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White Lake's newest bed and breakfast is in one of its oldest homes. A Finch Nest is in an 1860s Victorian cottage built by O. Wayne Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez purchased the lot from lumber baron Charles Mears, who laid out and subdivided what is now the City of Whitehall. Later, the house was owned for decades by the Williams family, and was one of the town's social centers, hosting frequent parties. When the White Lake Leather Company purchased it, it was used as a residence for its executives. It then reverted to private family occupancy and began to suffer from the accumulated years. Helen Fink, a retired schoolteacher, purchased the property in 2002, with the plan to make it a bed and breakfast. Extensive, careful interior upgrading has resulted in a comfortable and modern home true to its Victorian flavor. Floors in the living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms are beautiful maple and oak. The kitchen and pantry in the former carriage house have floors of pine and fir. The ceilings are high. The décor is Victorian. The furniture was collected by Helen and her husband during the many months they lived in temporary quarters while the renovation was underway. Each room has a unique charm that gives the guest a Victorian mood without sacrificing modern comforts. The guestrooms have TV/VCR/DVD, a telephone, and internet access. All rooms have a private bath containing a whirlpool tub as well as a modern shower stall. The Gold Room’s tub is a two-person size. The reception area is a formal parlor quite suitable for visiting, drinking coffee with the paper, or just relaxing. The library contains light reading and a video library for use in the guests’ rooms, as well as a wood-burning fireplace. The centerpiece of the home is the dining room where guests breakfast around a large formal table. Fresh coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. The breakfasts are ample and savory and always fresh. Bread is baked on the premises, and guests frequently awaken to the smell of bread baking. During the summer, wine and cheese is served at 5 o'clock in the garden. Helen and Andy (her assistant, bread baker, attorney, and husband of 40 years) reside in the former servants’ quarters in the attached carriage house. Finch is the English word for Fink; hence, A Finch Nest is a place where the Finks make their home. "My wife and I stayed at your bed and breakfast with several friends recently, and had a wonderful time. I still think about the breakfasts, and have not had one even close to as good as yours since!" M.S from Grand Rapids |
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To contact us: afinchnest@chartermi.net
Copyright © 2003 Newton Technology Group |
