Paradise Around The Corner

Earlier this week I had the good fortune of touring Cedar Cove Inn, a bed and breakfast located up the hillside above downtown Port Orchard, Washington. After years of walking by the property and reacting in awe to the stellar views, I was finally able to see what I had previously only dreamed about.

Surrounded by old growth trees and panoramic views, this house built in 1909 has definitely kept it's charm and then some. Walking up to the front porch, the first thing I noticed was the pristine front lawn and meticulously maintained landscape. The brightly white painted, wood wrap around porch didn't make one squeak as I walked up to the front door of the Inn. Upon entry, my eye was instantly drawn to an early 1900's secretary desk with an attached glass doored bookshelf just inside the front door. Despite the massive staircase to my right, the foyer drew me in further as my eye caught the light from the dining room window in front of me. The dining room itself contains two buffets, a long wood table and chairs. It's simple, yet elegant style had my daydreams in full swing. I could imagine dinner parties as much as I could imagine sitting reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee. (Not to mention the amazing view!) High wood ceilings with wooden beams and wainscoting add the architectural elements you would expect to find in such an old home. Owners, Gil and Kathy, have lovingly restored this home since they purchased it in 1995. The home has only had two other owners since it was built.

The doorway separating the dining room from the sitting room has thick wood and glass pocket doors that were salvaged from a building torn down back East. The pocket doors on the other side of the sitting room are original and lead to the living room containing a grand piano. Centered in the corner of the room, listeners to a pianist would delight in views of the Olympic Mountains, Orchard Bay and Sinclair Inlet below. Rookwood tiles (made of pottery) create a retro, light green fireplace that gives warmth and charm to another room,  located just off the living room. It would make a great place to read a book and has a door that opens outside to the large wrap around porch, green lawn and breath taking views.  On the other side of the room a hallway leads to the elevator entrance (yes, I said elevator) and further down to the kitchen.

There are four guest rooms on the second floor and three on the third floor. Each of the seven rooms have their own unique personality. All the rooms have private baths and many have original claw foot bath tubs. The second floor has a wrap around sun porch that any sun bather would envy. Just when you think you've seen it all, a journey up the stairs (sorry, the elevator only goes to the second floor) reveals floor to window ceilings in a space that is both spacious and cozy. Each of the rooms on this floor offers different views and it would be a challenge to choose a favorite one.

It's really a beautiful place. If I won the lotto, I'd want to rent the place out for my closest friends and have a fantastic party.  When I checked out the prices I found them to be very reasonable and it's sure to become my favorite option to spoil guests visiting the area.

You can check out more information on their website: CedarCoveInn.com