Prior House B&B By Chris McBeath How do you combine Edwardian architecture with late 1900’s comfort and opulence in one home? Mr. Edward Prior, British Columbia’s premier between 1902 and 1903, would be pleased to see his 8,500 square foot, six-bedroom mansion being used to deliver such untold pleasures to so many guests today. Gigantic Sequoias and stately Douglas Firs lined the narrow winding streets which led to our destination, the Prior House B&B. After parking, we were ushered into the elegant Edwardian surroundings. Oak-paneled walls, hardwood floors, chandeliers and fireplaces greeted us during the tour given by our gracious hostess, Agnes Campbell. The professionally tended gardens boast a large Copper Beech tree overlooking rose trellises and trailing wisteria situated around a south-facing stone terrace. As the day was chilly, we took ‘High Tea’ in the library, next to the blazing fire, while chatting with Agnes and other guests. A tipple of sherry may accompany your afternoon tea for those who choose. Apricot pecan scones, Welsh cakes, and other Agnes-baked delectables were a beautiful precursor to the first viewing of our enormous Lieutenant Governor’s Suite. This magnificent one thousand square foot room, with twelve-foot high ceilings simply took our breath away. Antiques include a fabulous 1880’s king-sized bed draped with a duvet and matching oversized pillows, and an English armoire hiding the T.V. and VCR. The suite’s most astonishing feature, however is the bathroom; green marble counters, jet air massage tub, and crystal chandelier, no less, offset by the wall to wall mirror which conceals the wet bar and walk-in closet. Gold plated swan-head faucets added another element of class. We chose to settle that evening for a light dinner and bottle of wine, while watching one of the many available videos. Curled beneath the down comforter and listening to the crackling fire helped to settle those city cares and woes. Breakfast was served in the formal dining room beneath the Venetian chandelier and overlooking the southern garden. Spirited conversations with other guests were enjoyed before taking our leave of this secret treasure in Victoria. To prolong our experience, we walked a four kilometer route, which took us past Craigdarroch Castle, the Lieutenant Governor’s residence and the waterfront which overlooks the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. A truly wonderful way to finish our stay. Easy to find, a pleasure to stay, hard to leave, easy to return it’s hard to find a better value than Prior House, Victoria’s elegant paradigm. If You Go: Prior House 620 St. Charles Victoria, British Columbia V8S 3N9 Tel: 250-592-8847 Toll Free 1-877-924-3300 Fax: 250-592-8223 email: innkeeper@priorhouse.com Web site: www.priorhouse.com Innkeepers: Candis Cooperrider & Julie Usher Vancouver and other lower mainland travelers: B.C. Ferries accommodates travelers from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay terminals to Swartz Bay or Nanaimo. General Information for sailing schedule is 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779) For our State-side Neighbors: Either the Victoria Clipper, The Coho ferry from Port Angeles, or the Washington State Ferries will meet your needs Regulary scheduled arline, float plane and helicopter service are also available from Vancouver and Seattle.