Couple with V'land ties own B&B

The Founders Inn bed-and-breakfast in Glassboro was just anotherrundown home a little more than three years ago, rich in SouthJersey history but situated in a forgotten neighborhood near RowanUniversity.

Built in 1855 by Judge Joseph Iszard, the house at 124 State St.once bustled with children and generations of family life on aproperty where the original Stanger Glassworks stood.

Like many rural towns, Glassboro suffered over the years. Thewealth of its citizens changed, and their once showplace homesreflected changing times.

Today, however, the borough is going through a major transformationand revitalization because of people like Tracie and JohnSperratore.

As a native Vinelander, Tracie has roots in South Jersey. She andher husband were looking for the perfect place for her decoratingbusiness when they spotted the old Iszard home.

It had sat empty for more than six years and was in deplorablecondition. But they had vision.

"I was so afraid this house would become another cut-up home andturned into apartments or even demolished, so we decided to takethe challenge and bring it back to its original beautiful state,"Tracie said. "What should have taken at least two years to completewas done in eight months. And here we are operating a fullbed-and-breakfast, and I have my decorating shop in the cottagewhere the carriage house was stood."

As a decorator specializing in the restoration of old and historichomes, Tracie knew how to put life into the house.

John works as the general manager of Ace Plumbing, Heating andElectrical Supplies in Vineland and knew where and how to find thebest building supplies, as well as the engineering for such a hugeproject.

Long days, lots of work

Together, they weren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and do a lotof the work during evenings and weekends.

Walls were repaired and painted, hardwood flooring was brought backto its original beauty and tiles were carefully put in place in allthe bathrooms.

Tracie designed murals, lacy window treatments and craftedwoodwork, making certain to blend old-world charm with the stylingof today.

Every bathroom was stripped to the bare bones. Pedestal sinks wereinstalled. Lighting was updated in authentic-looking replicasthroughout the house. The banister to the second and third floorswas stripped and painted in period styling. The kitchen wascompletely revamped into a cozy country haven for preparinghome-made breads, delectable desserts and gourmet meals with twosinks, two refrigerators, two ovens and two dishwashers to handlelarge private parties and catered affairs and events.

Tracie went back to Vineland and surrounding towns to purchasefurnishings at Blom Bros., Brody's Furniture, Carl Harz and theHolly Hut in Dutch Neck Village, where she found wool area rugs,rich cherry wood traditional pieces and Amish handcraftedfurnishings.

If you know Tracie, you won't be surprised she crafted silkdecorated wreaths carefully enhanced with antique violins,butterflies and flowers.

Like other Victorian homes of this period, the foyer andfirst-floor rooms all have 10-foot ceilings, beautiful wood trimand hardwood flooring.

A set of French doors open to the music room, where striped andtapestry upholstered chairs and a settee surround the uprightSteinway grand piano, creating an elegant setting for smallrecitals and intimate performances. This is Tracie's favorite room.She takes special pride in the soft palette blend of historic blue,and a variety of warm gold and soft brown hues, blended with therichness of cherry wood.

Both chandeliers in the music room and adjoining formal dining roomhave replica gaslike chandeliers hanging from ceramic ceilingmedallions.

Today, the table is set for an informal luncheon. Lenox china placesettings, crystal goblets and a lovely centerpiece complement theoversized table and its formality.

Special crystal and glass period pieces, more china and heirloompieces decorate the glassfront breakfront. A tea and coffee silverset is used for serving guests coffee and tea. Additional tablesare topped with homemade desserts and drinks.

Tracie and John use the back bedroom suite for themselves and havechosen furnishings in the same period as the rest of the downstairsin subtle greens, shades of light and dark rose and tapestrycoverings.

In addition to a traditional English bathroom they have a privatesitting room decorated in an equestrian theme.

'Absolute best kitchen'

Porcelain flooring, tumble marble backsplash and granitecountertops make this a dream kitchen for any cook. Glazed bisquecabinets with oil-rubbed bronze pull handles and cappuccinoappliances surround a working island.

"This is the absolute best kitchen I have ever had for home and acommercial setting," Tracie said. "When we are working, we cancomfortably have five or six people at a time in here, and it worksbeautifully and functionally."

The gentlemen's parlor is opposite the music room. Big chunkyleather chairs and sofa, matching upholstered wing back chairs anda marble-topped wet bar with a widescreen TV hidden behind cabinetdoors is perfect for Super Bowl parties. Handcrafted dentalmoldings surround the ceiling and decorate the fireplace mantel.Both brass chandeliers are original pieces.

Looking to past, future

The guest room at the top of the first landing is decorated in anAmerican theme. Like all five guest rooms, this one has a queen bedwith coverlets and quilts, a large screen TV and DVD player and aprivate bath.

Flooring on the upper levels is heart pine wide planking.

Other guest rooms on this floor, as well as the third floor, areequally decorated and comfortable, designed to please those withthe most discriminate taste and desires.

Each has been named for a founding couple or person with ahistorical connection to Glassboro's past.

"All of our guests can relax in the second-floor communitykitchen," Tracie said. "It is always stocked with DVD movies, colddrinks, a homemade treat and ice cream in the freezer ... just likehome."

The cottage in the back of the property has a two-bedroomapartment, living room, eating area and full kitchen. Below isGrace Ryan Designs, Tracie's decorating and design studio where shemeets with clients.

As would be expected, the yard is groomed with perennials andtrees, a water fountain and antique accents. A wide, old-fashionedporch with wicker furnishings complements the iron lacework trimand exterior flower boxes.

"This is more than a bed-and-breakfast," John Sperratore said. "Wesaved this house from being cut up into a rental property forcollege students and we put a lot of love into restoring itsbeauty. Tracie and I have made an investment in Glassboro'sfuture."

Visitors have come to The Founders Inn from such places as Alaska,Switzerland, England and Italy, and all throughout the UnitedStates. Over the years, it has been a private residence, a touristhome and a doctor's office.