Ambiance Bed & Breakfast

Location: 774 Lost Mountain Lane, Sequim

Phone: 683-2341

On the web: ambiancebnbwa.com

A new inn southwest of Sequim high in the Texas Valley evokes an aura of elegance, so it’s no surprise that innkeepers Yvonne and Chris Herr designed and built their dream business and named it Ambiance Bed & Breakfast.

“The word ‘ambiance’ fit the best because of the description in the dictionary,” Chris said. “It definitely describes what we think we’re presenting — ‘the character and atmosphere of a place, the air, climate, mood, quality.’ Ambiance says it all for our 10-acre private retreat with a panoramic water view.”

And what a water view it is from a spacious patio overlooking the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the lights of Victoria visible at night.

The Herrs said they looked at more than 50 properties before settling on the mountain acreage and decided on new construction with Sequim builder Ron Robbins of Integrity Homes to get exactly what they envisioned.

“We designed the house as a B&B and the guests have total privacy,” Yvonne said. “We’re big on that. The whole place is set up for privacy — the patio, the sunset deck and the secret garden. It’s a mini-retreat and the rooms are larger than usual B&Bs — the two suites are 450 and 380 square feet, so we’ll only have a maximum of four guests. We’re all about pampering — that’s why we’re unique.”

The 3,500-square-foot inn has an airy two-story entryway accented in gleaming white with a reading nook at the top of the stairs. The lower level includes a dining room, great room, country kitchen, two generous suites for the Herr family, powder room and a coffee bar for guests. The muted decor colors throughout evoke a sense of serenity and the dark furniture a European manor. From the smallest detail to the largest, indoors and out, Yvonne selected items from local vendors including Heather Creek, Fieldstones, Pieces of Time, Over the Fence, Bauer Interiors and Fifth Avenue Furniture.

Upstairs, the suites are so roomy that the king-size beds appear dwarfed down to doubles. In the northwest corner is the larger Christopher suite, “named after my husband and St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers,” Yvonne said. “My style is French country with a touch of coastal.”

The room, in its understated elegance, features accents of chocolate and silver blue and the opalescence of abalone, with two comfortable chairs, a loveseat, propane fireplace, a shower and a slipper tub overlooking the front courtyard. One of Yvonne’s small but inspired touches is a full-length mirror strategically placed so a bather can see the fireplace reflected in the mirror. A wall with sentiments in French, stenciled by Heather Creek, adds more Gallic charm.

The Robbins suite, named after their contractor, is on the northeast side and has aviary-inspired accents, including a Victorian birdcage. “I wanted to do colors that are refreshing and fun,” Yvonne said.

It has a corner fireplace, king-sized bed with a wrought-iron headboard, a loveseat and chairs, an alcove soaker tub in the bathroom which often is drenched by moonlight through a large round window. Both suites have original artwork, WiFi and Bluetooth connections and Yvonne puts out vases of fresh flowers daily.

From their French country kitchen, she and Chris offer vegetarian and gourmet breakfasts for guests with fresh local ingredients from Sunny Farms and the Sequim Farmers Market.

The Herrs are especially fond of their expansive patio with its massive barbecue and have furnished it with rocking chairs and a curved couch with plump cushions and bistro tables and chairs.

“The view never gets old because there are spectacular views of Sequim and Carlsborg and the sunrises and sun sets are gorgeous,” Yvonne said. “Nature will come to you.”

The Herrs said they’re looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and hinted that celebrities might find the inn, with its amenities and isolation, appealing.

“I’ve wanted to do a B&B for a very long time because I love to bring joy to people,” Yvonne said. I’m energized by that. One thing I love about our B&B is everyone who comes will be part of Chapter I, to make this history of the B&B. I had never heard of Sequim but now I couldn’t be prouder of being a Sequimmer.”

The Ambiance Bed & Breakfast is booking for Sequim Lavender Weekend. For more information, call 683-2341 or visit http://ambiancebnbwa.com.