The Dovecot house is a comfortable
little two bedroom Victorian with five beds, completely renovated in
2008 to look as it did in 1906. Which is, in our opinion, how all
renovations should be done! The end product looks more like an old
house now than it has for a while--tall ceilings, original period light
fixtures, natural woodwork, hardwood floors, hand made tile counter tops
and back splashes.
But in keeping with our views on comfort, economy, energy
efficiency and "green" travel, the house sports modern ventilation,
insulation and healthy zone heating. It has an all-new electrical
service and wiring, a second half bath and laundry, and all new water
and energy efficient appliances.  We
are on a mission as usual: trying to make travel sensible for you, the
environment and the community. Just as you would have it if you were at
home.
The Dovecot is a good deal--one of the best long or short
term options in town--but in the end it is not about the money and it is
about values--comfort without opulence: conservation of energy, time and
effort. That belief in turn creates its own natural value. And yes, a
group of a dozen or so beautiful white and gray or tan racing homers
live in the Dovecot out back. The bird watching is guaranteed. . .
.Private, quiet, but still cared for. That's the Dovecot.
 Special
note: The Dovecot House has an old style staircase to the loft bedroom
upstairs. It is really charming up there, but the stairs should not be
climbed by anyone with balance or stability issues. Yes, there are
plenty of railings, but the steps are narrow and steep. Please stay
downstairs, or in one of the grander Odell House mansion units back in
"civilization" if this is an issue for you or any of your guests!
History: The Dovecot House is a 1904 Victorian cottage in the
area of Latah Creek known to locals as "Vinegar Flats." "The Flats" was
so named because it was the site of a vinegar plant (old location uphill
of the settled area) within walking distance of downtown Spokane.
Thousands of crates of apples from local (and more distant)
orchards were processed there in the depression era. The poor folks and
newcomers lived downhill of the old plant, there by the creek, building
what have turned into a neat and eclectic group of cottages and small
houses. The community is bordered on one side by the creek and huge
basalt cliff, and on the other the base of the western South Hill. The
bird watching is fantastic--not just our tame ones, but osprey, eagles,
kingfisher and many song birds who enjoy that riparian habitat.
So it's a mixed neighborhood of birds and locals (and yes,
some skunk, deer, occasional moose and many raccoons) sharing the
beautiful view and semi-rural, close-in feel that is special to
Spokane's vintage "creek" neighborhoods. We have artists and artisans,
cabinet makers and commuters. We have a glass blower, a sculptor, a
retired priest, several musicians, medical folk, some kids working on
their cars, all within a stone's-throw.
We also border one of Spokane's most spectacular large parks
(High Bridge Park) with access by foot or bike to the Centennial Trail,
downtown Spokane, and Browne's Addition. If you are not feeling so
athletic there is also public transportation to downtown, and always
easy parking if you bring a car. Five minutes and you are there:
downtown, the hospitals, the highway, places to eat, places to shop.
Walking? Not five minutes, right out the door. . . .
Click for more pictures of the interior rooms
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