The road to this quiet tree-lined street in Stanhope, NJ was a rather circuitous one. After raising two children, innkeepers and native New Jerseyans, Tom and Rosalind Bruno, wanted to take control of their own future by owning their own business. Both Tom and Ros had fond childhood memories of Sussex County, a picturesque, rural part of the state that many people don’t even know exists.

Tom spent many summer days riding his bicycle with friends from his hometown in Union to Lake Musconetcong for the fishing. Ros’ love affair with the Victorian Era, and in fact, all things British began in high school and continued throughout her first career as a public school English teacher.

So when they began looking for the right bed and breakfast inn, it made sense to stay in New Jersey near family. Their exhaustive search led them to Whistling Swan Inn, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion.

Owning the inn has enabled them to combine their individual creative talents of cooking, entertaining, home renovations and decorating and doing what they love best: providing a memorable experience for their guests.

Tom and Ros have two grown children. Matthew is an environmental engineer living in Lebanon, NJ, and Nikki, who works as a manager at a financial services company in Manhattan. 

A recent addition to the family are Gabi and Chloe, German short-hair pointers. Although they never step foot in the inn, they are an eager welcoming committee of two, and are often seen out and about the grounds.

Since purchasing the inn in late 2011, Tom and Ros have immersed themselves in community activities. Tom currently serves on the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board, while Ros concentrates her efforts as a Board of Trustees member for the Friends of Waterloo Village.