The romance of following a dream
By Laurie Smith
from the Littleton Courier
February 14, 2002
So many people have the dream of becoming innkeepers of a quaint country inn with beautiful surroundings, never having to punch the old timeclock again. For most, it remains a dream.
Not true for John and Kathy Riley, formerly of Wrentham, Mass.
John, who goes by the nickname J.R., was in sales at the same company for “Nineteen years and five months, to be exact,” laughs J.R. He walked into work one day and informed shocked colleagues that he was packing up, taking his life savings and moving to New Hampshire to live his dream.

Kathy Riley, who is an accomplished artist, may have been the inspiration for the move. J.R. and Kathy married a year and a half ago. They knew each other in high school but married other people, had families and went on with their separate lives. Years later, both free again, they met at a reunion and fell in love.
The Rileys found they had so much fun just being with each other that they wanted to spend more time together; thus, the decision to purchase the Foxglove Country Inn in Sugar Hill.
“Running a bed and breakfast is a 24-hour, seven- day a week job. But we love it,” declares J.R. with a genuine smile on his stress-free face.

Kathy, currently busy painting and redecorating the carriage house, has been able to showcase her talent as an artist at the inn. She seems to be able to create something fabulous out of nothing.One example is the lamp shown at left in the heart.
“I think that took her 20 minutes!” boasts J.R.
The Rileys, who have been amazed at the friendliness and support of the community, welcome visitors to check out the Foxglove or maybe even stay the night for a romantic get-a-way close to home.

The Rileys can be reached at The Foxglove, A Country Inn, on Route 117 and (no kidding) Lover’s Lane in Sugar Hill. The phone number is 823-8840, or visit the website at http://www.foxgloveinn.com/