Elegant Island Retreats
Prior House Bed and Breakfast Inn
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The minute you step through the door of Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn, you are transported to a gracious past of Edwardian luxury. Colonel Edward Prior, who later became the Lieutenant Governor (the English Crown’s representative in British Columbia) and Provincial Premier, built Prior House in 1912. While reflecting the grandeur of its past as a wealthy man’s private residence, it provides today’s guests with all the modern amenities they expect.
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A spacious entryway and original warm oak paneling alert guests to the sensuous joys to come. Stained glass windows look over a stone terrace, lawn and garden. Warm firelight in the parlor reflects the home’s elegant past as guests gather for a convivial chat while enjoying tea and homemade treats.
In the cozy library, guests can pour over the dinner menus of Victoria’s restaurants. The innkeepers enjoy helping them plan activities for their stay and are knowledgeable guides to the area.
Each guestroom is individually and sumptuously decorated to reflect the classic decor of the home.
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Honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion might want to consider the Royal Suite decorated in restful green and rose. Furnished in European antiques and containing a fireplace, its bay window looks over the treetops. The star of the suite is the capacious bathroom with its mirrored ceiling and walls, crystal chandelier, large spa tub and wetbar with fridge. Fluffy white towels, bathrobes and British toiletries add to the elegance.
The 3rd floor has been turned into the Windsor Suite. Here two separate bedrooms hold sway along with a large wet bar area, fireplace and marble spa tub. A balcony provides views to the ocean and Olympic Mountains beyond.
The self contained Garden Room on the ground floor once sported a cannon on its small patio when an admiral lived here. Two bedrooms, a living room with sofa bed, a large kitchen and table make this ideal for guests wanting an extended stay or several people traveling together.
The newest edition to Prior House is the conversion of the original carriage house into the Music Room, which opens onto the large brick patio overlooking the garden.
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My personal favorite is the Arbutus Room, a sunny south facing room with an antique canopied queen bed and a crackling fire for cold nights.
After a restful night’s sleep under down duvets, guests arise to a full breakfast in the elegant paneled dining room. Homemade muffins or sweet rolls, baked apples or fresh fruit of the season start the sumptuous meal. Entrees could be fritatas, Scottish oat pancakes, waffles or other savories washed down with coffee brewed from freshly roasted beans. If you prefer, a private breakfast in your room can be arranged.
What makes this inn so special is the warmth and dedication of the innkeepers and owner Candis Cooperrider. They enjoy time spent with guests and like to feel that a stay at Prior House makes a holiday special. And it does.
Essential Information
Fireplaces in some rooms. A few rooms have showers only. Smoking outdoors only. The inn assists with arranging tours. Off street parking. TV in rooms. Special diets accommodated.
1999 rates range from CDN$175 to $270 in high season to $130 to $200 in low season.
Contact Information
Prior House B&B Inn
620 St. Charles
Victoria, BC
Canada V8S 3N7
Telephone: 250-592-8847
Email: innkeeper@priorhouse.com
Images courtesy Prior House Inn.
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