Manor House History

The house now known as SeaScape Manor, located in Monmouth County, NJ, has majestically overlooked the Atlantic Ocean since 1889. The land owned by the area founding family, the Hartshorne's, since the 1600's, was a perfect spot to build a large farm and country home. Hartshorne descendants Benjamin Trask and his wife Elinore along with their daughter Elinore lived in the farm house from 1889 where they often entertained silent film movie stars and had parties with their own private supply of libations during Prohibition. Caretaker's quarters were occupied by the VanKirk's. After Elinore's passing in the 40's, Ben practiced law in New York City and also had a home in Connecticut. He spent little time at this home leaving it primarily in the hands of the caretaker. After Ben Trask's death and upon the death of the caretaker in 1979, the estate was sold to Michael MacCloud a local interior painter and his wife and daughter. The MacClouds updated the house, carved out the lawn and landscaped the property. After 113 years as a private residence, the house was purchased by the current owners in 1992 and SeaScape Manor Bed & Breakfast was born. Over the years since guests have enjoyed the relaxing New Jersey beach vacations and weekend getaways that Seascape Manor is perfect for.

The Innkeepers

The current owners of SeaScape Manor are Sherry Ruby, her husband Robert Adamec and sister, Gloria Miller. The three partners pool their expertise to offer beautiful surroundings and hospitality to the many guests that pass through their door.

Gloria Miller, a Project Manager and Technical Writer at Telcoria Telecommunications Company by day is the chef of the Manor in her spare time. She is in charge of Housekeeping and makes all those wonderful breakfasts. Her muffins are legendary.

Sherry Ruby, the sister of Gloria is a Technical Writing Consultant, as well as in charge of reservations and marketing for the B&B. She has also been in charge of decorating with the advice and consent of sister Gloria.

Robert Adamec, a New York City native, still travels daily to Citibank on Wall Street where he is a System Administrator and AVP. Bob helps out on weekends by checking in guests, answering the phones and helping take care of the grounds.

The Assistant Innkeepers

The other Manor residents include 3 cats, Mollie, Robin Hood and Gatsby. And Oscar Mayer the long haired Dachshund.

Gatsby, our orange tabby, was adopted when he was six weeks old from a farm in Pennsylvania, he spent the first three years of his life in a New York City apartment and summer weekends at a bungalow at the shore. He has adapted well to the country, but is still a recluse and you won’t see him socializing often. If you do see him, approach him with caution as he is not always friendly.

Mollie, our black and white tuxedo cat, came to us next from out of the woods in the summer of 1993. She was about six months old when she moved onto the main deck and started demanding food. She has been demanding Fancy Feast ever since. Mollie is very friendly and loves to talk. Often she will direct guests from their cars to the front door.

Robin Hood, our black Manx, came out of the woods in the summer of 1994 and snuck into the house to steal the resident kitties’ food. He was so sweet and lovable, that by the time bad weather came, he was a member of the family. Robin loves his belly rubbed and enjoys being petted.

And now for Oscar Mayer. Oscar was adopted in September of 1999 when he was 3 months old. He is a pure bred Long Haired Dachshund and having been at the B&B since a wee pup he has adapted quite nicely. He will greet you in the yard or at the door with a bark – he just wants to say hi and be petted (and warn his humans that someone is there). He leads the tour of new guests through the house, making sure all stops are covered and he waits at the bottom of the steps when you check out so he can get his belly rubbed. His only bad habit is running out of the gate to have an adventure. If you see him heading in that direction, please lure him back or alert the innkeeper.

Other residents that may greet you upon your arrival are Bibs the outdoor black cat with a white bib, many raccoons, groundhogs, bats, hummingbirds, a herd of deer, an occasional fox, skunk, or turtle. You will see our gold fish and koi in the lily pond as well.

Our family is very pleased to welcome you to SeaScape Manor Bed & Breakfast and hope you will have a wonderful time getting to know us all.