“To me, a real B&B is in someone’s home,” says Anne Dodge, who owns 167 Water Bed and Breakfast with her husband Chuck Kennedy. The two-bedroom accommodation is indeed located in the couple’s house.

Before opening the B&B in 2006, the couple had traveled extensively, especially in Africa, where Dodge had worked for the Peace Corps. As with a home-based B&B, the hosts are part of the charm, and both Dodge and Kennedy obviously enjoy their job. “I love the people,” says Dodge. 

“People feel like family very quickly,” agrees her husband. “Our guest book reflects that, and we get Christmas cards from guests.”

The house is one of four row houses that date to 1845, built for the managers when a local steam mill opened. Dodge, a fourth-generation Newburyporter, lived on the same street until she was 10. The two rooms share a bath, and are decorated with hand-woven tapestries the couple brought back from Africa and from Mexico, where they spend winters (167 Water is closed from mid-December until May 1). The Sorrento Room ($105) faces the Merrimac River, and the Bamako Room ($90) faces the street. Rooms are discounted 20 percent in November and May.

There are also public areas, including a three-season garden room, a living room, and the dining room. The deluxe continental breakfast includes various breads and bagels for toasting, local jams and preserves from Kimball’s, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruit. On request, the couple will prepare lobster dinners.