Old Saybrook Inn celebrates the opening of Tall Tales

Old Saybrook — Saybrook Point Inn & Spa celebrated the opening of its new Tall Tales luxury guesthouse Friday, recognizing former First Selectwoman Barbara Maynard, for whom one of the guesthouse’s six rooms is named.

Often called the “town mother,” Maynard served as a registrar of voters here for 14 years and as first selectwoman for 16 years.

Other rooms are named for Adriaen Block, a 17th-century Dutch explorer who named Block Island; Lady Alice Fenwick, who along with her husband George Fenwick was among Saybrook’s first settlers, and other figures in local or early American history.

Tall Tales is located next door to the inn’s historic Three Stories guesthouse and across Bridge Street from the inn. Tall Tales, a Victorian-era home, overlooks Long Island Sound.

“It’s been a wonderful journey replicating the architecture of yesterday and paying homage to the rich history and traditions of our community,” Stephen Tagliatela, Saybrook Point’s innkeeper and managing partner, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to finally open the doors to our new luxurious Tall Tales and bring a new level of hospitality to our guests.”

Tagliatela, whose family acquired the inn property in 1980, was named Connecticut Tourism Leader of the Year last week at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Hartford.

Joining Tagliatela and Maynard at Friday’s event were First Selectman Carl Fortuna, state Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Saybrook, and Randy Fiveash, the state’s tourism director.

Franklin Construction of New Haven, East Wharf Architects of Madison and Silver Contract Interiors of Stamford collaborated on Tall Tales’ design. Room rates start at $349. For reservations, call ( 860) 395-2000 or visit www. saybrook.com.