Originally from New York, Susan made Wilmington, Delaware her home in the early 2000s. Since then, she’s poured her spirit into creating a tranquil retreat in the historic, whimsical village of the Ardens — a place where travelers can slow down, wander, and feel restored.
When you stay at The Cottages on Orchard, you’re not just welcomed as a guest — you’re looked after.
Every storybook cottage has a heart behind it — and here, that heart is Susan. With a lifelong calling to care for both people and animals, she’s woven compassion into every corner of these homes.
For over 30 years, Susan worked as a nurse, tending to others with patience and grace. For more than 40 years, she’s also dedicated herself to rescuing animals — a passion that makes our cottages not just dog-friendly, but truly dog-welcoming.
about us
Our story
BASIC
hustle
slow living
storieD
perfected
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cozy
trendy
isolation
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the spirit of our cottages
"A warm eucalyptus-scented shower, plush bath towels, and a cup of chilled chamomile tea before bed in the comfortable king-sized bed made each night feel like a retreat."
"We enjoyed seeing foxes in the field across from the house! We love the area and would happily stay here again!”
"Each day brought simple joys-butterflies, dragonflies, and enchanting fireflies that lit up the night sky."
"From the moment we arrived, the property felt like a private woodland retreat, surrounded by mature trees, ivy-covered paths, and the calming ambiance of nature."
"We had our little Havanese with us and it was so convenient to have a fenced in back yard so that she could easily go in and out.It was a lovely stay."
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We'd love to connect with you! If you have any questions or need more information that isn’t covered on our website, don’t hesitate to reach out. Simply fill out the form on this page, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Warmly,
Susan
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