All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
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1997 Jan's Journeys West Coast Roadtrip! Wed. afternoon 9/3/97 thru
Sat. morning 9/6/97 Wed. 9/3/97
We haven’t had a chance yet to fully explore the downstairs common areas, or the 100 year-old gardens, or even to relax on the wraparound veranda and watch the boats drift by. We’ll get to all of that....but we already know that Chinaberry Hill was indeed a lovely spot to initiate our Roadtrip!
We have a lot of activities planned for tomorrow, not the least of which is beginning the day with the hearty breakfast promised by Cecil and Yarrow! For now, since we’ve luxuriated in the Jacuzzi and savored the rich chocolates left on our bed (I just love those candy elves!), it’s time to snuggle into the fluffy down pillows and dream of all the wonderful places awaiting us on our roadtriping adventure!!!! Sat. 9/6/97
So we’re now off to Seattle, but we’re leaving with warm memories of our introduction to Tacoma as well as our marvelous hosts and lovely visit at the Chinaberry Inn! You can phone Cecil and Yarrow at 253-272-1282, send an e-mail to chinaberry@wa.net, or visit their website at http://www.telisphere.com/~chinaberry/, then start planning your own stay in the wonderful old Victorian home that Lucius and Lucy Manning left for you to enjoy!!!
>>Next Stop -- Hotel Vintage Park, Seattle, WA
Copyright © 1997 - 2008: Jan Hight
Published -- September 03, 1997 |
We’ve
arrived; our Roadtrip has officially begun!! I think we may have stumbled across a secret
that many people aren’t aware of...even in the state of Washington: Tacoma is no
longer a smelly industrial town that hides in the shadow of its neighbor Seattle! We
weren’t familiar with the area, so we had no inkling of this residual cloud leftover
from Tacoma’s past. When we discovered Chinaberry Hill on the web, we realized that
it would be a unique launching pad for our West Coast junket. Later we learned that, for
some, Tacoma hasn’t always been viewed as a prime destination for B&Bing -- those
people now need an update!!
Chinaberry Hill is located on the former estate of Lucius Manning, who acquired
the land to be used for the Northern Pacific Railroad Terminus in the late 1800s. He and
his wife Lucy built their home in 1889, on a hill with panoramic views of Puget Sound. 
In January 1996, Cecil and Yarrow
Wayman bought the mansion (which at the time was partially a B&B with apartments
filling the balance). In just 3 months they completed the caring restoration of this
refined old Victorian. Antiques, stained glass, beautiful woodwork, mementos of both the
area and the long-past era...all of these elements were combined into a romantic getaway.
The distressed flooring and paint lend the feel of an old home, while the modern amenities
that the Waymans added are most definitely appreciated.
At
the top of a gently curving staircase, we found our hideaway...the Pantages Suite. This
light and airy room was the Manning’s nursery. Named for Tacoma’s historic
Pantages Theatre, the fine arts are well represented with works by local artists. The high
windows provide fabulous views of the activity in the harbor below, and the suite seems to
glow as the sunlight fuses with the golden color scheme. 
The private bath contains
hand-made Italian tile; the 4-posted rope bed is covered with custom-made renaissance
bedding; the sitting room offers a writing desk and handsome armoire. As a very special
touch, there’s an addition that Lucius and Lucy would have no doubt included in their
home if it had been available in the 19th century...a double Jacuzzi tub
surrounded by rich woodwork and nestled under a leaded-glass rosette window with a
stunning view of the bay!!!
On this first afternoon of our visit, we strolled through a beautiful historic
district containing graceful Victorian homes (over 100 structures are contained on the
National Register of Historical Places), with steep streets following the hilly contours
of the land, and lots of big green trees!! We walked along a lovely waterfront park on
Puget Sound and had dinner at one of the several restaurants located on piers draping over
the water. 
We drove through a 698-acre rainforest...the Point Defiance Park (we must
return there since we didn’t have time to explore the old fort, zoo, aquarium, or the
numerous trails leading to quiet beaches). All of this was within just a few blocks of
Chinaberry Hill!! 
We’re
totally enjoying Yarrow and Cecil’s warm hospitality...as well as their delightful
senses of humor!! Following their
recommendations and
suggestions, we’ve appreciated many of the attractions in Tacoma itself and nearby,
such as picturesque and drowsy little Gig Harbor and "Little Norway on the
Fjord", as the quaint village of Poulsbo is called (due to its Norwegian heritage
dating from the late 1880s). The Waymans can also provide lots of tips for sightseeing in
Seattle, which is only a 30-minute drive or a 45-minute express bus trip away.
The
breakfasts that Chef Cecil prepares have been every bit as special as we’d
anticipated. Thursday morning we were served on the veranda, accompanied by the resident
kitties Bodie and Sprocket (making us feel as if we were at home with the FatCats!) while
we dined on apple pfankuchen (a yummy egg dish) with thick slices of ham alongside; today
we sat in front of one of the fireplaces and devoured smoked salmon quiche with roasted
garlic potatoes. Each morning meal began with coffee or tea, juice, fresh fruit...and lots
of good-natured bantering and pleasant conversation to start the day on a cheerful note!!
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