Willcox House Country Inn

At the end of a private drive, through emerald green forests opening to oyster-laden beaches, this waterfront mansion is surrounded by an air of mystery and romance. Commissioned by Colonel Julian P. Willcox in 1937 to architect Lionel H. Pries, the Colonel and his wife Constance lived here for 30 years. Walking through the magnificent home, room by room, you can well imagine the privileged life this couple shared.

Today, the Willcox House is run by Phillip and Cecilia Hughes. It is a rare jewel indeed. The fifth owners of the mansion, they escaped their city jobs to renovate this bed and breakfast on Hood Canal. Designed in the Beau-Arts tradition, the rooms offer an excursion into an elegance of days long ago by.

The library offers views of the Olympic Mountains, a roaring fire, and walls of books. The Great Room has three seating areas, a piano, and the warmth of the immense fireplace. The Game Room with its pool table (and another fireplace) is popular after dinner. There is a Pub Room for socializing and a Movie Theater with a large screen television. The traditional décor is accented with antiques and collectibles.

Let Us Show You to Your Room

All five rooms have a spectacular view of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. There are four double rooms (with king beds) and the fifth room sleeps three. All have a private bath. Constance's room, the most spacious, offers a fireplace. Julian's room, with English country gentleman's décor, features a double Jacuzzi tub. But, Mardi and I favor the Clark Gable room (yes, he was a guest here) with its private balcony overlooking the water and the mountains.

A Private Table for Two and a View

Always make certain to include a dinner with your stay. Served at your own table in the dining room, dinners are romantic with water views and alpenglow sunsets over the Olympics. The regional cuisine has international touches and the wine list (over 100 selections) is outstanding.

Alder roasted wild salmon and crab cakes are house specialties. The on-site herb garden adds delicious flavor and the flower salads are a tasty change. For dessert, chocolate rules, with chocolate truffle cake and chocolate creme brulee (and Mardi has a fond liking for their champagne gelee).

A complimentary complete breakfast is served each morning in the dining room at your own table, which affords you the privacy to talk about your day's activities. Three golf courses are nearby, as are Elandan Bonsai Garden and the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve. Antiquing opportunities abound in the waterfront villages of Poulsbo, Port Townsend and Port Gamble.

There's hiking at Green Mountain and kayaking in Liberty Bay (Poulsbo). Museum buffs have three maritime choices while the Suquamish Native Indian Museum gives insight into the region's rich cultural roots.

Bainbridge Island winery tours are an excellent option...or better yet, simply stay put and relax on the warm swimming beaches just steps from your room. Come the five o'clock hour, socializing with guests over complimentary wine and cheese is enjoyable, as is greeting the new guests arriving by float plane or yacht to the inn's private deep water dock.

It is hard to imagine that a place this large and beautiful was constructed in such a remote location in the 1930's. Even now 70 some years later it still feels so remote and private that it has become our family's favorite retreat. We especially love being here in the winter to experience the storms passing over Hood Canal. But to be perfectly honest, it is Cecilia's home-cooked diners that make it the perfect experience for me.