Mozart House B&B
By Barbara Ballard
The composer, Mozart, produced elegant and beautiful music. The Mozart House B&B, built in 1923, is an elegant and romantic place that produces a sense of well being and luxury for its guests.
The gracious and friendly owners, Astrid and Ralph Gottfried are from Augsburg, Germany, the home of the Mozart family since the 15th century. They have created a beautifully decorated B&B around the theme of music and Mozart.
The Italian Renaissance building is located on a quiet, tree lined street in an upmarket area of Victoria. For those who don't want to walk to town, there's a bus a half block away. But the neighbourhood lends itself to walking. The Lieutenant Governor's mansion with its beautiful gardens is just down the street and around a corner. Craigdarroch Castle and the Victoria Art Gallery are nearby. The 15-minute walk to town provides not only exercise but also a delightful streetscape, especially in the spring when the flowering trees and bulbs are in bloom.
The Mozart B&B's rooms are spacious, bright, and beautifully and tastefully decorated. Italian chandeliers, antique furniture, marble fireplaces, and leaded glass windows add to the luxurious surroundings. The home's turn-of-the-century charm has all the modern conveniences and comforts you could expect in today's B&B's. Clever musical touches abound from drapes and napkins decorated with musical notes to musical ornaments.
Every bedroom is individually furnished with exquisite taste. European bedding and duvets grace the beds. All rooms have large ensuite bathrooms equipped with bathrobes, bubble bath, and the other usual amenities. A fun extra in each room is a pair of goldfish named Wolferl and Constanze after Mozart and his wife. A CD player/radio with a selection of classical music is provided to add to the relaxing atmosphere.
The Figaro Suite, a black and white room overlooking the garden, has a grand 4-poster bed, a Jacuzzi for two in the attached sunroom, and a separate bathroom with shower. Toile valances decorate the windows.
The Amadeus Suite, decorated in cranberry and gold, has French doors, a bay window, and hardwood floors. This sunny suite enjoys garden, mountain, and ocean views. The very large en-suite bathroom has a freestanding soaker tub for two and a shower with dual showerheads.
The Symphony in Blue Suite, in hues of soft blue and ivory, has a separate sitting area, a full ensuite bath, and king/twin beds. An antique chaise lounge adds to the relaxation.
The Little Night Music Room, a small but elegant room in yellow and gold, is decorated with musical instruments. The queen size antique brass and porcelain bed is set off with sheer drapes. Hardwood floors and a beautiful crystal chandelier add to the ambience. The spacious bathroom is equipped with an antique claw foot tub with a hand held shower.
Upstairs, beside the guestrooms, is a welcoming oak-panelled library with wood burning fireplace. Comfortable Italian sofas with feather upholstery and double French doors opening onto a view of the garden below add charm and comfort. Coffee, tea, and a small fridge are provided for the guests' convenience.
Four course gourmet breakfasts are served around a beautifully decorated communal table in the dining area. Couples who wish to have a table to themselves are provided for in an adjoining room. In good weather, breakfast may be eaten on the patio overlooking the garden. A sample menu might include broiled grapefruit with maple syrup and brown sugar or other fruit compositions, freshly baked croissants or rolls with butter and jam, eggs Benedict with shrimps and asparagus or Swiss potato/zucchini cake with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon, and apple slices fried in crepe dough or bread pudding with white chocolate chips. Fresh tea, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice are included.
The Gottfrieds are happy to arrange tours for guests. House concerts, presented by a trio of musicians (violin, cello, and clarinet) can be organized for small groups. These consist of a half-hour concert followed with a champagne break, then another half-hour of music and high tea.
The Mozart House caters to brides and bridal parties with a special and elegant room set aside for bridal receptions.
This quiet and private retreat restores the senses and gives a feeling of well being and relaxation. Mozart House describes itself as a lyrical experience. It is, in every sense of the word, true.
Essential Information
Astrid and Ralph Gottfried
Mozart House
1524 Shasta Place
Victoria, BC V8S 1X9
Tel. 250-370-1524
Fax. 250-370-1624
Email: enquire@mozarthouse.com
Website: www.mozarthouse.com
Non-smoking
Not handicapped accessible
Available for weddings
Children over 10; no pets
©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. Photos courtesy Mozart House
Questions?
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