Less than two hours from the heart of Vancouver exists a lover’s paradise and the ultimate retreat. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, celebrating your 50th anniversary or newly in love, Rowena’s Inn on the River is a spectacular place to bond.
In early September, my boyfriend James and I drove down to Rowena’s to stay the night in one of their cottages. Our cottage for the night was called Fenn, one of four cottages on site that are named after the first four grandchildren of Rowena: Fenn, Carol Ann, Phyllis and Nelson.
From the outside the cottages look quaint but the inside proves otherwise with its high ceilings and open concept.
Photo Credit: James Healey
Plenty of sunshine lights the cottage due to the large windows and sliding glass door that opens up to a private balcony. The balcony is private in the sense that it is your own to use and no one else’s, but not in the sense that it’s hidden. To the left and to the back of the Fenn cottage you can watch golfers make their way through Sandpiper Golf Course while also seeing the other cottages in your periphery. You can also see a glimpse of the Harrison River but the best view of it is poolside as you lounge in a chaise chair or soak in the hot tub.
The pool is massive both in depth and length allowing the fit to swim laps, the divers to dive and the waders to have their own calm area all at once. When we were there we had the pool to ourselves as many of the guests were out golfing, taking advantage of the perfect weather and the idyllic golf course.
As we sat there soaking in the rays and the view, we were greeted by a staff member from Sandpipers. After some small talk he gave us a warning with a chuckle, before zipping away on his golf cart.
“You know when you see those golfers that know exactly where the ball is going? That only happens on TV.”
Loving his sense of humor, we contemplated the idea of keeping our eyes peeled, but were later reassured by Betty Anne Faulker, co-owner of Rowena’s Inn on the River, that she’s never seen a ball stray that far from the course.
While we didn’t golf at Sandpiper, we experienced it through a guided tour in a limo cart with Betty Anne. Since she lives on site, it was not surprising to find out that she is also a golfer and seemed to know many of the regulars out on the course that day. We also got to know a few of the golfers including Ron Kothlow and Lorraine Manyk, who were staying in the Carol Ann Cottage, and Jack and Adrienne Boots who claimed Sandpiper to be “one of the most beautiful golf courses that they’ve played on.”
Photo Credit: James Healey
After stopping at Hole 10 to look for the massive eagle nest sitting 145 feet up in the huge Douglas Fir, and being tempted by what Betty Anne called the best Bratwursts she’s had being sold at the food stop, we came across some young lads out for a round.
From left: Niko, Joel, Garrett, Johnathan and Wes
It was nice to see that the demographic of golfers was vast and that age doesn’t necessarily determine who the hacker with tree shots is, and who the pro is.
Photo Credit: James Healey
Another notable thing about the golf course is the Sasquatch footprint at their signature hole #15. The three toes (although Betty Anne thinks they probably have more) make up the sand traps.
What makes Rowena's Inn on the River stand out from other bed and breakfasts is not the view and the incredible golf course attached (although perks) but their attention to detail. Waiting in each room upon arrival is some chilled wine and a cheese and fruit plate-- I couldn't think of a better way to escape my do-it-yourself ways and relax.
The pre-prepared fireplace, cards, board games and iPhone compatible stereo kept us cozy, relaxed and entertained all night long. And if that wasn't enough, the bathroom boasted a Jacuzzi tub with candles and a skylight to further set the mood.
Since we slept in the cottage and not the Inn we were curious as to what the rooms were like inside the beautiful house. Before our afternoon tea, Betty Anne took us on a tour explaining to us about the antiques, her family and how Rowena's Inn grew to be.
We explored the house learning about how the Inn developed to its current state from when her parents bought it in January of 1924 from the Jackson’s Estate. Due to poor connecting roads to the estate, her parents would travel from Vancouver by train, paddle their canoe up the river, work on the place for a couple of days and journey back to Vancouver. Exhausted by this routine they finally decided to move there.
Back then it was a tiny house with no running water, but throughout the years they have expanded on to the home. First thing they did was building on a veranda that wrapped around to the back door, as well as adding some bedrooms upstairs. One of these bedrooms now contains the bed that Betty Anne was actually born in. She was the only child in the family to be born at the resort. The bedroom where it resides opens up to a shared balcony and a gorgeous view of the Harrison river and the mountains.
Photo Credit: James Healey
Betty Anne continued through the Inn showing us the exquisite drawing room that was added on in the mid 1950's when the wrap around veranda was removed.
In it hangs a crystal chandelier from England that was shipped with each crystal individually wrapped. It used to hang over the table in the main room prior to the drawing room being built.
There is also a grand piano in the drawing room which was relocated from the Pretty Family home and that was once played on by Jimmy Durante when he stayed as a guest.
You'll notice when walking though the house the intricate pieces of furniture, statues and even hand railings. Betty Anne's parents loved to collect antiques and went over to England twice in the 1920s where they found many of the pieces now in the Inn.
Rowena's Inn on the River is a place where you can escape to for the weekend or a week. Whether there to get out of the big city, looking to get some golfing in or wanting to be treated like a VIP it can be found less than 2 hours away.
It earns its title as one of BC’s best bed and breakfasts with its beautiful setting, intricate interior, and their "let me take care of you" attitude. Like any resort you would go to abroad they’ve covered all the bases and are there to provide you with a memorable and relaxing experience.
Their hospitality begins at the front door, is emphasized by the chilled wine and cheese plate waiting in the rooms and reiterated by the fantastic breakfast spread delivered in a picnic basket.
Want to read more about our deluxe breakfast in bed and afternoon tea experience? Read this. Also check out my review of dinner at River's Edge Restaurant at Rowena's.
For more high resolution photos check out my Rowena's set on Flicker or check out Rowena's Inn on the River on their site.