One visit to Kingston on a getaway from her home in Brooklyn was all it took for Tamara Ehlin, owner of The Forsyth B&B, to fall in love. A professionally trained pastry chef and a gala event planner for over a decade, Tamara always dreamed of opening a B&B. It wasn’t until she visited Kingston and became enamored with the city that she began to hunt for the perfect local property to bring her dream to life.
Tamara and her husband, architect Charles Mallea, officially opened The Forsyth in late September 2016. In its seven-month lifespan on Kingston’s Abeel Street, just a block over from Broadway and mere footsteps away from the Rondout waterfront, The Forsyth continues to provide a multitude of guests with a “comfortable, luxurious experience.” It’s a boutique B&B, Tamara says, but the atmosphere is casually elegant. Guests at The Forsyth run the gamut from 21 to 91 years old.
It isn’t uncommon for Tamara to host repeat guests, she says. Despite its relatively short existence, The Forsyth has hosted the same guests for upwards of two or three stays. With years of work in foodservice and hospitality under her belt, Tamara is an expert in curating the perfect experience for her guests, many of whom travel from far and wide to reach the B&B.
The rooms feature casual-chic decor like velvet couches and exposed brick walls, coupling “unique charm with modern conveniences.”
“I’ve worked in many different fields in the past, but I’ve always worked with people to make sure to deliver an outstanding guest experience,” Tamara says.
At The Forsyth, visitors receive a dining and lodging experience unlike anywhere else. Upon check-in, clients are greeted with Tamara’s homemade baked goods and a locally sourced cheese plate. Guests are treated to a three-course, lavish breakfast spread each morning, complete with what Tamara calls a “breakfast dessert,” or a sweet treat to end the meal. A true one-woman show, Tamara plans, cooks, and serves each meal herself, sourcing ingredients from the Hudson Valley’s rich agricultural sector.
“I’ve worked in many different fields in the past, but I’ve always worked with people to make sure to deliver an outstanding guest experience,” Tamara says.
The food isn’t all there is to write home about. Tamara has designed beautiful, upscale lodging facilities with The Forsyth’s four guest rooms. The rooms feature casual-chic decor like velvet couches and exposed brick walls, coupling “unique charm with modern conveniences,” Tamara writes on the B&B’s website. Each room has its own personality and unique name, including James, Isabella, Amelia, and Erden. The names hail from some of Tamara’s favorite explorers, including James Holman and Isabella Bird from the Victorian era; Amelia Earhart of early-1900s fame; and Erden Eruç, a contemporary athlete and mountaineer who is “very much alive.” Tamara even reached out to Erden on
Facebook, and the two have since become friends. “Erden knows he has an open invitation to stay in his room!” Tamara says with a laugh.
A self-proclaimed extrovert, Tamara loves her line of work and isn’t shy about befriending her guests. “I love being with people and learning about our guests,” she says. “I love hearing their stories.” Just a hop and a skip away from The Forsyth are some of Kingston’s most enjoyable attractions, including unique dining, some of upstate New York’s best antiquing, and even a local art museum. Tamara recommends a walk by Kingston’s Rondout waterfront. Locals and out-of-towners alike will enjoy the Hudson River Maritime Museum on the water, showcasing pieces of Hudson Valley history.
With her work at The Forsyth, Tamara has revolutionized the B&B experience in the Hudson Valley. The chef and business owner even plans to open the space up as an event venue—that is, once she’s finished renovating the historic barn on the property. It’s entirely unsurprising that the Forsyth is ranked #1 on travel websites like Tripadvisor for Kingston’s fan-favorite B&B. “Our online reviews really speak to how we take great care of our guests,” Tamara says. “We take a different approach than many B&Bs; here, we’re not opening our home up to guests. The Forsyth was designed specifically for our guests and is their ‘home’ first.”
The Forsyth B&B
85 Abeel Street, Kingston
845-481-9148
theforsythkingston.com
