Many years ago, Patti Page sang the praises of this enchanting haven. “If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air, quaint little villages here and there. You’re sure to fall in love with Old Cape Cod.”

Today, visitors to A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay are still falling in love with Cape Cod and with this picturesque bed and breakfast.

“Everywhere you sit, you can look over the bay, over the gardens, over the cranberry bogs,” says innkeeper Pamela Adam. “It’s a special world here.”

The main house of the inn dates back to 1798 and was probably part of the Underground Railroad. A trap door in the foyer leads to a small space that might have been used as a hiding place during that time. On a hill overlooking Pleasant Bay, the inn has a small sandy beach and its own dock.

One look at the breathtaking bay and the innkeepers knew they had found their magical place. Pamela and her sister Sandra Zeller grew up in the restaurant and hotel business in England – with detours to Paris. Bernd Zeller graduated from hotel school in Germany and attended the culinary Institute of America. Sandra and Bernd met, fell in love and married.

Over the years, their combined careers included many facets – corporate communications, owning a cruise agency, television production, advertising and working for major airlines. The three traveled extensively and knew what they looked for in memorable accommodations.

When they joined forces and decided to become innkeepers, the combination of talents was extraordinary. Searching for the ideal bed and breakfast led them to the historic South Orleans inn. On this particular visit, a real estate agent had two properties to show them – an inn that was already up and running successfully and the rundown place on Pleasant Bay.

“The other inn was absolutely beautiful, very little to do to it, but it wasn’t on much land and it didn’t have the bay,” Pamela says. “This inn was very sad, needed repairs and had been on the market for quite some time.”

However, the three partners looked at the bay, looked at each other and knew they had found home. “We looked at the bay before we even came in the house and said, ‘This is it,’’ Pamela says. “You can’t buy scenery like this.”

That was eight years ago. With plenty of tender loving care, massive renovations and untold hours of gardening, the property has blossomed and been given new life. The three new innkeepers pitched in, put their skills together, crafted each detail carefully and created a comfortably elegant retreat with a European touch – A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay.

“We wanted to keep the Cape Cod charm,” Pamela says. “We all love gardening and we have beautiful gardens with an abundance of flowers.”

The inn features nine guest rooms, all with private baths and all air-conditioned. Most bedrooms have bay views, while the others enjoy a view of the beautiful gardens. The Main House has four bedrooms, each with its own new bath. Three additional bedrooms are in the “Paddocks,” again with full baths. Then there is the Carriage House for the ‘homemakers.” It has two bedrooms, a small kitchen, bath and spacious living area with fireplace, ideal for a family.

“The Bayroom and the Carriage House are new but we rebuilt them on exactly the same footprint as the original buildings,” Pamela says.

The nautical names hint at what is to be found in each room – Daysailer, Knockabout, Whistler, Mercury, Wianno, Baybird, Beetlecat, Rookie and Sharpie. “Each room is unique and they are all beautiful,” Pamela says.

A European continental breakfast buffet is served on the patio overlooking the bay or on the garden patio. Delicious choices include pastries, yogurt, muesli, cereals, fresh fruits, assorted meats and cheeses, coffee and tea. “We have wonderful sunrises here,” Pamela says. “It’s a lovely way to wake up with the sun slowly coming into your room.”

Tucked back from a winding road that traces the coast between Orleans and Chatham, A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy the many charms of Cape Cod. Pleasant Bay is a happy haven for sailing, kayaking, swimming or strolling along the beach when the tide is out. There are many scenic trails along the shoreline. Close by are several challenging golf courses. The shops in the villages of Orleans and Chatham are minutes away. And if you come at the right time, you can see the cranberry harvest right next door.

The three hosts are a wealth of information about the area and love to share it with guests. They can suggest whale watches, bike rides, boating, art galleries, dining, shopping and excursions of all kinds.

“We want people to find the ultimate Cape Cod experience,” Pamela says. “You have to get off the highway, follow the side roads and see what the real Cape Cod is like.”

As the words of the familiar song describe it: “Winding roads that seem to beckon you, miles of green beneath the skies of blue … If you spend an evening, you’ll want to stay, watching the moonlight on Cape Cod Bay. You’re sure to fall in love with Old Cape Cod.”

A little Inn on Pleasant Bay
654 South Orleans Road, South Orleans, Massachusetts 02662. 508-255-0780. 888.332.3351
Web Site: www.alittleinnonpleasantbay.com
Email: bernd@alittleinnonpleasantbay.com
Innkeepers: Sandra and Bernd Zeller