The Inn, which started its life as the property of Charles Higgins, a Victoria newspaper magnate, became the first private house in British Columbia to be designated as heritage property.

The large, wood-panelled entry is stunning. A beautiful freestanding double staircase leads to the upper landing where you can enjoy sipping early morning coffee while sitting on an antique sofa before a cozy fire.

The formal parlour, a double room, half now turned into a dining room, is a feast for the eyes with its architectural details and exquisite Victorian decor. Wood panelling, original 1885 wallpaper borders, a Minton tiled fireplace and decorative molding lend an air of elegant grace. Large antique chandeliers from the old Victoria Pantages Theatre hang from beautiful plaster rosettes. An 1840 organ sits in a corner of the parlour. The original handpainted mohair curtains, in new condition, still hang at the large windows. Antique furniture fills this room as it does every public room and bedroom in the mansion.

Wines, roses, deep greens and gold are the predominant colours in the Inn. Stained glass windows enhance the entire building. Beautifully detailed lampshades, handmade by Grace Sands, add charm to the Victorian décor.

The owners have lovingly restored the Inn and the coachhouse, creating 16 en-suite rooms for the ultimate comfort of their guests. No expense has been spared in furnishings, carpeting or décor.

Beautifully detailed to match the period of the house, the bathroom fixtures nevertheless are up to date. Some bathrooms offer huge clawfoot tubs or soaker tubs. Most have oversize spa tubs - never fear, the home is well soundproofed and you won't hear your neighbor's tub - that give you a choice of 64 settings along with a heated backrest. Add French-milled soap and bath salts for total relaxation.

All rooms are light and bright. Beautiful Austrian-embroidered or Battenburg lace curtains (with roller blinds for privacy) add a soft beauty to many of the windows. Most rooms offer the cozy comfort of gas burning fireplaces. Nine of the 17 fireplaces in the home still retain their original Minton tiles. Some rooms have the added convenience of mini-fridges while the Regent's Suite has a complete wet bar.

The Inn is a perfect place for a romantic getaway. In fact, this would be just the place to either hold a wedding or book the entire Inn for the bridal party and family coming in from out of town. The bridal suite has a canopied king-size bed and deep, luxurious carpeting.

Tea and homemade cookies, slices, cranberry scones and tarts are just the thing after a hard day of sightseeing or shopping. A full cooked breakfast is served, using elegant crystal glasses (fresh fruit is served in champagne goblets) and Wedgewood and Minton china. Lovers of Depression glass will enjoy the serving dishes, not to mention the food.

Breakfast consists of such delightful choices as fresh juices, peach parfaits with crème fraiche, fresh melon balls and homebaked goodies - oatcakes, rhubarb cake or lavender biscuits and homemade papaya preserves. Follow this with buttermilk pancakes doused with apple, pear and rhubarb sauce and drizzled with apple cider syrup. Or perhaps you'd prefer poached egg on a pesto bagel with roasted tomato topped with parmesan cheese or French toast with chocolate swirls, all followed, of course with coffee or your choice of tea.

That, after your night in a marvelously comfortable bed in a jewel of an inn, should set you up nicely for a day of sightseeing, eco-adventure or shopping.

Essential Information
Located at the corner of Fort and St. Charles, the Amethyst Inn is convenient to downtown, the beautiful grounds of the Lt. Governor's Mansion, and Craigdarroch Castle. Prices vary according to the room booked and the season of the year. Full details are at the website.

Phone: 250595-2053 or 1-888-265-6499.
Email: innkeeper@amethyst-inn.com.
The Inn is non-smoking. Parking in the grounds. Not handicapped accessible.

©2000 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.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.