Welcome to the Wildflower Inn!
We bought this property (at the time a run down farm) in March of 1984. We had been traveling around the U.S. and Canada with Jim’s job as a civil engineer. Five years and three children later, we decided we wanted to settle down. Staying with engineering would have meant living in, or commuting to, the city. Neither of these options was attractive to us. So, when the opportunity for inn keeping came along, it seemed like the perfect solution! Mary’s parents, Richard and Joan Downing, are partners with us in this venture. Although they live in Massachusetts, they find time to be here often during the year. In the earlier years, Joan worked her magic with the flower arrangements as well as the stenciling. She continues to bring a group of friends up each year for our Christmas decorating weekends. Richard has expressed his love for landscaping by assisting in the formation of our lovely gardens, stonewalls and other pleasant surroundings. He always has a new plan a-budding, whether here at the inn or along Darling Hill, where you’ll enjoy an ongoing renewal of several properties! Be sure to visit the Chapel of the Holy Family, the culmination of his love for architecture and gardens, as well as my mother’s spiritual guidance. We are so grateful for their contributions; both in work, and their moral support along the way!
A little history: Jim grew up in Natick, MA. After graduating from Southeastern Mass University (now U Mass Dartmouth), where he got a BS in construction engineering Jim spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer designing and building foot suspension bridges in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. Mary grew up in Holliston and then Sherborn, MA. She attended Regis College for two years, and then transferred to SMU, where she met Jim. After graduating, Mary went to work for her father until she and Jim were married in 1979. For the first few years, Jim was a construction engineer working on projects in the US and Canada. In 1984 we took a big leap of faith, and moved to Vermont to start the Inn! Our small 4 room B&B that opened in 1985 has evolved into this wonderful Country Resort!
Our eight children are all growing up (five boys and three girls). They range in age from 11-29! They have logged many hours working at the inn. It has been a great experience for them, for us, and our guests. Our oldest son, Tom, is currently living in Denmark with his wife Elisabeth, and little girl, Clara (also our first grand child). Brian is currently working as an Architect in Seattle. Dan, after living and working in sales in Boston for several years, has recently decided to join us as Assistant Innkeeper. We are delighted! Dan also brought along a delightful young woman whom he has asked to stay as his wife! Ali Dagostino has braved the wilds of Vermont, hailing from New Jersey, in order to be with Dan! She brings along some great talent in marketing and hospitality as well! After graduating from University of Vermont, Kevin decided to join us as well. He is presently one of our excellent cooks, discovering his talent for creative cuisine; and he also takes on responsibilities for operations both at the inn and the Lynburke Motel. If you catch a glimpse, you’ll be sure to recognize him with his red hair and Irish eyes! Anna, our oldest daughter, is currently in her third year at University of Rhode Island as Nutrition major. Anna has been instrumental in helping us to develop our Gluten Free menu. She is becoming an expert on Celiac disease (she was diagnosed at age 16), and works with our kitchen staff when she is at home. Sean is now a freshman at Marquette University. He had spent a “gap-year” travelling in the Far East, spending time in Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. He is studying Economics and Anthropology. Sarah and Emma are still at home. The nest is getting smaller, but it is so nice when everyone comes home to visit! We thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful family, a wonderful staff, and great guests!
Thank you for visiting our site and we hope that you will be visiting us in person very soon.
Sincerely,
Jim and Mary O’Reilly
Updated September 2009
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