, Chadsworth & Haig bathrobes, Martha Stewart bedding (which Cramer also discussed with the designer on her morning show), extra-plush towels, and complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the entire facility.

 "You'll never run out of hot water here!" said Helfer, comparing the DeBary Inn to the old stereotype of the traditional bed-and-breakfast.

In addition to first-rate in-room amenities, a continental breakfast is served daily for guests at no additional charge.

"We just want to make it a great place," Haley said.

The inn's present-day patrons are diverse. It draws business men and women with its proximity and access to major cities in the metropolitan area, but it's also been the resting place for individuals, relatives of local residents, and couples, as well.

"We're going after the business crowd or someone's mom who's been downsized and needs a room," explained Helfer, contrasting their lodgers with those of the DeBary's past. "It's more business-oriented during the week, and on the weekends, it's more couples-oriented."

Helfer went on to explain that the owners are planning to see where the inn takes them, instead of forcing it into a peg hole. 

The inn has already held its first Murder Mystery Weekend and its future holds possibilities for hosting small catered events. According to its Web site, special packages like Girlfriends Getaways and Romance Packages are available, and arrangements can be made for parties or business gatherings.

For more information about the DeBary Inn or to make a reservation, contact general manager J.P. Quidore at 908-277-0005.