A Family Affair at The Inn at Cook Street

Entertaining comes naturally to John Jay Wooldridge and Patrick Flaherty. With large Italian and Irish families, respectively, the couple thrives on convivial gatherings. After years of vacationing in Provincetown, they eventually made the jump from New York City's hectic pace to become full-time residents on the Cape.

Becoming innkeepers seemed like a natural extension of their desire to more deeply engage with the Provincetown community, and after two years of searching for the perfect property, they set their eyes on the Inn at Cook Street. They are members of the Distinctive Inns of Provincetown, a select group of 12 establishments committed to outstanding hospitality and lodging accommodations, and as of August 2015 were ranked Provincetown's No. 1 bed and breakfast on TripAdvisor.

Wooldridge brings more than two decades of world travel experience to the Inn at Cook Street. An accomplished athlete, he's owned, managed and designed a broad range hospitality, sports and fitness companies. But it was his upbringing that informed his desire to create a welcoming inn.

"My family was filled with musicians," he recollects, "There were always people coming in and out." The inn is the embodiment of that mentality with an open-door policy, where guests feel welcome to share and experience all that Provincetown has to offer.

For Flaherty, growing up with six siblings was like living in a guesthouse, particularly with the oversize kitchen his mother built to host extended family and friends, saying, "Her extraordinary spirit, joy of life, smile and sheer determination are inspirational." Flaherty also has more than 20 years of experience in executive business management and has traveled globally. Together, the duo brings a keen eye for business but, more important, a welcoming attitude that encourages guests to unplug and relax.

Coastal Elegant

The Inn at Cook Street is one of Provincetown's most celebrated and historical properties. Dating back to 1836, the two Greek Revival cottages are set against the backdrop of a soothing koi pond and lush gardens.

Five of the rooms have private entrances, and though the inn is only a 10-minute walk from the bustle of Commercial Street, the peaceful solitude is a welcome change of pace.

Flaherty says guests are so at ease that they often feel as if they're staying in their own home. Perhaps this is why the inn has welcomed such notable guests as artist Edward Hopper and author Michael Cunningham (The Hours).

Flaherty describes the Inn at Cook Street's aesthetic as "coastal elegant." Guests will relish in the mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings, along with 800-thread-count sheets, plush Egyptian and Turkish towels and eco-friendly bath amenities.

The open kitchen is a convivial atmosphere where friendships quickly form over fresh baked goods and addictive Stumptown Coffee.

Wooldridge says it was the couple's vision to have a historical home close to the beach, elegant in style, yet comfortable enough that guests could retreat for quiet and introspection. To expand on Provincetown's rich cultural heritage, they also hope to host retreat-style weekends focused on painting, writing, fitness and other creative and wellness themes.

As longtime patrons of the arts, including support of the Actors Fund, Flaherty and Wooldridge encourage guests to stroll among the nearby galleries and visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. Be sure to check out exhibits featuring plein air impressionist painter Hilda Neily and photographer Amy Arbus this fall. And when the day is done, the Inn at Cook Street awaits with a warm embrace that embodies all that P-Town has to offer.

The Inn at Cook Street
7 Cook Street
508-487-3894
www.innatcookstreet.com