When
I first pulled up to the stately pink Victorian B&B, I knew I was in for a
treat. The Sheldon House Bed and Breakfast -- on Mulberry Street across the road
from Colorado State University's center campus -- was my home base during my visit
to Fort Collins, Colo.
Maryann
Blackerby, a friendly innkeeper with snow white hair, greeted me at the door.
She actually reminded me of my mother, and I instantly felt at home. At Maryann's
side was the B&B mascot, Gizmo, a Schnauzer with fur that felt like velvet.
He and I were friends right away, and he was waiting for me by the breakfast table
the next morning.
After
I literally caught my breath, (being a flatlander from Michigan made the altitude
a bit overwhelming), we ascended the grand oak staircase, passing a quilt and
stained glass window on the way to my room. I spent the weekend in the Charles
and Martha Sheldon Room, named in honor of the builders of the house. My bed was
a four-poster queen set against a backdrop of lace. I couldn't wait to sink into
the four giant floral pillows. I soon found out that Maryann would turn the bed
down and leave the bedside light burning when I returned at night.
The
room was large and adorned with antique knickknacks. I had my own private bathroom
with what seemed like a spa-shower, complete with a thick cotton robe for afterwards.
The water came out full blast, and beat down on my shoulders with enough force
to wake my tired muscles.
I awoke
at six the following morning to the smell of cinnamon raisin muffins, but I didn't
need to be up for a few more hours, so I remained nestled under the down comforter
in my little sleep-induced paradise.
The
brochure for the Sheldon House promises you won't leave the house hungry, and
that vow was more than accurate. When I finally made it down to breakfast, I stuffed
myself with one of the muffins, a bowl of honey toasted flakes, fresh pineapple,
and the crème de la crème, Maryann's breakfast quiche which included
green onions and other vegetables, along with bacon packed on a homemade pie crust.
During
breakfast I conversed with the other guests -- a young couple from North Carolina
-- and Maryann, who filled me in on the history of the Sheldon House. I learned
that it wasn't sitting on its original spot, and it had been moved four blocks.
The
rest of the house was just as cozy and warm as my room. The living room and library
on the main floor was the perfect place for any guest to relax. I was watching
TV in the library one night, and I noticed the coffee table was an old claw-foot
bathtub with a wood cover on top. There were all sorts of interesting things to
discover there, but I don't want to give everything away. When it was time
for me to leave, I must have hugged Maryann 50 times on my way out the door. Strangely,
I felt like I was leaving home again.
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MORE
INFORMATION: The Sheldon House is located at 616 West Mulberry Street
in Fort Collins, Colo. For more information, call
970-495-6954 or e-mail thesheldonhouse@aol.com.
Also visit the B&B's website at www.bbonline.com/co/sheldonhouse.
Credit
cards and personal checks accepted.
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