Toad Hall B&B - Sequim, Washington
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"Home away from home" is a cliché in the B&B world. But, in Toad Hall's case, it happens to be true to the highest degree. Toad Hall's owners, Linda and Bruce Clar, have hospitality written all over themselves and their home. Their welcome is warm and sincere, and you immediately feel cosseted, like a member of the family or a close friend. Their white ball of fluff, Muffy, a Maltese Terrier, welcomes you in her own way and isn't averse to a few doggie treats. Linda is British and Bruce is American, and this mixture of cultures is reflected in their B&B, combining the best of both worlds.
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Wind in the Willows mural |
Situated in sunny Sequim, Washington, Toad Hall is named after Linda's favourite book, The Wind in the Willows, and evidence of this theme is delightfully incorporated into the B&B. A local artist handpainted scenes of characters from the book in various places throughout the home. The most striking of these is the mural ranging up the stairs. Each room contains a copy of the book for visitors to enjoy.
The three B&B rooms are named after characters in the book. Ratty's Suite has its own sitting room and separate bedroom done in cheerful blues and yellows. The large bath is just next door. The spacious Toad's Room comes complete with four poster mahogany bed, a separate sitting area, and an ensuite bath. Badger's Lair is a honeymoon suite with a jetted tub for two, a mahogany sleigh bed and a sitting area. All the rooms are artistically and tastefully decorated with interesting objects from Linda's collections and are complete with TV, bottled water, and magazines. Some delightful extras such as the small fridges and cozy cotton robe are a real convenience. The beds have high quality comfortable mattresses and exquisite linens.
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Badger's Lair room |
The bathrooms come fully equipped with large fluffy towels and all the amenities you could want. Most enjoyable are the locally made lavender cosmetics: hand and body wash, shampoo, conditioner and spritzer. Linda has a small alcove gift shop where you can purchase any lavender products you fancy. Everything in the rooms and home is spotless, and it is clear the comfort of guests is the main consideration of the hosts.
The downstairs sitting room contains a leather couch to curl up on in the late afternoon for a cup of tea. The wrap around porch is a perfect summer spot for viewing the mountains and sunsets while sipping a before dinner sherry. English videos and board games are handy if the weather turns unfriendly.
Breakfasts cooked from scratch have justly earned Linda a reputation as a fine cook. The morning I was there the first course consisted of a layered fresh berry, yogurt, and homemade muesli parfait, followed by a crepe stuffed with mangoes and a lemon crème topped with Sequim raspberries and sauce. If that wasn't enough, fluffy scones, butter, and jam followed, along with scrambled eggs seasoned with fresh herbs, local smoked salmon, and buttered crumpets. Linda's creations were artistically decorated with fruit purees and edible flowers - almost too attractive to eat. Everything was delicious, truly a chef's delight. In fact, it was one of the best breakfasts I've eaten in a B&B. Linda caters to special diets.
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Toad Hall herb garden |
Bruce is the gardener in the family. Intricate brick patterns and stone pathways wander among beautiful garden "rooms". In one area an arbor of climbing roses and clematis shades two benches. In another spot a willow tree and pond add to the Wind in the Willows theme, and nearby a toad water fountain sited in a small pool reflects the theme again. A rose garden, an English flower garden, a fresh herb garden, and a field of lavender bring pleasure to the eye. A lawn complete with croquet set is provided for the use of guests. A gazebo and a meditation garden are in the works.
Before leaving, each guest receives a fragrant souvenir of Toad Hall - a sachet of dried lavender. The memories of this wonderful B&B and its hospitable hosts will stay with you long after the scent of the lavender fades.
Essential Information
Toad Hall B&B
Bruce & Linda Clar
12 Jesslyn Lane
Sequim, WA 98382
Tel. 360-681-2534
Website: www.toadhall.tv
©2001 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited. Images courtesy of Toad Hall B&B.
