Home away from home

It’s time for the spring North Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association’s spring tour. Tomorrow, 10 B & B’s will open their doors. One of the participating establishments is The River Cove in Post Falls.

Owner Eric Wurmlinger entered the bed and breakfast industry through his own front door. A sales representative for a large electrical supply distributor, Wurmlinger – who was single at the time – often invited his clients to stay at his home.

“The entire Northwest was my territory,” he says. “So I would ask clients from other places if they had ever been to Coeur d’Alene and then invite them to stay with me.”

His skill as a host led to friends and clients to encourage him to go into business. So, as a part-time venture, Wurmlinger opened his home as The River Cove Bed & Breakfast.

“At first it was a hobby, then a part-time job,” he says. “It grew until I was doing it full time.”

After marrying, Wurmlinger and wife Rosalynd purchased property. Then they designed and built a new home.

The new lot abuts a 56 acre wooded area and connects to the Centennial Trail.

“We designed the house and the landscaping,” he says. “So every room is private and looks out on either the river or into the stand of old-growth Ponderosa pine trees.”

Nestled on the banks of the Spokane River, the roomy, contemporary home features vaulted ceilings, large windows and three spacious suites.

All guest suites have private baths. A hot tub, in an enclosed gazebo, is available for guests.

There are private quarters for the Wurmlingers and their two young children.

The most unusual feature of the B & B is the 28-foot yacht which serves as the fourth guest suite. The yacht is also available for the use of other guests for two-hour dinner cruise packages.

Eric and Rosalynd Wurmlinger are hands-on hosts and do everything themselves. “We don’t have any employees,” he says. “I’m the chef and I make a full gourmet breakfast each morning.”

Wurmlinger also prepares meals for the dinner cruises.

As part of the North Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association tour, Wurmlinger will be showing off the property’s newest features.

“We’ve got a stream and waterfall water feature,” he says. “And for guests who want a wedding package we’ve added an arbor and a patio with seating for small weddings.”

Eric Wurmlinger takes the bed and breakfast business seriously. And he thinks it’s not only the best thing for his family, it’s the best choice for his personality.

“I’m a people person,” he says. “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I think I’m in the right place now.”