I was looking for a surprise getaway destination for me and my husband that is not too far from Olympia and discovered Edgefield, just outside of Portland.
Edgefield Manor, built in 1911, used to be the Multnomah County's farm for poor people. The operation included a dairy, gardens and farm land. In 1947 the site was turned into a nursing home and ultimately closed down in 1982. The McMenamin brothers, famous for fixing up historic buildings and turning them into pubs, restaurants and hotels, purchased Edgefield in 1990 and began refurbishing the buildings and grounds. Edgefield is now an whimsical and down-to-earth hospitality village with restaurants, hotel, bed and breakfast, winery, beer gardens, brewery, spa, gardens, golf, and much more.
Edgefield is a designated National Historic Landmark and is rumored to be haunted. The only spirits I've encountered there were of the beverage kind, but I can see how that idea could be believable. Much effort was undertaken to bring the past inhabitants to life by naming rooms after colorful previous residents and by writing their stories on the walls. Most of the colorful art in the building is of people of another era. If one looks closely, faces can be discovered peering down on you from exposed piping.
The array of diversion is so extensive, that one has to practically stay overnight in order to experience all Edgefield has to offer. When checking in, guests receive a map of the property, which can be your itinerary, as well as tour guide. Don't rush the discovery process, though, because much of the treasure of Edgefield lies in the whimsical details such as real gas lanterns, ornate rain gutters, and hidden art. While waiting for the movie to start in the pub building, I noticed that the round dots on the wall fresco were really faces, and I located one of the seemingly identical faces that was different, only one.
The outdoor soaking pool contains an island interspersed with beautiful flower shaped copper sculptures. If that isn't artsy enough, they also served as flame emitting torches, and to top it off, if you're in the pool underneath them and pull on a string, they also serve as a shower.
I could go on and on about all the interesting features of this unique property, but suffice it to say that we had a lot of fun exploring the grounds, enjoyed the comfortable rooms (warning: not all rooms have en-suite baths) and loved the delicious food.
You can get more details and make reservations here: http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home
If you visit Edgefield, also make time to stop at the nearby Multnomah Falls, the second highest year round water fall in the United States.
Living in Olympia, we are so fortunate to have so many interesting destinations at our doorstep. I only wish someone with a vision would step in and turn the historic Tumwater brewery into a similar landmark destination.
Sandy Nelson
Olympia Realtor®
Our community is important to me. I take pride in our beautiful locality, and our quality of life.
Feel free to contact me for questions about local attractions, events, or real estate information.
360-789-7505
www.SandyNelsonRealEstate.com
