The lovely Swanendele Inn is located near the southern tip of Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. This family-owned luxury country inn actually sits along the tranquil waters of St. Jerome’s Creek(really, a small bay inlet). It’s near where the Potomac River flows into the bay. It is in a perfect location to explore Historic St. Mary’s City, lighthouses, hiking trails, and museums in southern Maryland. The Swanendele Inn is about 75 miles from Washington, D.C., and Annapolis; 100 miles from Baltimore; and 120 miles from Richmond. My husband and I enjoyed such a wonderful time here and highly recommend it.

Swanendele Inn: Ridge, MD / Swanendele Inn / (301) 576-9910

A large blue-sided inn with a large wraparound porch is seen from a dock at the Swanendele Inn. — **Swanendele Inn**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

DISCLAIMER: My husband and I have stayed in many hotels, inns, and other properties in our travels. A few stand out above the rest — this is one of them. Although I am highlighting this property that we enjoyed, we have not accepted free trips, endorsements, or gratuities from it. All the opinions, along with the photographs (unless otherwise noted), featured in this article are my own. I’m sharing this property because its location and hospitality are unique. Happy travels!

Cushioned wicker chairs and bookcases filled with books are in a room with large windows are at Swanendele Inn in MD. — **The lounge**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

Contents

Why Swanendele Inn?

Nestled along the peaceful shores of St. Jerome’s Creek, Swanendele Inn feels like a true waterfront oasis in southern Maryland. From the moment you arrive, the innkeepers’ thoughtful attention to detail is clear both inside and out. The interiors showcase a rich collection of antiques, furnishings, and artwork gathered during the owners’ extensive world travels, creating an atmosphere that feels elegant yet welcoming. Meanwhile, guest rooms invite relaxation with beautiful water views, plush beds, gas fireplaces, cozy robes, and thoughtful amenities. The two suites elevate the experience even further with double Jacuzzis, wet bars, and convenient Keurig stations.

Throughout the property, inviting gathering spaces encourage guests to slow down and savor the setting. For example, the expansive two-story common area features a stunning stone fireplace and comfortable seating, while a large lounge and bar offer another cozy place to unwind. Outside, you can relax on the wraparound porch, along the creek, or out on the dock. In fact, water views can be enjoyed from every guest room, the dining room, and multiple common areas, as well as from Adirondack chairs at the water’s edge. The gardens add to the charm, especially during the growing season when flowers bloom, and birdsong fills the air. As a result, you’ll find plenty of peaceful spots to relax and soak in the tranquility.

A wooden bar and stools form a bar with liquor on the shelves behind it at Swanendele Inn. — **The bar**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

Memorable Moments

Sunrises and sunsets here are truly spectacular. After a day of exploring, my husband and I especially looked forward to watching the sky light up with color each evening. Mornings begin with a delicious three-course breakfast that is both beautifully prepared and wonderfully filling — so much so that you may find yourself skipping lunch. In addition, guests can request a private dining experience. We enjoyed a memorable candlelight dinner paired with a lovely bottle of wine, which made for a highlight of our stay.

Equally memorable is the warm hospitality. The owners have lived, worked, and traveled extensively abroad, and they genuinely enjoy sharing stories and recommendations with guests. Conversations flow easily, and their passion for hosting shines through. Even small touches, like the interesting selection of books in guest rooms and common areas, enhance the experience. Although I brought my own reading material, I found myself drawn to books about local history and native birds instead.

Planning your stay is simple thanks to easy communication with the innkeepers, who are happy to answer questions and help tailor your visit. All three live on the property, so they personally oversee daily operations and guest experiences. Because of their strong local connections, they can also help arrange activities such as kayak and bike rentals, fishing charters, and sunset cruises. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the inn’s acceptance into Select Registry in 2021 — a distinction that highlights properties known for exceptional hospitality, comfort, and character.

Tall pine trees and a grassy lawn are in the foreground while a dock juts into a bay. — **A view of St. Jerome’s Creek as seen from the Swanendele Inn.**

History of Swanendele Inn

As mentioned, there are three innkeepers. Gerald Meyerman and Victoria O’Hara discovered this unique area of Maryland and purchased the land, where the inn now sits, in 2001. After much planning, this husband and wife team oversaw the building of the inn that opened in 2019. Miguel Gavilanez is the third member of the innkeeper team. He participated in some of the actual construction of key features of the inn, such as the massive stone fireplace, and he’s the one who cooks up the amazing breakfasts — and private dinners, upon request.

Because of the recent year of its construction, the inn features plenty of amenities that travelers come to expect — all while keeping energy efficiency in mind.

By the way, guest rooms are named after people who figured prominently in area history, are local landmarks, or frequent visitors to the property — the osprey.

