Hooray for Hollywood at Bewitched & Bedazzled

Even now, five months later, the B&B adventure is still evolving. But by now, the entrepreneurs and innkeepers know that they’ve gone Hollywood.

It all started with the names. The former Mallard B&B’s are two separate quintessentially Rehoboth beach homes. Kathleen came up with the idea to call one of them Bewitched, trading on the Sea Witch reputation, and the other Bedazzled to complete the trio. From the names sprang the themes.

"We knew we wanted to give guests more than a place to sleep and have breakfast," Inez says of their aim to bring a combination of high concept and awesome hospitality to the franchise.

The name Bewitched led the B&B to morph naturally into a celebration of the famed 1960s TV show by the same name, complete with television memorabilia plus bewitching and wonderfully retro-style furnishings. With the TV Land cable channel introducing the 60s show to new generations, and baby boomers reveling in nostalgia, an audience for the souvenir-filled accommodation is a natural. From Bewitched games, lunch boxes, cookie jars and even Barbie Dolls, to autographed cast photos and playful décor, the B&B has personality to spare.

"Actually, I love the concept not only because it’s fun," Inez reports. "But I think that Bewitched was the first TV show to talk about diversity, with a witch marrying a mortal. It was a great big metaphor for diversity."

So far, Inez and Kathleen have spent countless hours trolling E-Bay for memorabilia and the house is filling up fast—both with fun items from Bewitched and tickled guests who love the playful atmosphere.

Inez says, "We’ve got one of the Rehoboth Dolphins on our porch, a fish tank in the living room, the furniture is fun and I want people to come here and laugh and have a great time."

Meanwhile, just next door, Bedazzled has developed an entirely different personality. With a living room designed around a Sunset Boulevard theme and the individual rooms themes for Hollywood greats, the place is brimming with movie star memorabilia and attitude. The Marilyn Monroe room features an armoire and dressing table complete with a gown, gloves and jewelry recalling the Hollywood goddess.

Guest rooms and bathrooms pay homage to Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable. With autographed photos and artifacts galore, plus a library of fabulous books on Hollywood stars, the place is filled with priceless memorabilia and exquisite antique furniture.

Avid movie memorabilia collector Michael Groton, of Milton, assisted with the B&B transformation and loaned many of his own priceless acquisitions to the effort. Michael recently relocated to Sussex County from Baltimore, where he spent more than 25 years accumulating a collection of movie star collectibles. Michael assisted the innkeepers in decorating the houses with faux paint finishes, other decorative painting and design coordination. One of his proudest possessions, a dress worn by Hollywood icon Gloria Swansen will soon be on display at Bedazzled. "It’s from the 1973 That’s Entertainment party in Hollywood and we have a picture of her wearing the dress," says Michael.

Not to ignore the creature comforts, guests at Bedazzled can watch a library of old black and white movies (or newer ones if they choose) on a 42-inch plasma TV in the Sunset Boulevard. living room. And, just like the concept in their signature Sea Witch Manor, all the furnishings and most of the antiques at Bewitched and Bedazzled are for sale.

"We’ve had to re-decorate the rooms at Sea Witch several times," Inez admits, "but it’s really been fun." Since Inez and Kathleen are former antique dealers, it’s also a natural extension of their hospitality.

It’s been a whirlwind trip for the innkeepers, including Bedazzled innkeeper and concierge Bill Jessen. The B&Bs were closed for only two weeks in June, at which time they underwent mechanical overhauls, cleaning top to bottom, and a complete re-furnishing. "Our friends were terrific, helping us get the places in shape," Inez says.

As the personality of the houses began to emerge, Inez, Kathleen and Bill worked frantically to acquire just the right works of art and furnishings for the places.

In the meantime, even guests were so pleased with what they saw taking shape that many of them pitched in to help.

Two guests, Nancy Tate and Leslie Riddle, who are experienced landscapers returned to Rehoboth over and over to work on the plantings, outside patio and more. It’s been a true group effort.

With their Sea Witch Manor having been named Best of Delaware for Weddings and B&B’s, and their newly acquired B&B’s getting rave reviews, Kathleen and Inez are busy innkeepers. Although Bewitched and Bedazzled are still evolving, it’s clear that guests and critics are saying Hooray for Hollywood.