People who decide to pursue their dreams on their own terms are the subject of It's never too late.
The McNamaras sold their popular restaurant, Amici's Kitchen & Living Room, in the Detroit suburb of Berkley, Mich., after taking a leap of faith. The couple owned it for a long time. The family moved to the tiny hamlet of Phoenicia, N.Y., which is 100 miles north of New York City, after packing up all their belongings.
Ms. McNamara said that they had lost their passion. The restaurant was bought from Jen's brother. Something that was what we wanted.
The Phoenicia Lodge was made up of five rooms, two suites and six cottages and was purchased by a couple in the beginning of 2020. The rate starts at $135 a night.
He had a place in Woodstock and was familiar with it. Ms. McNamara has two children with her ex- husband. This was a good place, that's what it said.
The women went to their 20th reunion at Dondero High School in Royal Oak, Mich., in 2000. Ms. McNamara was married and lived in Huntington Woods. Ms. Stark was in a same-sex relationship and working at Atlantic Records. Their attraction was obvious to them both.
Ms. McNamara got divorced and Ms. Stark moved to Michigan to be near her. They got married at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
The Phoenicia Lodge welcomed their first guest two days before Covid-19 was declared a public health emergency. The world stopped functioning. The couple and their inn have persevered. Ms. McNamara said that the experience has been great. The pace is slower. We're making a profit. That feels great. The following interview has been edited.
Why did you decide to sell your restaurant and buy an inn on the east coast?
We were given the freedom to create something else because of the loss of our parents. It was like an E.R. situation when we managed the restaurant. It was very tiring. It was a great place to eat, but we began to dread going in.
What happened to the Phoenicia Lodge?
After being confined to a restaurant, we wanted to be able to ski and hike outside. We searched the area. The only property we looked at was this one. The property was manageable even though it was raining and snowing. We're good with people, so we wanted to serve them. Something that made money. We could see ourselves here. We stayed in a cottage for the night. We told the owners we wanted to purchase it.
What did you do to prepare for the big change?
The restaurant and contents were sold on New Year's Eve. If you sell an existing business property and swap it for one of equal or more value within 90 days, you'll get a tax break. After we bought the inn, we had to pack our stuff. It was easy because we had downsized from the suburbs. We had our stuff taken in March.
We were given a two-hour crash course on how to run a lodge. The owners wanted to leave and we wanted to know. It was strange. We used to run a restaurant, but not a lodge. We were off after they gave us an incomplete manual. It was great. We weren't aware that we were in over our heads. We do things on the fly because we are not afraid of figuring things out.
After opening the inn, Covid-19 was declared a Pandemic. Is that what it was?
It wasn't normal. Guests who had stayed at the inn before were fully booked with us. Everyone decided to cancel. Then we started to panic. The first week was all about unpacking. It wouldn't fit in our bedroom. There wasn't anyone available to do the work and we had no resources. We did what we could. The mattresses, bedding, towels, and kitchen dishes were replaced. We bought new furniture and hired someone to build a new roof on the cottages. We had enough room for people who wanted to escape. That was really great. There wasn't a room for the rest of the year. Families came in 2021. The summer was about weddings. Thankfully, we have been very busy.
Do you enjoy owning the inn?
Getting to know our guests and listening to their stories. I like to make space for people that are comfortable and welcoming. Meeting people's needs is something I excel at.
The hardest part of this journey has been.
It's been difficult to create boundaries between ourselves and guests. It was difficult to say no to people because of the two-dog rule. You can't check out three hours late because that's not the person I was used to being. I have learned that it is ok to do. They will respect clear communication with guests if you are specific.
What has the experience done to your relationship with your wife?
We have become more close. Our teamwork is stronger now than it has ever been. Our love and caring for one another has deepened because we did this amazing thing together, and we both appreciate what it took to make this move. There has been an increase in respect for what we have accomplished.
What has been the most surprising thing?
This has been tiring and rewarding. It's possible that you can learn anything from the internet. Basic plumbing and electric work has been learned by us. We have put in toilets. I have been impressed with our strength. We've become stronger. It's been great.
What advice can you give to someone who wants to change their life?
I wasn't sure if I would be able to leave where I was. I thought this was our final stage and I was comfortable being uncomfortable. I realized I didn't want more. If you feel like you want to make a change or are interested in something, don't stop thinking about it because they mean something. Do you know what makes you happy? Look at how you can incorporate that into your life and what you need to do to make room for it.
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