When Linda and Rob Kellogg decided to buy a Bed and Breakfast, it was no surprise they ended up on the remote island of Tylerton as innkeepers of The Inn of Silent Music, the only B&B on the island. Retired from professional careers in education and engineering, they purchased the inn last spring because of their passion for the outdoors and the charm of the people. Their family roots are in Colorado.

The inn, a mid-gabled “Maryland house” style, was built in 1916 and has three lovely guest rooms (with private baths) – all boasting either a sunrise or sunset view.  The furnishings are a charming blend of antiques and flea market finds. There are no TV or computers here. Instead, guests will find an eclectic collection of books on shelves throughout the inn and are encouraged to slow down and connect with the beauty of the island and each other.

Although visitors might be stirred by the predawn departures of watermen’s working boats, much of the noise, clutter and frenzy of modern life is absent in Tylerton.  It doesn’t take too long to figure out why the B&B is named The Inn of Silent Music. “You can hear the music without the voices,” says Rob. All you have to do is sit on the porch listening to the whirr of the workboats and the sounds of waterfowl while enjoying a breathtaking sunset to understand  the paradox – less is definitely more on Tylerton.

Tylerton has a year-round population of about 60 and four, no, five children (a baby was just born) and is a place many are surprised still exists. It has quiet lanes, bicycles and golf carts and a village store. No typical tourist attractions here.

“We make sure our guests know what kind of island this is before they book a room,” said Linda. “You can do things at your own pace and enjoy the beauty around you and one another.” Beyond the inn are opportunities for canoeing/kayaking, walking/jogging, bicycling, glimpsing a waterman’s life, or enjoying the vista from a new dock. The boats and services of a local waterman can be chartered for those wishing to fish, explore the island’s topography,  journey to Ewell or simply be on the water.

Visits to the Women’s Crab Picking Coop, a waterman’s shanty, or island crafts are also possible. Just bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray with you to protect against the sun and the greenhead flies and mosquitoes as you enjoy the nature and wildlife of the island. There’s even a Green House hidden back in the Cedars for birding, marveling, meditating or simple solitude.

Linda serves delicious gourmet meals that could rival any four-star restaurant on the screened veranda amid flower boxes 10 meters from the water. Guests can either enjoy their meals alone or in each other’s company. Building a connection with her guests is why Linda decided to be an innkeeper. “We’ve had guests from as far away as Japan, but no matter where they live, we are able to find a common connection,” said Linda. “We build on that and before they leave, we feel like old friends. That’s why we got into this business.”

“If you are looking for a place of solitude and a clear mind,” says Linda, “and if you want to spend time with someone near and dear to you that you usually can’t because of the chaos of your work world, then this is the place to be.”

For information on the Inn of Silent Music, call 410-425-3541 or visit www.innofsilentmusic.com.