Sunday, February 19, 2012

Seven Gables Inn

We love staying at historical inns.  I have to admit at first Mr. Bloomers was a little apprehensive about staying at a "girly" bed and breakfast but after our first stay he quickly was won over by the comfort, quality and hospitality we experienced.
 I do choose our accommodations  carefully and  we have always had great experiences with the historical inns we have visited. 


This is a long post so
 get a cup of coffee or tea
and get comfy.







 I had been wanting to stay at the Seven Gables Inn ever since I first laid eyes on it several years ago.  
This month I finally got my wish!! 







This beautiful inn was originally a private residence and has gone through a wonderful metamorphosis since the late 1800's.  There are now multiple buildings in the complex that have been visually united with cheerful yellow paint,  white trim and a flower filled garden.  The inn is surrounded by blue skies and ocean views.






The train tracks are now a nature trail located across the street from the inn and meanders through the city of Pacific Grove hugging the coastline.   The historic inns and homes along Ocean Avenue are breathtaking and I can't imagine being so blessed to live there everyday with such gorgeous views!   









1974

Located on Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, California,   Seven Gables is one of the most romantic places I've ever visited.  Perched on the rocky shores of Monterey Bay, each room  has a beautiful water view of the bay or Pacific Ocean.


Lover's Point 1800's









Today Lover's Point is a beautiful park area with
 with a sandy beach. 

We  decided to stay in the Crespi Room which is in the beach house building.  The beach house building is now a part of Seven Gables but was once the Grandview Inn.  Here's a picture during the  renovation. 









After renovation with it's signature yellow paint.


Choosing a room was no easy task as each is uniquely decorated with different views of the bay or ocean.  Our room had a private entrance which was a nice feature.  Views  from our room...









We watched the sunrise from our luxurious and comfortable bed.





The room was beautifully appointed with custom draperies, Egyptian cotton sheets and all the comforts of a modern hotel.  The inn also has private baths for each room.






I loved the hand-carved headboard and  floral canopy above our bed.   







Cards and chocolates left on the bed by friends
 and the innkeeper. 




There was a remote controlled fireplace to add even more ambiance to our fairytale room.




Most of all we loved the views!!  We sat in the cozy overstuffed chairs and drank our morning coffee in front of the big picture window waking up to sea lions playing in the surf and watching
 the waves crashing along the shore!










Each room is well appointed with 
attention to detail including binoculars
 for an even better view of the coast.  I will add there are no televisions (who needs one with this view) and there is no air conditioning..also not necessary.  
There was an Ipod docking station so we were able to listen to our classical jazz while enjoying the views.  Windows do open and provide lovely ocean breezes and sound effects as well.



The water's beautiful blue hue and the warmth of the sunshine made our walks through the garden so enjoyable!



Little courtyards, garden benches and settees are located throughout the garden and grounds and make any place a special spot to sit and enjoy the inn and the ocean views.














Sculptures,  fountains and a water pond are mingled within flower beds with a mix of bloomers for the season.



























The original main house is full of antiques and the parlor and sun room are decorated with crystal chandeliers.  


















A night time view during the blue hour of the chandeliers in the inn.
















There are several cottages in the complex that are also available..this cottage was beautifully trimmed with cornices and stained glass windows.








View of one of the larger cottages.








This pergola stands outside the room I had originally wanted to stay in.  The innkeeper told me it was being refurbished..so next visit we plan on staying there.  




The inn is meticulously cared for...while we were there the staff was busy giving attention to every detail.  Nothing was out of place (except maybe this guy on the roof) and the workmen couldn't have been nicer even offering to take our picture.  




The breakfast was delicious and cookies and milk at bedtime were a nice treat.  The view from the dining room was stunning! 
   




The nature trail is across the street and is a perfect place to stroll down to Monterey or back toward Asilomar Beach.  








If you have never visited this area or are looking for a place to stay...I highly recommend
 Seven Gables Inn.





I can't wait to go back!!

I'm linking with



 


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Be Mine Valentine's Table

I love setting a Valentine's table because Valentine's is such an extra special day to me. 
 I met my husband while in college at a 
Valentine's party 36 years ago!  I set our little breakfast room table in honor of our special day.


We celebrated a little early this year with a trip to the California coast and stayed at one of the most romantic inns in Pacific Grove... 
the Seven Gables Inn.  
Seven Gables is truly breathtaking and deserves an entire post so I'll save that for next week...so on to our table...


On our trip I purchased new placemats in Carmel while shopping with friends in the most 
beautiful shop.  
Thanks ladies I had the best time!!


 Red geraniums greet shoppers entering through  the open dutch door.  Table linens, Easter bunnies, unique home and garden gifts abound at Casa di Campagna and it was hard to leave without making a few purchases.  
 I love the black "frenchy" floral  pattern and reversible black check pattern on the placemats.   I plan on also using them for a sunflower table this summer. 
  I purchased the coordinating napkins as well.






 The black mats look great on a red linen tablecloth.
The large red Portugal chargers are some of my favorites and I use them frequently.


I have a collection of  all white dishes with patterned borders.  I selected a basket weave dinner plate and a leaf motif edged salad plate to
 add some pretty textures.



 I topped the white plates with my cute little polka dot saucers that can be used for 
bread or desert plates.


I love the heart shaped ramekins I purchased at Target several years ago.  I filled them this year with conversation hearts to be read during dinner.
Chocolate is also an option!!


The sterling flatware is Westmoreland and originally belonged to my mother-in-law and I love using it for the holidays.


The tea set was my grandmother's and it is by far my favorite.    The "girly" curves are so pretty and look wonderful on a romantic table.   I try to include a teapot on all my tables. 


The Valentine's heart was purchased at Picket Fences in Solvang, another adorable place to shop.  I placed it in a heart shaped card holder and thought it was the perfect way to display it.  


Simple heart shaped votive candles finish the table.



Wishing you and your Valentine a 
very special day!




I'm linking with 




Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Apple Valley Farm

We have just returned from our California coastal vacation and what a fabulous time we had!  We enjoyed having the opportunity to meet new friends that we met through blogging.  
Their hospitality and
 friendship were truly a blessing! 


I have been yearning for Spring flowers and 
while I still have a couple of months to wait here 
at home, our trip satisfies my need to 
be around bloomers in February.  


Apple Valley Farm is an beautiful place and located in San Luis Obispo.  The gift shop and restaurant are housed in a beautiful Victorian styled lady with an old fashioned porch with gingerbread trim.  Many places to sit and relax welcome you to enjoy the cottage garden and courtyard.



I love this little corner with the garden chess set surrounded by angel trumpets. I'm going to try to grow these this year. 


Don't you love this porch?


Potted bloomers edge the walkways.


 Garden goodies for sale out on the porch.  


Gazebo ...on my wish list!!



Mass plantings of ornamental kale...I can even grow this in Oklahoma!




Fuchsias thrive in the cool coastal climate...I can't grow these in Oklahoma. 



The gift shop is filled with three stories of beautiful home and garden gifts and well worth a visit.  


Angel trumpet flowers looking down at purple lobelia and sweet alyssum.


Even the parking lot is pretty!




There is also an adjoining inn with rooms decorated in country French and English styles... 



and yes... I loved my visit!


I'm linking this week with: