Opening the Silvershell Inn fulfills a longtime dream for Kate Hill, and she’s hopeful more people will discover Marion, one of the best kept secrets on the South Coast she said.

Along with her husband Ryan, Hill purchased the historic house on Front Street in June. Built in 1799, the three story home stayed in Marion’s Cobb family for almost 160 years.

Since opening, she’s hosted international travelers, Tabor Academy families and one actress.

“I’ve always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast,” Hill said. “Ever since I was little I always thought it would be fun and it kind of materialized by accident.”

Kate and Ryan were living in Tennessee earlier this year where she was finishing a stint teaching English at a private school.

She learned about the listing through her real estate agent and made an offer based on photographs alone, not thinking the seller would accept.

“And she took it. I didn’t think she would and she was so lovely,” Kate said.

Having spent 10 years living in boarding school housing, Kate said she and her husband were excited to start entertaining.

Originally from Nantucket, Hill is a Tabor Academy graduate and her parents moved to Mattapoisett while she attended the school.

Guests find the inn through word of mouth, the business’s website or Airbnb, an online platform where people can list, find and rent rooms.

The Hills have used Airbnb while traveling themselves.

“People can book instantly using it,” she said. “In September, someone who missed the ferry was looking for a place to stay that night and it worked out perfectly.”

Another pair of visitors from New Jersey used the inn as a home base while house hunting on Cape Cod. After a day of searching they returned more impressed by the tri-town.

“They spent the second day house shopping in Marion and Mattapoisett and said, ‘We really like it here,’” Hill said.

Guest rooms are located on the second floor of the couple’s home and soon another suite will be available adjacent to the kitchen on the first floor.

Visitors also have access to a large parlor, formal dining room and spacious stone patio in the backyard, complete with a fire pit, grill and seating area.

Located on three acres of land, the property also houses an orchard with apple, peach and pear trees.

Right now, Kate splits her time between the inn and her teaching position at a girl’s day school in Medfield while her husband works as a financial advisor.

She’s hoping the business will become her main source of income.

“I can’t get over how much fun this has been,” she said.

For more information on the Silvershell Inn, visit www.silvershellinn.com.