STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A leap of faith nearly 10 years ago — against the well-meaning advice of just about everyone they knew — put Dan Hall and Matt Dempsey at the doorstep of their dream.
In 2017, Hall, who grew up in Eltingville, along with his life partner, Dempsey, left their careers behind, put their home and savings on the line and purchased The Camden Windward House, an 1854 Greek Revival home in the tranquil coastal town of Camden, Maine.
Today, in the charming five-star bed and breakfast just steps from the center of the picturesque town, the couple cooks, gardens, repairs, decorates and constantly improves the home, which features nine guest rooms and is a short walk from shopping, dining on Maine’s famous lobster, sailing and hiking. And they do it all while making guests feel as welcome as long-lost family.
“We always had ideas of owning property — a historic home — and refurbishing it and having the garden space,” Hall said. ”At home we did our renovations and our gardening in the evenings, but it was really just a private oasis. We wanted to do something where we could incorporate what we love and make an impact on other people.”…