Recently, Buffalo Rising Online posted articles about some alternative accommodations in the city, Honu House and Porter Ave. pied-*-terre. There is another one we’d like to share that may come as a surprise those who have unknowingly driven past it hundreds of times. The place is Beau Fleuve Bed & Breakfast Inn located on the northwest corner of Linwood Avenue and Bryant Street. The plum and pumpkin painted stick-style residence has been receiving and delighting guests for over a dozen years. The fact that there is no signage adds to the privacy offered to guests who want an inconspicuous getaway in the middle of the city. But this lovely B&B is not only a welcome place for out-of-towners, Beau Fleuve can provide the perfect weekend retreat for Buffalonians. Last March, my husband and I did just that.
“Beau Fleuve B&B – A City Getaway” by Bronwen Battaglia, originally published in the Spring/Summer ’05 issue of Buffalo Rising Magazine.
When we told friends that we were planning a stay at Beau Fleuve Bed & Breakfast Inn on Linwood Avenue, everyone said iReally? Thereis a B&B in Buffalo?i While a imetropolitan bed and breakfasti may seem unbelievable n itis not only true, itis a treat!
Beau Fleuve, at the corner of Linwood and Bryant, is owned by Rik and Ramona Whitaker. Buffalo transplants, the Whitakers are serious Buffalo boosters. Rik has been a professor of journalism & broadcasting at Buffalo State College for over twenty years. Ramona is editor and publisher for the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontieris Landmarker newsletter. She is active in the Linwood Preservation District association and chaired Linwoodis first home tour in April.
To prepare for our getaway, we deposited the kids with their Nana, secured a dog walker, then excitedly drove the 2.5 miles to Beau Fleuve. When we walked through the side door into the grand foyer, we were greeted by Pepper, the concierge cat, and our hosts Ramona and Rik. After a tour of the inn, we settled into the parlor for tea, homemade desserts, and a history of the inn. The grand stick-style inn was designed by architect Eugene L. Holmes in the early 1880s for stockbroker Albert J. Wright. The Whitakers purchased the property sixteen years ago with the dream of running a B&B. They chose the name Beau Fleuve (French for ibeautiful riveri) because they enjoy the legend that iBuffaloi is a derivation of the term. Nearly every inch of the residence has been refurbished, renovated, or redone. They opened their doors for business in 1990, offering one guest room while they continued renovating. Ramona even hung much of the handsome wallpaper herself. iItis been a labor of love.i
The first floor has a great hall, a guest parlor, a formal dining room, and a gourmet kitchen whose space was designed by local architect Kathleen Kinan and interior details by Ramona. The color schemes of blue-green isea and sky,i gold isunshine,i terracotta and black iearthi herald an Arts and Crafts naturalistic sensibility in the kitchen and throughout the home. Original and recent stained glass windows enhance the glow of the sunlight. The walls are adorned with various collections. There are original works from local artists, photographs from Buffalois industrial past, and artifacts from Egypt, where Rik and Ramona met, married, and lived, he for three years, she for two. The second floor foyer is decorated with Native American artifacts and mission style furniture. Here guests can help themselves to refreshments and snacks displayed on a handsome Hoosier cabinet.
Off of the foyer are the five guest rooms, each lovingly decorated with subtle touches paying tribute to the different nationalities that originally settled in Buffalo.
The German Room, Rikis favorite, has salmon and dark green dEcor, unique pairs of corner windows, and an impressive collection of antique beer steins. He says that on occasion, when this room is vacant off season, he enjoys grading papers at the desk there. iThe ambiance, to me, is warm and enveloping. Pepper comes in to keep me company.i
Ramona is partial to the Italian Room with its lovely southern and western light. Grapes peek out from the intricate William Morris wallpaper and are echoed in the fabrics on the Eastlake chairs and needlepoint pillows, giving the room ia warm and elegant glow.i
The French Room has a pair of vintage Louis XV-style armchairs and framed prints of Monet and Renoir. Other accents include an original decorative corner fireplace and sophisticated striped cerulean and gold fabrics.
The Polish Room is decorated in blues and whites with vintage furnishings and Polish handicrafts. The theme of the room is imusic and literaturei with framed prints and books about Poland, and Chopin and by Polish authors.
We stayed in the Irish Room. It is decorated in green tones with William Morris Chrysanthemum wallpaper. The en suite private bath is fresh with checkerboard tile and more shades of green. Some nice touches are iHis and Hersi towels (one green set and one ivory set), comfy waffle weave monogrammed robes, and cedar-rosemary glycerin soap. Beside the high brass queen bed are a coffee maker and a binder highlighting things to do in Buffalo. Vintage postcards from Ireland are tucked into the mirror on the dresser. Next to an antique love seat, an electric wood-burning stove adds to the cozy ambiance of the room.
We took advantage of sleeping in n an impossibility with children n and appreciated Beau Fleuveis leisurely 9am weekend breakfast. When we descended the grand oak staircase yummy aromas from the kitchen signaled that breakfast was on its way. Beau Fleuveis signature breakfast is a feast for all the senses. The table was set with candlelight, pink roses, and cloth napkins in silver napkin rings. Classical music created yet another layer of relaxation and elegance. We started our meal with fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. We quickly polished off poached pears drizzled with raspberry sauce and yogurt, and a selection of Ramonais scrumptious double-chocolate and carrot-coconut muffins. The meal was completed with perfectly prepared Eggs Florentine and more fresh fruit.
We shared the breakfast table with another guest, Phyllis, who was in Buffalo visiting her newborn granddaughter. After the plates were cleared, Rik and Ramona joined our conversation. Several more cups of coffee were poured while we discussed everything from the latest local architectural restoration to the surprise of cardinal sightings in the city. Rik recalls a time when their dining table was filled with guests from five different countries n ia mini UN.i They both enjoy the discussions that take place around the table, especially the igreat peals of laughteri from people who have met only a few minutes prior.
The clock struck eleven, signaling the end of our relaxing getaway. It was time to say goodbye and retrieve the kids. As we drove away, we glanced back at the inn eager to return for another mini vacation.
Beau Fleuve Bed & Breakfast Inn
242 Linwood Avenue
716.882.6116
www.beaufleuve.com
(photos by Denise Carr)