Upholstered furniture is arranged in front of a two-store stone fireplace with a sailboat perched on the mantel. — **All guest rooms at Swanendele Inn are accessed from this common space.**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

Hospitality Highlight: Featured Recipe

I fell in love with this orange ricotta bread while enjoying an amazing three-course breakfast at the Swanendele Inn. It was served warm, and I ate it ever so slowly, so as to savor every bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Six pieces of orange bread sit on a multicolored plate.

Print Recipe

Miguel’s Orange Ricotta Bread

This scrumptious orange cake was created by Chef Miguel, one of the innkeepers at the lovely Swanendele Inn in Ridge, Maryland. It can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack during the day, or for dessert. So versatile, and so delicious!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cake, orange cake

Servings: 8 people

Equipment

1 mixing bowl
2 loaf pans

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups fresh chopped tangerines

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice preferably fresh
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray or grease and flour them.
In large bowl,, mix butter and sugar for 2 minutes.
Add ricotta cheese and blend again for 1 minute.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition.
Add vanilla extract and chopped tangerines and mix.
Add baking powder, salt, and flour (1/2 cup at a time). Gently fold, but do not overmix.
Pour batter into the pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Leave bread in pans for 5 minutes before inverting on wire cooling racks.

To Prepare Glaze

Combine all ingredients for glaze in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour glaze over the warm bread.
Enjoy!

A wrought-iron bed and two cushioned chairs sit in a room with light-blue walls. — **The Giles Brent Room**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

A bed with white bedding sits in a room with yellow upholstered chairs, a fireplace, two bookcases, an en suite bathroom and a deck are featured in this suite. — **The Margaret Brent Suite**
*Source: The Swanendele Inn*

Things To Do in the Area

If you dare to venture away from Swanendele Inn for a few hours, there are some great nearby spots that I’ve highlighted below. Read my guide for sights in southern Maryland for more detailed information on all the places listed below.

Historic St. Mary’s City

Historic St. Mary’s City is a big draw for many who visit the western shore of southern Maryland. It’s an 800-acre living history museum and active archeological park on the site of a city that was formed in 1634. St. Mary’s City was the first European settlement in the U.S., and it was the first capital of what is now Maryland. It is also considered the birthplace of religious freedom in the country. After 60 years, it was largely abandoned, and the land was converted to farmland, so it became “lost” until the 20th century when archaeological excavation began.

Today visitors to Historic St. Mary’s City can walk the grounds, learn about archeological finds, and talk with costumed museum interpreters (throughout the outdoor museum) to gain a good understanding of this unique place. Extend your time here by enjoying a stroll along one of several paths along St. Mary’s River and/or a nature trail. Nearby St. John’s City Museum is also highly recommended.

Calvert Marine Museum & Drum Point Lighthouse

The Calvert Marine Museum‘s exhibits and displays tell about the area’s marine history, marine biology, and fascinating paleontology (with interesting fossils found nearby). Also, the hexagonal screw-pile Drum Point Lighthouse is on-site, and visitors are welcome to climb inside.

Lighthouses of Southern Maryland

In addition to the Drum Point Lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum, there are three other lighthouses in southern Maryland. They are the Cove Point Lighthouse, Piney Point Lighthouse, and Point Lookout Lighthouse. Read more about them and their history.

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

The PAX Naval Air Museum is a delight for aviation history buffs. Here you’ll learn about the U.S. Navy’s research, development, and testing of planes — and see the actual test planes from the 1911 Curtis A-1 Triad to the modern F-35.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park has massive cliffs that were formed over 10 million years ago. Follow a trail to the beach, and then try your hand at hunting for fossils. There are several trails from which to choose.

Solomons Island

Solomons Island is a great place to head for some great dining — some of it on the banks of Back Creek or Patuxent River.

Maryland

Trip Planning

Final Thoughts

My husband and I treasured our time at Swanendele Inn. You could easily stay on the property throughout your stay and relish the R&R it offers. It’s that much of a beautiful retreat. After you leave, you will no doubt take with you some wonderful memories of the beautiful spaces, the relaxation those spaces afford, the amazing food, and the delightful innkeepers.

I researched lodging options while planning our trip, and Swanendale Inn was the one place I found that afforded a very comfortable, relaxing stay on the water with places in the area we wanted to visit like Historic St. Mary’s City, several nearby lighthouses, fun hiking options, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Enjoy your stay!

By the way, we coupled our stay in southern Maryland with a visit to charming Annapolis — less than 2 hours away. Both are lovely places to visit — full of history and interesting spots to explore.

Swanendele Inn: An Oasis in Southern Coastal Maryland