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Sutherland House, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Canandaigua, New York
"Celebrate Love and Friendship" at the Sutherland House, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
The home was built in 1885 by Henry C. Sutherland, who raised beef cattle, was vice-president of the Canandaigua Tin Company and served on the Board of Directors for the Canandaigua First National Bank. Cor and Diane Van Der Woude found this wonderful old home in the spring of 1993. Locally referred to as the Haunted House, Ghost House or Witch House, the home had fallen into serious disrepair. After 15 months of renovation and restoration, they were ready to open their Bed & Breakfast inn. The first guests were welcomed in August of 1994.
We arrived in mid-day and were greeted at the walkway by Diane. It was incredibly warm that day and she immediately made arrangements for us to connect the Eagle to electric so that Lexxus would also be comfortable. As Mike roamed the beautiful yard photographing the architecture and landscaping, Diane and I toured the house. Downstairs is a guest parlor and dining area. Awaiting all arriving guests are afternoon refreshments in the parlor.
The ceilings downstairs are 10 feet and upstairs 9 feet. Cor and Diane managed to salvage the wonderful, long windows that so many older homes have. There was a breeze blowing in the windows and in spite of the temperature outdoors, it was quite comfortable inside. Our tour proceeded into the foyer where Diane has available cookbooks, mugs and other mementos of The Sutherland House.
On the second floor are the guest rooms, in 2 separate wings. Each wing has a guest refrigerator and snack foods, along with books, movies and other amenities. Our room was the Parkerhouse Suite. Beautifully decorated, the room boasted a king size bed, TV and VCR, a table with 2 wicker side chairs and a fireplace. Next came the sitting room with it's day bed, two-person whirlpool tub and dressing table. The private bath completed the suite with a shower. The room was air conditioned and the bed was wonderful -- once again we found those delightful, soft sheets that innkeepers alone seem to be able to provide!
Diane had contacted a local restaurant who was also interested in a review, so we soon left to enjoy dinner in the town of Canandaigua. Upon our return, there was work to be done and then a great night's sleep!
The warmth and caring we have found so often in innkeepers was truly evident the next morning. Lexxus had not been feeling well for several days, but that morning she was much worse. As I experienced a short period of panic (true to my nature when it comes to my puppy!), Diane quickly took the situation in hand and contacted a local veterinarian who was able to work us in that morning. She even changed the normal time breakfast is served from 9:00 to 8:15 am in order to accommodate us! We are truly grateful for her help!
Since the weather was so nice, Diane served breakfast on the patio, in the shade of a 200-year old copper beech tree. We started with a fresh fruit dish and yogurt. There were raspberries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, strawberries and pineapple. Orange juice, coffee and tea were available. Our breakfast fritata came with homemade salsa, Canadian bacon and cinnamon toast. The breakfast was great and Mike really enjoyed the fritata. I must admit that I probably didn't give the food as much attention as I normally would have because I was worried about Lexxus.
As we left to take Lexxus to the vet, Diane asked us to call and let her know how the dog was and told us that if we would have to stay overnight for any reason, to be sure and contact her....that our room would be waiting. All turned out well. Lexxus had apparently picked up a stomach virus or something along the way and a few shots later along with some medication, she was good to go.
Diane and Cor have truly made this old "haunted house" into a warm and welcoming home for the traveler. Their spirit of friendship and caring is evident in every corner of the home and in the wonderful way they have of making a guest feel like one of the family! We can heartily recommend The Sutherland House!!
Please visit their Website and when you make your reservations.....
be sure to tell them Cruising America says Hi!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net