We realized that a very special pleasure awaited as we drove past the high hedges and through the stately gates of the Simpson House Inn.  We hadn't even finished parking our car when an innkeeper appeared to greet and welcome us to this highly rated B&B...that was our first indication of just why this beautiful Victorian inn has received so many impressive awards and accolades.  The check-in process was warm and inviting.  As we were guided around the property, it became clear that all of the admiring comments we'd heard about the Simpson House were true...and that our high expectations were going to be met and even surpassed!

The main house was built in 1874; it now contains 7 of the Inn's 14 guestrooms. We relaxed with a cup of tea in the library, which - in addition to books - contains a sizeable collection of videos for guests' use in their in-room VCRs.  This comfortable room with its fireplace and overstuffed chairs became a favorite spot for chatting with our fellow travelers about the joys of marvelous Santa Barbara.  It was easy to imagine the Simpson family gathering in this room more than 125 years ago, enjoying their gracious home. The other common area in the main house is the dining room, where breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and evening wine and hors d'oeuvres are served (more about that later).

We continued strolling through an acre of peaceful gardens; it felt as if we were in our own secluded sanctuary in the middle of this lovely old Santa Barbara neighborhood.

Then it was time to make our way up the pathway to our own little corner of the Inn, the Hayloft Room in the "Old Barn" building.  The barn was added to the Simpsons' property in 1876, housing their horses and associated provisions.  In 1992 the structure was dismantled, all pieces were labeled and numbered, and the barn was reassembled on a new foundation with structural additions as needed.  Four refined guestrooms occupy the barn's original areas for which they are named (Hayloft, Carriage Room, Tack Room, and Weathervane Room).

And then we entered the Hayloft...ah, what a delight!  The decor expressed the era and intent of the room's earliest purpose, with a sophisticated modern polish added.  The room was cozily home-like and luxuriously elegant at the same time (a sometimes tricky combination to achieve).  Every convenience and amenity had been perfected to the tiniest facet.  Breakfast was just one indication of the exceptional service.  Since we wanted to spend as much time as possible in our new-found haven, we decided to have the morning feast delivered to our room...an option that is available to guests staying in the Old Barn and the three Garden Cottages (which were built in 1993).  We expected a gourmet treat, which it certainly was, but we didn't expect the thorough set-up of our meal.  This wasn't just a couple of trays  appearing at our door; two staff members took meticulous effort to lay out our breakfast as carefully as would any fine restaurant - linens, silver, crystal, flowers...all beautifully arranged in front of our fireplace.  This high level of guest care is why the Inn has won so many prestigious awards, including the coveted 5-Diamond from AAA.

Speaking of fabulous food, the evening hors d'oeuvres buffet was an elaborate display, just as tasty as it was eye-catching, accompanied by excellent Santa Barbara area wines.  The variety of delectable temptations was dazzling. This isn't a simple wine 'n cheese gathering any more than the Hayloft is a dusty pantry for horses!

The Simpsons' grand Italianate house withstood an earthquake in 1925 and the threat of developers' wrecking balls in the 1970s.  Glyn and Linda Davies purchased the property in 1976 and lovingly restored their new home and its grounds to their former, and well-deserved, glory.  The Simpson House Inn was opened as a Bed and Breakfast in 1985, and the house and gardens were declared a Historic Landmark in 1992.  Based on our experience, the Simpson House definitely lives up to its glowing reputation and we'd certainly recommend it.  As we discovered on a previous attempt to stay at this extraordinary inn, reservations must be made far in advance.  You may reach the innkeepers at 1-800-676-1280 or visit the website at http://www.simpsonhouseinn.com, then prepare yourselves for a rare and wonderful indulgence!

Copyright © 2002 - 2008: Jan Hight
All photos are the property of Jan & John Hight and may not be copied or used in any way without our written permission.

Published -- February 5, 2002
Last Revision -- Sunday, 13-Aug-2006 03:29:20 GMT