If you've ever fantasized about spending the night in a historic mansion with museum-quality furnishings, or dreamed of a 5-star breakfast accompanied by light-hearted conversation with charismatic hosts and ample amounts of good locally roasted coffee, or wanted to experience the joys of a rose-filled garden at sunset while sipping a chilled bottle of Oregon or Washington wine, then Pendleton House B&B is for you. Not only is the "house" itself a true historic gem, with much of the original 1917 artwork, furnishings, fireplaces, and staircases intact, the current owners have greatly expanded the backyard gardens and exquisite landscaping, making it an ideal venue for weddings, reunions, and social gatherings of the luxurious persuasion.
For comparative purposes, I rank Pendelton House among the top five B&Bs personally visited (and reviewed) in the past decade, alongside such stunning architectural gems as Ashton's B&B in New Orleans, Louisiana and Edward Adams House B&B in Silverton, Oregon (near Salem). In all three cases, the houses themselves are historic local landmarks, with unique features that speak to the locations in which they are set and that reflect the personalized proclivities of the women and men who lovingly operate them. At Ashton's, for example, the owners are actively involved in Mardi Gras parades and have decorations and artwork inside that reflects this. At Edward Adams house, the owner (a former classical musician) has a reading and music room with hundreds of classical and jazz vinyl records that guests can listen to during their stay. Likewise, all three spots offer excellent breakfasts using local or farm-raised ingredients that are delicious - but not calorie bombs. Think fresh berries, organic eggs Benedict, granola, gourmet teas and coffee, fresh juices, sourdough baked goods, that sort of thing.
And then there is the walking distance to good/great restaurants, parks, and promenades. Ashton's is a short walk or cab ride from the French Quarter; Adams house is a 5 minute stroll away from the Silver Grille, my favorite restaurant in all of Oregon (Michelin 2 star worthy, but without the need for the stars); while at Pendleton House, you can get great meals and stiff drinks at Cimmiyotti's, or indulge your inner carnivore at the over-the-top Hamley's steakhouse.
While you can promenade along the Umatilla River trail while in Pendleton, or pick up a new woolen blanket at the Pendleton outlet store down the road, the front patio, sitting room parlor, and outdoor garden and patio at the B&B are so inviting that you'd be forgiven for simply staying local and enjoying the sumptuous surroundings. Tracy and Kevin, the co-owners, have a great kitchen and landscaping staff to assist them and are great sources of information on visiting interesting locations in the area. They also have a tasteful selection of local wines by the bottle available for purchase and can provide special services for newlyweds and others interested in flowers, champagne, chocolates, and those sorts of things.
The second floor rooms (5 in total) for guests have recently gotten new names and upgrades, including private baths. For my part, I still enjoy the back rooms like Umatilla and Harris that use the fantastic shared bathroom, complete with the world's most unique shower and chandelier-lit sink and toilet.
Room prices are surprisingly affordable for such luxury, making it possible for singles and couples to stay for less than $140/night while enjoying all the amenities and antiques that fill the downstairs rooms and hallways. While summertime is ideal for outdoor activities on the deck, this is a lovely spot in winter, when the living room is lavishly decorated for the holidays.
Pendleton makes a great stopping point for exploring other parts of eastern Oregon and also wine tasting in the nearby Walla Walla vicinity. It has the charms of small but vibrant city with a real mix of old and new. Staying at this B&B greatly increases the likelihood that you will enjoy your visit, and makes it more likely that you and your loved ones will be eager to plan a return! read more