Currently under the ownership of James Loftus, the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast occupies land in Stayton, Oregon. The bed and breakfast is open year-round for visitors to reserve the guestroom, which contains a queen bed, a TV, and a full kitchen. A complimentary breakfast is offered to everyone staying at the establishment, and patrons can also visit the property's café for lunch and high tea. Furthermore, the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast has a museum that showcases a collection of astronomical artifacts, as the owner's father is a former NASA employee who served at NASA's Johnson Space Center for 45 years. Patrons can also explore the encompassing town of Stayton and the nearby Santiam River.
Located in northwestern Oregon, the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast is situated in the town of Stayton. The business has one room for visitors to occupy, which is equipped with a private entrance, bathroom, and bedroom area. This accommodation additionally includes a queen bed, TV, and a full kitchen with a refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, oven, stove, and dining table with four chairs. The guestroom is an octagon shape; as such, the owner of the bed and breakfast, James Loftus, says that some people have admired the woodwork that adorns the octagonal shape. As a whole, the entire apartment is approximately 750 square feet. The owner characterizes the establishment as a "unique Queen Anne Victorian structure."
Aside from the accommodation that patrons can reserve, the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast also features a café and museum—all located in the same building—that people can visit over the course of their stay. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and high tea from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. Breakfast meals that are offered in the café come with the cost of the stay, while lunch and high tea are separate purchases. Some of the items that one can expect to be served at the café are bacon, eggs, soup, sandwiches, and salads, among other options. It should also be noted that James' wife, the cook for the meals, makes an effort to accommodate dietary restrictions, as vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. James mentions that the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast is fairly well-known for its high tea. The café was deemed "best in the valley for four years in a row," according to James.
The aforementioned on-site museum features a collection of astronomical artifacts. James explains that his father was formerly an astronaut who retired after a 45-year career at NASA's Johnson Space Center. During his employment at the space center, James' father was in charge of space science research. Visitors can learn more about astronomy at the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast's museum.
Outside the establishment itself, the premises comprise a lawn area with several trees. Aside from the museum, in terms of on-site activities, the bed and breakfast provides a few games, such as chess. Patrons can also utilize the TV found inside the guestroom. Beyond the grounds, however, a number of attractions can be found in the vicinity. James mentions that the property is located on what is known as the Seven Sisters—a covered bridge down the street where people can undertake a driving tour. Moreover, those who enjoy fishing can visit Riverfront Park, where salmon and sturgeon can potentially be caught, as noted by James. While the owners recommend guests eat at the bed and breakfast's café, they suggest Fey Asian and Wooden Nickel for those who are seeking other cuisines.
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The owner of Gardner House Bed and Breakfast, James Loftus, has the goal of helping his guests feel comfortable and welcome during their stay. "I try to provide whatever assistance they need, whether it's helping carry their luggage or providing recommendations of activities in the area," James remarks. The owner makes an effort to interact with patrons over the course of their stay, though he also intends to respect their privacy and allow them to enjoy their time at the bed and breakfast. Many former guests have commented on their experience at the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast in reviews, as one person remarked, "I have had breakfast here several times and have always been happy! The selection of teas is extensive. The food is always delicious and of great value."
James observes that several people visit Stayton and its surroundings for events that take place throughout the year. The town hosts Harvest Fest, Summer Fest, and a rodeo, according to James. Moreover, a considerable fraction of those who stay at the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast are in the area to attend events that are hosted by visitors themselves, namely weddings, high school reunions, and other similar gatherings.
The Gardner House Bed and Breakfast is open year-round. It should be noted, however, that the café may close the week after Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas, but the bed and breakfast fraction of the business remains open for people to make a reservation. James reports that the busiest season of operation most commonly occurs when people travel for holidays or for a vacation in the summer season when temperatures are fairly moderate. James sees several repeat guests each year, and he says that the demographic is relatively diverse.
Everyone who stays at the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast is required to abide by a few policies during their time at the establishment. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds, and pets are not permitted to accompany visitors at the bed and breakfast. The owner has not felt the need to enforce a quiet time at night.
On account of the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast's construction dating back to 1898, the property bears historical significance. With regard to the historic aspect of the building, James Loftus, the present owner of the establishment, believes that "you can't find any other property like this in the area because of its historical nature." It wasn't until circa 1975 that the structure became a bed and breakfast business. After several years, ownership fell into the hands of James in 2005, as his wife prompted him to purchase the property and convert a portion of it into a café. What is now the on-site café previously served as a flower shop.
Numerous changes have been made to the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast during James' ownership. While the building underwent new roofing, wiring, and plumbing, much of its original structure has been maintained as well. James has found that his favorite part of his job as the owner is meeting new people. He reports that legislatures and ministers from the Benlloch region of Europe have stayed at the Gardner House Bed and Breakfast.
633 N. 3rd Ave
Stayton, Oregon 97383
United States
Bed and Breakfast
James Loftus