Harrison House Suites

Enjoying a spectacular view of the town and marina of Friday Harbor, this hilltop retreat in a restored 1905 Craftsman-style is just one and half blocks from the ferry landing in a quiet residential neighborhood. Originally named the Middleton House, it was renamed the Harrison House when it converted to a Bed and Breakfast. Today, the Harrison House Suites Bed & Breakfast consists of two buildings-the historic Middleton House and a second building which houses the 1930 Roche Harbor Cottage and the Garden Café.

The Harrison House is a dream come true for proprietors Dave Pass and Anna Maria de Freitas, who first saw the Harrison House in August of 2004 during their 5-year quest to find the perfect B&B opportunity. Five months later they moved to Friday Harbor from Maryland as the inn's new owners.

Having spent years traveling the world to many B&Bs, they developed a sixth sense for what guests want most during their stay. What drew them to their life as innkeepers is their love of entertaining and sharing fine cooked meals.

Four Suites and a Cottage

The San Juan is the largest suite (1650 square feet) with three bedrooms and two baths. This vacation "home" with dining room, eat-in kitchen, large family room (with piano) plus a huge private deck has its own barbecue and shared hot tub, with views of the town and harbor.

Lopez Suite is a two bedroom suite that sleeps eight and has a kitchen, bath and living room plus a viewing deck. Shaw Suite is a nautical themed studio suite (sleeps 4) with a kitchen and bath. The 1930 Roche Harbor Cottage (in a separate building) is a one bedroom suite with kitchen, living room, fireplace and deck with private hot tub.

Nicknamed the honeymoon suite (although it can sleep four), the Orcas is the favorite suite of Mardi and mine because of its views of the water, sunrises and sunsets, and outer islands-plus it has its own private hot tub and deck. With fireplace, mini-kitchen, private bath with jetted tub, and tasteful furnishings, this roomy suite is the perfect romantic hideaway.

Dishes from Anna Maria's Own Cookbook

Prior to becoming innkeepers, Anna Maria worked in public broadcasting for 20 years, traveling the world with Dave to food-centric cultures. Her cookbook, La Cucina Anna Maria: Good Life Recipes from San Juan Island, is the result of her culinary experiences and inspires her menu at the B&B today.

Local farmers and fisherman supply fresh seasonal ingredients (including chicken and duck eggs, produce, meats, fish, and cheeses) which are prepared with fruit and herbs from the B&B's own organic garden.

A full four-course complimentary breakfast of the guest's choice is served in the Garden Café (and can be delivered to your room). The Southwest Scramble is my favorite, while Mardi simply craves the lemon ricotta pancakes. For dinner, their local island lamb smoked with an Indonesian marinate flavored with soy and Brazil nuts is excellent.

All in all, the food is simply excellent and adds to the old-world hospitality celebrated in this B&B's motto: "Guest come as strangers, leave as friends and return as part of the extended family."

Our large family does not easily fit into most inns, so finding the large rooms at the Harrison was a wonderful relief. We also love being able to prepare some of you meals together and avoid restaurants for every dinner.