BJ's Garden Gate
By Barbara Ballard
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BJ's Garden Gate
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BJ's Garden Gate is an elegant and luxurious B&B set in a garden of rare beauty. It is matched only by the charm of its hosts, BJ and Frank Paton, who make your comforts and needs their chief concern.
Among the tall redwood trees leading up to the house the owners have created charming little garden nooks with benches and paths for wandering. A first glimpse of the house with its large front porch is quite breathtaking. Flowers, hanging baskets, cozy tables and chairs, and a patio all add to the quiet country beauty and welcome you in.
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Napoleon's Retreat
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The home is an exquisite creation tastefully decorated with European antiques in a pleasing harmony of colours. High ceilings add to the grandeur. BJ's flair for décor shows itself in the five spacious themed rooms. Each has a gas fireplace, TV, luxuriously comfortable beds, and all the little touches that make such a difference. I stayed in Napoleon's Retreat, decorated in blacks and gold, a fitting emperor theme throughout. The bathroom contained a huge tiled shower and all the bathroom amenities one could ask for. Everything was spotlessly clean and designed for comfort and relaxation.
The home's long back lawn looks out over the water, and on a clear night, the lights of Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, are visible. Benches are strategically placed at cliff's edge for enjoying the quiet and serene setting. On either side of the lawn are wide borders of bright flowers, planted in the English country garden style. Rose arbours grace part of the walkway, one of many other colourful small garden areas in the back yard, all a testament to the owners' love of and, expertise in, gardening.
The large dining room with its picture window looking onto the gardens is the setting for an elegant set breakfast. Table talk among the nine guests, all from different parts of the US, was lively and interesting. It was a delightful way to meet and enjoy the company of others.
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BJ's Garden Gate
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In-season strawberries, topped with whipped cream, comprised the first course, along with fruit juice. Ham quiche, crunchy potato latkes and coffeecake followed. As if this wasn't enough, a luscious fruit sorbet ended the meal.
Located in Washington's sunny Sequim Dungeness Valley, this romantic rendezvous is all one could want in a B&B - perfect in every detail from the beautiful grounds to the comfortable rooms to the friendly hosts.
Essential Information
BJ's Garden Gate
397 Monterra Drive
Port Angeles, WA98362
Tel. 1-800-880-1332
Email: bjgarden@olypen.com
Website: www.bjgarden.com
©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. Photos courtesy of BJ's Garden Gate.
Questions?
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