Like its fancy big sister, The Ocean House, the design is in the details at the restored Weekapaug Inn. Inexplicably untouched by Sandy, I headed here for respite, power and internet. From the reupholstered (and original to the Inn) Stickley rockers in the bar and 50‘s settees in the main salon, to the Arts and Crafts movement quarter-sawn oak and green penny tile in the bathrooms, I loved every inch of the Inn. Interior designer, Nancy Taylor, got this place exactly right: a homey mix of old and new.

The largest of full-size shampoos and body lotion (private label by Red Flower), the guest pantry stocked with those famed Ocean House malted milk balls, warm chocolate chip cookies and a cappucino machine…heaven. When I wasn’t writing The E List in one of the airy public rooms, I was crushing my husband at Scrabble and taking long walks on the beach or around the quiet streets of this summer enclave.

The rooms are smallish but a cocooning bed, a serene pond view with the ocean beyond, and a raised soaking tub (to savor said view) made up for it. The intention here (and the absence of a TV in the room) is to make sure you don’t hole up. Stacks of board games and vintage books beckon in the cozy game room, as does the fireplaced great hall, screened Adirondack-style porch and rockers on the veranda.

Though the water-view gym was awaiting finishing touches and the swimming pool was closed for the season, bikes and maps of the surrounding area are for the asking from the helpful front desk staff.  At the helm in the kitchen is chef Jennifer Backman of the Ocean House, and while the waitstaff are still getting up to speed, the service was sweet and well-intentioned.

A European-inspired buffet in the morning is included in your stay, complete with French press coffee, flaky croissants, fresh squeezed OJ, cheeses, charcuterie and house-made granola. The lunch and dinner menu are less ambitious (and less expensive) than the sister property, but locally-sourced and carefully executed. I loved every minute, but especially the barefoot feeling. I wore a fleece and yoga pants throughout my stay and nobody raised an eyebrow.

Most guests were seeking refuge from the storm, and an easy camaraderie developed as we shared stories of flooding and downed trees. Don’t miss the beach walks or talks with in-house Naturalist Mike Bullinger. I can’t wait to go back.