Pick a cabin and lose yourself in quiet opulent bliss. A jetted tub, fireplace, exquisite bed, and a porch, complete with a two-person swing, await you at Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins. Nestled amongst golden meadows and pine-filled forests, visualize yourself basking in a quiet, luxurious retreat far from the insanity of everyday life. The cabins are on the north side of the Columbia River Gorge in the tiny town of Carson, Washington.
Individual Luxury Cabins
Last April, I spent two nights at Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins where ten cabins serve as the accommodations for this magnificent privately owned bed and breakfast. Each cabin is uniquely named and decorated featuring a handcrafted bed, fireplace, refrigerator, and jetted tub for two. Every front porch boasts a loveseat-size log swing and a bistro table for outdoor dining. It was easy to while away the time rocking in the swing lost in the beauty of the landscape. The top three cabins feature rain showers and a wine refrigerator for discerning wine connoisseurs and collectors.
Gracious Dedicated Owners
Owners Richard Albert and Theresa Regnier bring complementary skills and talents to the bed & breakfast. Richard’s background in printing and sales helps him handle the business end of things, and his keen eye for detail and style comes in handy when he manages work on the grounds and renovations to the cabins. After purchasing the property, the couple decided to upgrade their investment and fix things up to match their style. Richard works and supervises the cabin improvements. He has transformed and enhanced everything from window frames to tables and counters in each cabin by replacing and refinishing pieces with more appealing iron details and woodwork.
Hearty Scrumptious Breakfasts
Theresa loves playing hostess, and she wows guests daily with her delicious three-course breakfasts and delightful insights into local adventures. All mornings begin with a choice of coffee or tea and juice. On my first day, I enjoyed a bowl of fresh fruit with melon and berries and a tasty lemon white-chocolate scone. After finishing, I progressed to a plate of classic eggs Benedict with a hollandaise sauce prepared with the perfect touch of lemon. The second day I indulged in Greek yogurt with homemade granola and light, flaky quiche. Richard and Theresa both strive to make certain that guests enjoy a full and memorable experience at their B & B. They even offer to deliver breakfast to cabins for a small fee if a guest prefers to eat breakfast alone.
Special Onsight Extras
The impressive wine rack in the dining hall built by Richard features fabulous Washington wines. Guests can select a bottle from the rack at any time using the honor system and then pay for it before checking out.
Visitors can opt to have a private massage in their cabin. Theresa works with several professional masseurs in the area; and by letting her know in advance, arrangements can be made for a treatment. Payment for the session is handled between the guest and the provider. Melissa Bernt from Atlas Therapeutic Massage gave me a deep-tissue massage next to the fireplace in my room one evening. She successfully relieved my body from the stress I held so tightly.
Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins is the perfect place to have a small wedding or group gathering. The pristine garden area makes a beautiful setting for a ceremony or celebration. The four-foot walkways accommodate wheelchairs. The couple noticed that many of their guests arrive in Teslas and electric BMWs, so they installed an electric charging station to oblige them. Theresa says, “Ultimately our goal is for a person to rejuvenate and relax, to just take a breath and let go of their crazy world.” She shared that people say, “I feel like I healed on the property.”
Local Gourmet Dining
Henni’s Kitchen & Bar is just a 25-minute drive from the cabins. Owners Christiaan Erasmus and Sarah Morton-ErasmusI enjoy serving an eclectic array of small gourmet plates and tasty alcoholic drinks. I began my evening with a smooth and dry Scofflaw cocktail made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, grenadine, and a mix of lemon and orange bitters. For dinner, I savored Chef Christiaan’s Bobotie—a South African beef curry with an egg custard and rice. The slightly spicy, rich, and hearty dish was perfect on a cold night. Next, I tried the roasted cauliflower over polenta with taleggio cheese. The gooey cheese and creamy polenta were warm and soothing. I finished dinner with luscious sweet crème caramel topped with a brûléed banana.
Exciting Outdoor Activities
Several fabulous hikes are within an hour’s drive of the cabins. Panther Creek Falls is only a short walk from the parking area featuring a 130-foot waterfall with a wooden viewing platform. Falls Creek Falls is a bit farther away and requires hiking 6.2 miles roundtrip with approximately 1150 feet in elevation gain to reach the stunning falls. The hike at Beacon Rock, a basalt rock nestled alongside the Columbia Gorge, is only 1.6 miles roundtrip with 600 feet of elevation gain. The views of the Gorge from the summit are glorious.
Multiple wineries line the gorge along the Washington side. Visitors will find small intimate tasting rooms where they can enjoy quiet chats with winery owners, or they can visit the well-known Mary Hill Winery where they can appreciate wonderful wine and sweeping vistas of the Columbia River.
The next time you want a peaceful upscale getaway in the Gorge, book your lodging at Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins and explore the wonders on the north side of the river.
| Photos courtesy of Tracy Beard and Carson Ridge.