I was going to do a 2016 recap, but there is only one main event that deserves its own recap. There were many other amazing things that happened, people we met, places we went or little ones that joined our family, but this, this I am so proud of for many reasons.
Let me explain and be the first to introduce...
(Well, I'm not really the first as this is months late past the formal introduction.)
A few years ago Tim drove down Front Street, pulled up into the parking lot across the street from The Dutch Village Mall and said, "I need to tell you something. I'm going to buy that hotel." Needless to say, I was a little nervous. I could tell by the look in his eyes this was going to be exciting and he was very serious. My husband is one to always have his wheels spinning with ideas, ways to make things better or plans for the next business adventure. This idea caught me off guard from the sheer mess it was about to unearth, but now, several years later, Tim has done what he told me he was going to do.
Elements renovated most of the square footage in the mall while other store fronts moved in and quickly became known with the locals. Cheeks established itself as the place to buy higher end jeans and adorable tops with extremely helpful employees. These girls will have you looking great in no time at all. Works out to my benefit too when someone needs to soften his entrance home...helps to have a Cheek's bag in hand! The Hen House moved in as well along with Chandara House which offers authentic Thai cuisine.
Once the focus of the renovation switched to the hotel, it became clear that it was going to be owned privately. Brian Davidson has been a long time friend as history had him living across the street from me while growing up with his three gorgeous daughters. Somehow his business knowledge and Tim's passion for advancing in business meshed together in what you now have as the ownership team for The Mill Inn. These two have done missions together to Cambodia for the past few years and also do their fair share of playing together too.
Brian and Tim balance each other out really well in this adventure. Chelsea, Brian's oldest daughter, is the face of this entire hotel as she greets all our guests making each stay personalized and special. She even organized a horse drawn carriage ride through the snowy streets of Lynden for a family staying over Christmas. Our own kids were able to get some sweat equity in the project helping Daddy clean, put together furniture, run hotel errands and when the phone rings with a last minute check-in, the oldest even helps to prepare the room and clean.
The Mill Inn opened up mid September with a successful open house and since then, has been occupying hotel rooms and making memories for all of our hotel guests. Please take the mini tour below and then book a room and step into your local boutique hotel; the only hotel in a functioning windmill.
{ Celebrating at the open house. }
I am blessed to have a husband with vision, drive and passion all in what he calls work. It is because of his efforts our family is blessed. I am so very proud of the renovations of the entire property and we thank Greg Neufeldt and the Elements Team for making this happen.
Brian, you are the perfect partner and I'm excited to see what's next.
{ The Lobby & Entrance to The Mill Bistro }
At The Mill Inn Gift Shop you will find many Delft printed items (the commonly thought of dutch decor with it's blue and white prints) along with some popular Dutch food items. Chelsea Davidson, The Mill Inn's manager, has filled the shelves with beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, locally home-made decor and other items that you don't want to miss out on. A perfect stop for a gift or souvenir.
And after you get done purchasing your gift items, walk across the lobby and enjoy a cheese plate from The Mill Bistro located in the base of the windmill or sit outside on a sunny day in the gated patio area.
{ Room 1 }
At the very top of the stairs you'll find the bathroom decorated in Delft wall paper and matching Delft coffee cups giving the top of windmill a very dutch, romantic atmosphere. With a queen size bed and view of both directions, north and south, this room comes at high demands.
{ Room 2 }
Room Two is found with a king size bed to rest in. It is beautifully decorated with wood paneled walls and a deep red wallpaper print. It's angled walls reminds you that indeed you are sleeping in the windmill stack.
{ Room 3 }
Room Three is the first of three rooms in the actual windmill. This room comes with a wet bar and lounge space to relax at with a bottle of wine from downstairs or read your next novel from Katz Coffee down the street from the hotel.
{ Room 4...or also known as The Farm Room }
The Farm Room has a mini kitchen and upstairs king bed and bathroom. Perfect for a longer stay or weekend away with the girlfriends. Sit in the bay window and watch downtown come to life or cozy up on the comfy hide-a-bed couch while enjoying a meal from The Mill Bistro & Lounge.
{ Room 5 }
Two queen beds greet you in this beautifully decorated larger hotel room. The details are accented in this blue and gray color schemed room with historic pictures to bring the dutch heritage to life.
{ Room 6 }
Room Six has an outside entrance at the top of the balcony. It has a king size bed and full size bed este to rest your head on. It's look is similar to Room Two with the deep red walls and darker wood finishes.
{ Room 7 }
Room Seven also has an outside entrance with a king size bed and full size bed este. You'll find the treats to greet you and want to grab more from the Gift Shop in the Lobby.
There's your mini tour and our grand recap from 2016.
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