Threshold To Ambience Pullman House Has Creative Decor

The first impression of the Ash Street House in Pullman nearly sent me packing.

Even owner Craig Dillard admits the exterior is underwhelming. When his wife, Linda, first showed him the historic property, he said, “You’ve got to be kidding. It looks like a big box.”

I’m glad I got past my initial skepticism because once inside the front door, the house proved to be a sumptuous palace. It was overflowing with antiques and creative decorator touches that would make Martha Stewart envious.

The 100-year-old home, located within walking distance to downtown and the Washington State University campus, has been lovingly restored by the Dillards. Since moving in four years ago, they have transformed the upper floor into comfortable guest quarters.

There are four rooms with distinctive personalities. Kristina’s room is tiny, but gorgeously furnished with a sleighbed, a comfy chaise lounge and a white wicker rocker. Elaborate window treatments highlight reproductions of Edgar Degas’ famous portraits of ballerinas. (The Dillard’s daughter, for whom the room is named, is a dancer.)

Wendy’s room is the favored choice for romantics. Lace is draped over a canopy bed and there’s a large velvet couch for couples who care to snuggle.

There’s also the whimsical “pineapple” room, and Linda’s room, which has the only queen-size bed in the house. All rooms have cable television, but oddly enough, no reading lamps.

Guests share two bathrooms, with the upstairs bathroom something straight out of House Beautiful magazine. It features lots of warm wood paneling and fixtures and a huge walk-in tile shower. Sunlight spills into the shower through a glass-blocked wall facing outside.

Both Linda and Craig are artists and their work is displayed throughout the house. Linda’s paintings and photography dominate the walls in the bedrooms and living room and Craig’s retro glass fixtures softly highlight the house’s original woodwork.

Guests are given free run of the house, including the inviting living room with its baby grand piano, lots of comfy seating and a mammoth dried flower arrangement.

Breakfast is served in the formal dining room, or - if guests crave privacy - there is a nook near the kitchen the Dillards have dubbed “The Vulcan Cafe” because of its red velvet, highbacked seats.

The morning meal is impressive - not surprising considering the couple also owns The Seasons restaurant, one of Pullman’s most popular dining spots. Breakfast might include blintzes - crepes stuffed with ricotta cheese and smothered in a warm berry compote - accompanied by fresh fruit, juice and a pot of coffee. The hosts are also happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

MEMO: The Ash Street House is located at N.E. 315 Ash St., in Pullman. Call (509) 332-3638 for reservations. Rooms are $60 and children are welcome for $15 additional, but there are no beds for small ones. The Dillards do not accept credit cards.