The historical repertoire is evident in all aspects of life both at the Inn and around St. Michael's, which is dotted with grand estates, punctuated with working fishermens' cottages. Bicyclists and farmers compete for road space with Porches and Land Cruisers. St. Michael's is notorious for its Washington set: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has a second home here, Dick Cheney is all set to purchase and the cool crowd from Baltimore come down for weekends.

The ragged shoreline is scattered with yachts belonging to 'weekenders' and fisherman still trying to eek out an existence from oysters. Known as "The Town That Fooled the British" because, in the War of 1812, the locals hung lanterns in trees outside the town causing the Red Coats to overshoot. Today, St Michael's is as far away from war as you could imagine; the shops are littered with Ralph Lauren and nautical-ready-to-wear, but the heart of the town still beats to a fisherman's rhythm.

The Wedding Crashers was filmed here and for good reason; they were looking for an elegant, exclusive, old-money-style manor house that would set the scene for a perfect wedding. This they found at the Inn at Perry Cabin, which fulfilled all requirements. The preppie-polo-shirt and blazer crowd were already there.

Staying in at the Inn

The design at the hotel is contemporary and the mood is casual and nautical, though the old-world, decent and classy, hangs around in period furnishings, with classic New England elegance. There are lawns of polished floors and barge boarding with cream-slip -covers over chunky furniture; from here you can slope into the Purser's Pub; a casual but extremely well-stocked Pub with fine Havana's and some extraordinary grappa, all to be enjoyed by the light of an enormous open-hearth fireplace.

Stars is the restaurant run by Chef Gregory Wiener who pays special attention to local delicacies from blue crabs to the famed oysters. It's a relaxed dining room but the menu is certainly tweaked to acclaimed success. All breads, scones and preserves are baked on the premises and tea is, appropriately, quite an English affair in New England.

The Slumber Chambers

There is quite a choice, depending on budget, and mid-week specials may allow for an up-grade. Sleigh beds are turned down at night, with pale pastel coloured cashmere throws at the foot and, in some suites, crackling fires and lamplight reflect their romantic hues. The rooms range from Superior Rooms, located in the historic section of the property with four posters and garden views, to One Bedroom suites and Luxury Water View Suites all of which are spacious, luxurious and amply fitted with plump sofas, suede chairs and mahogany closets. Most suites have balconies with beautiful views of the estate, St. Michael's harbour, or the Miles River.

Local Attractions

For simple relaxation the grounds at the Inn are not small: 25 acres of cared-for estate are on your doorstep with an infinity pool a fitness centre, and, you can grab on to some handles and cycle into the town and neighbouring communities. Golfers can slope off to the Links at Perry Cabin, the Inn's new Pete Dye designed courese, or would-be-fisherman can practice their reeling skills in the Chesapeake Bay where there are rockfish, croaker and even marlin; or some may simply have the right idea by reclining into an Adirondack chair on the lawn with a glass of crisp Premier Cru Meursault, a bowl of cashews and a book placed cover-up while the world of maritime passes peacefully by.