All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
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1997 Jan's Journeys West Coast Roadtrip! Thur. afternoon 9/11/97 thru
Sat. morning 9/13/97 Fri. 9/12/97
Madeleine and John Chambers are away just now, so unfortunately we
won’t be able to meet them. Victor and Anne took extra good care of us,
We spent much of today in Olympic National Park, which is about 30
minutes away from Domaine Madeleine. What a beautiful spot, with clear blue lakes,
shimmering waterfalls, hiking trails through tall forests, and the Olympic Mountains as a
backdrop!
Although Port Angeles (the closest town) doesn’t have much in the way of local attractions, the natural beauty of the surrounding area offers many opportunities for discovery. The perfect base for these expeditions is Domaine Madeleine; give them a call at 360-457-4174, e-mail them at romance@domainemadeleine.com, or visit their website at http://www.domainemadeleine.com/.
>>Next Stop -- Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, OR
Copyright © 1997 - 2008: Jan Hight
Published -- September 13, 1997 |
Location – Port Angeles,
Washington. We’re at Domaine Madeleine, a lovely B&B in the style of a French
country inn (appropriate since owner Madeleine Chambers is French!). This serene setting
was definitely appreciated when we arrived last night since yesterday was one of those
frustrating episodes that happen every now and then while traveling. I won’t go into
the tedious details. Suffice it to say that the Washington State Transportation
Department’s rather perplexing policy towards road work on freeways and their
curtailing of ferry schedules (even though the ferry ride itself was pleasant) was the
basis for our late arrival at the Inn!!. 
So....last night wasn’t very conducive to investigating our latest home!
Upon rising this morning, however, our spirits were renewed by the wonderful breakfast
served at the large country table in the dining room. It was a relaxed and leisurely meal,
consisting of several delicious courses, accompanied by enjoyable conversation with the
rest of the guests. We were promised that we wouldn’t be able to eat lunch after
indulging in Domaine Madeleine’s breakfast; so true! Afterwards, as we were planning
our activities for the day and asking for recommendations for dinner reservations, a deer
and her fawn appeared on the expansive back lawn, casually nibbling on their own
breakfast! We learned that there are 14 of those beautiful creatures ambling about!!
With
that opening, our day couldn’t help but be wonderful!! Domaine Madeleine is in a very
quiet, rural area, sitting on a bluff with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (which lies
between Washington and Vancouver Island). There are 4 guest suites (one is in the
cottage); ours is Renoir, which consists of two rooms. The sitting room is open to the
other guests during the day but is closed off as part of Renoir in the evening. This
large, high-ceilinged room contains a fireplace with imposing stone chimney; two comfy
sofas as well as other furniture (much of it oriental antiques); a TV/VCR
(complimentary videos are available) and stereo (with CDs and tapes); a well-stocked
bookshelf; a harpsichord built by John Chambers (Madeleine’s husband); and broad
windows with a sweeping view of the Strait and Vancouver Island (and, of course, those
deer!). The bedroom has an impressionist feeling (owing to its namesake, Renoir), a
four-posted brass bed, artwork, even more books, another TV/VCR, and an updated private
bath. The other three rooms have Jacuzzi tubs, the one thing Renoir lacks.
The
inn also offers a reproduction of Monet’s gardens, outside decks (with that terrific
water view), and there is always coffee, tea and a "bottomless" cookie jar
waiting (in addition to the fresh fruit and chocolates left in the rooms).
though; they even offered
to do a load of laundry for us! We’d hoped to personally convey greetings to
Madeleine and John from Heidi, the owner of The Palms in Vancouver. She’d asked where
we were headed after leaving British Columbia; when we said our next stop was Domaine
Madeleine, she told us that the Chambers have stayed with her before and that she’s
hoping to get a chance to visit their B&B. 
Following Victor’s suggestion, we had dinner at C’est
Si Bon (a terrific French restaurant a few minutes down the road). We thoroughly enjoyed
the food and the atmosphere
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