A Magical Place for Making Memories!
Spent a Friday through Saturday stay there in the Lightkeeper's room. It sounds like we stayed there just after a previous reviewer had posted issues with staff and a broken shower.
In our experience, the staff were always polite and helpful with nary a cuss word to be heard. They informed us of the broken shower prior to our arrival and offered us a discount or a cancellation without penalty. We opted to continue the stay and accepted the discount for the broken shower. While the shower did not work, we were able to take tub baths while we gazed at the lighthouse at night, a very unique and relaxing experience.
It is a charming BnB that reminds me of a stay at my grandparent's home. The house is old and as such it has the characteristics of age. It has a quaint cozy feel. There was a slight inoffensive scent that again reminded me of a house long lived in. The decor matched the time period of its heyday and the feeling was congruent throughout the house. The many pictures and scrapbooks allowed one to explore and visualize its history and importance to maritime voyagers. Running and maintaining a lighthouse, with a family life intertwined was not for the faint of heart. The house although old, is very well maintained as it still manifests its glory as you walk about the house and around it.
The location of the BnB is idyllic, with spectacular views of the Oregon coast, Cape Creek bridge, and the Haceta Head Lighthouse that are truly awe inspiring. You will definitely be taking many pictures.
From the Lighthouse BnB there is a trail up to the lighthouse. This is a must see at night as gazing at the lighthouse and watching the beans of light sweep the sea's horizon is magical. We went up to the lighthouse on both nights for pictures and to enjoy the light show. You can visit the base of the lighthouse during the day but the stairs up to the light and lens is closed. The fresnel lens itself is very impressive, scattering beams of light out into the distance from a 1,000-watt quartz source.
There is a garden they maintain that provides fresh herbs and vegetables for the pleasantly presented seven course family style breakfast each morning that was included in our stay. The courses were delicious and flavorful. A previous review had mentioned that one of their party was left hungry after the seven courses. In our experience, we were getting that satiated feel by the fifth course, which was the most substantial dish. We did not want for more after completing the seven courses. As each course was presented, the server announced what was being served and notably what ingredients were locally sourced. The ingredients used were of high quality and the chef did a fantastic job of integrating then into flavorful creations. The serving staff was very attentive to the needs and the status of the table and kept offering to fill our cups with coffee without us once having to request more. A very nice leisurely dining experience and a great start to a beautiful day. In the late afternoon, there is a wine and cheese offering one can indulge in also.
It being a BnB, one of the facets of staying there is meeting new people. It's not an obligation to mingle with other guests and a separate breakfast table can be requested if you prefer less social interaction. In our experience, one of the highlights is the people we met, shared stories with over breakfast and in the evenings by the fire. Many laughs were had and friendships formed.
The true backbone of the experience is the staff. They truly added to the wonderful experience we had there. They were very friendly, responsive to our questions and needs, and made you feel welcome and that they enjoyed sharing this unique setting with you. They did it all, washing windows, serving breakfast, giving history presentations about the lighthouse and the keeper's house, and who knows what else behind the scenes. The resident keeper of the BnB lives there and I can tell it's a lot of work, but the beauty surrounding her likely makes it all worthwhile. She does an amazing job of keeping the place clean, presentable, and well maintained. I'm sure getting replacement parts for repairs can be very challenging.
I must say that this stay at the Haceta Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast was one of the most enjoyable stays I've had anywhere. Sure, it's not the Ritz Carlton or the Grand Wailea (if you're looking for luxury and opulence, this is not it) but for what it is, it does it well and, in our opinion, will leave you with rejuvenated spirit, fond memories, and if you're a couple, rekindled romance. This place is magical and will linger in your mind, longing to go back. And we will be.
