story of sisu
“Time and tide wait for no man."
Geoffrey Chaucer
the property
The Blue Anchor Guesthouse, found on a street that we must have driven down before but never noticed, had been in operation for almost 100 years. We made plans for stripping wallpaper, changing out furniture and painting everything, but the property let us know it needed a little more. We were soon taking down walls, lofting ceilings, building new bathrooms, and offering another 100 years of life to this historic place.
the plan
When we first toured the property, notes from past travelers were tacked on the walls of each room, telling of their wonderful stay at The Blue Anchor Guesthouse. We couldn't deny the history of this magical place, in a town where history is the main attraction. With careful renovations, we would honor and preserve the past, and add significant artifacts where we could. We were in over our heads but were so very grateful for this opportunity.
the detail
James created the wood vanities, ceiling beams and counter tops out of trees from a Finnish sauna camp that he had been visiting since he was a young boy. The granite steps were cut from hundred year old stone from the same camp. The walls were to house old photos and remnants found on the property and around the Plymouth area. From the refurbished lights to the refinished floorboards, every detail had a story to tell.
the name
The term "sisu" is the Finnish concept of finding the strength and determination to persevere. True Grit. It's a way that Finns honor their homeland. Sisu, at 7 Lincoln St in downtown Plymouth, is exactly that to us. It's a place to give us the strength to dream, to build a business of our own, a reason to be for one more day, and a place to call home.
The story of sisu will continue on. With every guest, each memory created and all stories told, sisu will continue to be an important part of Plymouth's (hi)story for years to come.
meggie & james
Meggie and James’s paths crossed in Delray Beach, a small, tourist town on the east coast of FL. Both working as chefs in restaurants next to each other, they would share sugar, take daily beach walks with their husky, Koda, and offer incredibly critical feedback on each other’s food (chefs can’t help themselves). After leaving sunny Florida and finding their way back up north, where they were both from, they bounced around until settling into Kingston, MA, on a property that used to be a garden center. Over the summers, in their free time, they grew vegetables in their greenhouse, and hosted dinners and events for special occasions. They wanted a business of their own, and searched for properties for years, not knowing exactly what that business would be.
Over 10 years later, The Blue Anchor Guesthouse came to them as what seemed like a gift from a dear friend, Caroline, that had passed too soon. They couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a place to call their own. They would soon learn the true comfort and peace of this beautiful gift.
Meggie and James live at sisu, with their sweet puppy, Augustus.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is your cancellation policy?
We allow cancellations of reservations at no cost, up until 11 days before the start of
your stay. At 10 days before the start of your stay, your card is charged for the full stay and then becomes non-refundable.
Please reach out via text, call or email to cancel your reservation, and wait for a response confirming that we have canceled the reservation.
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When will my credit card be charged for my stay?
Upon booking, you may see a pending charge in your account, but that charge will not register as an actual charge if you are staying with us more than 10 days from the date of booking. We do not take a deposit at the time of the booking (unless booking to stay within 10 days and then card is charged in full). Ten
days before the start of your reservation, your card on file will be charged in full for
your stay (and your reservation becomes non-refundable at that time).
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Do you hold an additional amount on the booking credit card for incidentals?
We do not take an additional hold on the credit card for incidentals. We do, however,
keep your credit card on file in our secure system if there is a need to charge for any
damages incurred during your stay.
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Why do I have to provide my cell phone number to book a reservation?
We ask for a phone number at booking to be able to communicate about the
reservation. We will provide check in details, information about where your room is
located and where to park via text. You can respond to text messages with any
questions or issues during your stay that you would like us to address.
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How do we check-in when we arrive?
We do not have an area for check-in, but you will get all of the information you need
via text message to the phone number provided to get into your room on the day of
your reservation to do a contactless check-in. We are here to help if you have issues getting into your room.
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Do you have on-site parking?
We have parking on-site for one car per room reservation. Check-in instructions that
will be sent to you via text will let you know where to park. If someone is in your
parking spot, please reach out to let us know and we will address it. If you have additional cars beyond the one allowed for your room, there is typically plenty of street parking
available (depending on time of the year).
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Are there people on site to help with any needs during our stay?
James and Meggie live on site at sisu, and are available to help with any needs or
additional items during your stay.
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Do you provide daily room cleaning or turn down service during our stay?
We do not offer daily room cleaning or turn down service during your stay. We like to
provide privacy to guests, and allow everyone to have their own space. Should you need fresh towels or trash removed, we are happy to assist!
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Do you allow kids?
We do allow kids at sisu. We only have one room (captains quarters) that offers more
than one bed in the guest room and allows more than 2 people per room. This room
offers a pullout couch in the main seating area and a king bed in a separate room.
For any children under 2 years old, they are allowed as an additional guest beyond the
2 person room capacity. If you plan to bring a portable crib into the room, please confirm when booking, so we can make sure your room will have the appropriate
amount of space needed.
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Do you allow pets?
We love animals! But for the safety and comfort of all guests, we have decided to not
allow any pets in the guest rooms.
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Are there any pets that live on the property?
We have a puppy, Augustus, who is a mini golden-doodle (and very adorable!). We do not let Augustus in any of the guest rooms or around our laundry and room supplies. Augustus is very friendly and loves to meet new people!
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What do you have for common space?
We do not have any indoor common spaces. Our fire pit area is a great outdoor
common space, and the patio on the main house front porch can be used by all. All
other patios located in front of room entrances are private.
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How close are you to downtown Plymouth?
Very close, and we love to walk around downtown from sisu. Our address is 7 Lincoln
St, if you want to check proximity to certain locations downtown. We are located close
to the Plymouth Yacht Club, which is on the south side of downtown.
We are located across the street from an elementary school. During the school year there can be congestion on the street from 3:15pm-3:45pm.
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Do you provide coffee and/or tea in the rooms?
Each room has a Nespresso coffee machine. We provide coffee pods for the machine
and creamer and sugar. We also have espresso pods and decaf coffee pods should you prefer one of those options.
Please reach out if you have any issues using the Nespresso machine. We’re here to help!
If you prefer tea, we can offer a water kettle with tea bags. Please let us know if you would like a kettle in your room.
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Do you serve breakfast?
At this time we do not serve breakfast. We can provide recommendations for delicious
breakfast treats, healthy eats and sit down meals you can walk to downtown.
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Do you allow early check-in or late check-out?
We do allow for early check-in or late check-out for a one-time fee. Early check-in is 2pm, and late check-out is 1pm.
To have early check-in or late check-out added to your room, please contact us to confirm availability and have to added it to your stay.
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Do you allow buy-outs of the full property?
We do allow for full property buy-outs to accommodate 16 people. The buy-outs require a 2-night minimum stay, payment one on credit card, and are non-refundable. The buy-out offers a 10% discount off of individually bookings rooms.
Please reach out for pricing and more information on availability for buy-outs.
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Do you offer gift cards?
We do offer gift cards for any amount! Please call to order.
Location
7 Lincoln St,