When Jill Hugger first saw the Cod Cove Inn, she immediately fell in love with the place. Hugger and husband, Ted, were searching along the Midcoast for a hospitality business to buy in the summer of 2013. They had visited several places before a real estate agent suggested the Cod Cove Inn.

And when they saw the picturesque view of Sheepscot River from the inn, the Huggers realized they had finally found the perfect place.

“We looked at a lot of places, but I just knew when I saw the view this was the one,” said Jill Hugger. “When we pulled in it was so quaint and welcoming. And with 28 rooms, I knew I could do it with my eyes closed. It was exactly what we were looking for.”

The Huggers, originally from Michigan, previously lived in Cape Elizabeth for 25 years. Ted Hugger has over 30 years experience in marketing and event management. Jill started her career in the food and beverage field. She was hired as the Portland Regency’s restaurant manager in 1989. She was promoted several times before becoming the hotel’s general manager.

In 2013, the Huggers decided to combined Ted’s experience in marketing and Jill’s sale experience and open their own hospitality business.

Jill Hugger said the key to success in the hospitality field is building a great relationship with the customer.

“It’s about creating a truly exceptional experience for the guest,” she said. “To do that, you need to a have a great team. Our staff is amazing. They are hard working and dedicated, which makes a big difference for our customers.”

Ted Hugger believes liking people is another key component to success.

“It’s a good thing we like people, because we treat everybody like they were guests in our home,” he said.

The Cod Cove Inn is located on 22 Cross Road in Edgecomb. The inn has 28 rooms, an outdoor heated pool, a flower garden with a gazebo. Each room has free wireless Internet, a complimentary computer, a refrigerator, cable television,  and either a porch or patio. Guests receive a deluxe continental breakfast each morning.

Ted Hugger said the most enjoyable part of his new job is making the breakfast muffins and visiting with the guests in the morning.

The Huggers are enjoying living in their new hometown. They described the townspeople as being friendly and welcoming. Ted Hugger has attended several municipal meetings in recent months. He is impressed by the selectmen’s and planning board’s service.

“I’ve never lived in such a small community,” he said. “I’ve been fascinated by the meetings. I’m just sitting back and learning a great deal about the community . I’d like to become more involved in community affairs whether it’s serving on elected or appointed board, committee or another civic organization.”

The Cod Cove Inn busy season is July, August and September. The inn is packed with guests visiting the Midcoast region for a wedding, class or family reunion. The Huggers say the inn is also a popular destination for businessmen and women who sell their products throughout the Midcoast region.