Cozy Up To Comfort The Berry Patch Inn Just A Short Drive From Coeur D’Alene
The location is near Lake Coeur d’Alene, but the views from this bed and breakfast are of mountains instead, looking across the broad expanse of the Rathdrum Prairie to the distinctive silhouette of Mount Spokane.
The Berry Patch Inn is nestled amid pine trees only a 10-minute drive from Coeur d’Alene.
It’s a modern, chalet-style home, with natural woodwork, lots of glass and expensive furnishings, the style varying from formal country club to contemporary Southwest to snug and romantic.
The large, beamed-ceilinged living room takes advantage of the sunny view and features a rock fireplace and nice collection of books, games and magazines.
The inn has only three guest rooms.
The Moonberry suite features rustic bent-birch furniture and a forest view, sharing a full and a half bathroom with the Northberry suite, which has a nicer mountain view.
Downstairs is the Waterberry, with private French doors to the back deck and a private bath; it offers a wonderful feeling of privacy but is slightly marred by the noise of running water when the upstairs bathrooms are in use.
Prices range from $89 to $135 per night, depending on the room.
Co-owner Lee Ray prides herself on her lowfat breakfasts.
I was alarmed at this prospect, since I stay at a B&B to be pampered, not to watch what I eat, but the results are delicious.
On our visit, the menu included oatmeal pancakes stuffed with fresh green apples and topped with nonfat sour cream and light syrup, lowfat turkey ham and sausage, homemade preserves, and a medley of fresh fruit (plus farm-fresh eggs, if you wish).
In the evening, guests receive a plate of cookies and a nightcap serving of berry liqueur, suitable for sipping while snuggled in a warm robe and slippers, also provided.
All the beds feature cozy flannel sheets and down comforters, contributing to the worst feature of the Berry Patch: trying to persuade yourself to leave the following morning.
Location: About 3 miles southwest of Coeur d’Alene.
Information and reservations: Berry Patch Inn, N. 1150 Four Winds Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; (208) 765-4994.
MEMO: Do you have a favorite hideaway around the Inland Northwest, a secluded place for a romantic retreat? We’d like to hear about it. Write to: Travel Editor, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Or fax (509) 459-5098.