NORTHWEST BEST PLACES REVIEW CHAUNTECLEER HOUSE, DOVE HOUSE, AND POTTING SHED COTTAGES Our only quibble with these gorgeous cottages on a quiet bluff north of downtown Langley is that it's too hard to choose one. Decorating these hideaways was a labor of love for transplanted Southerner Bunny Meals. We prefer Chauntecleer House, but only by a nose--or a beak (Chauntecleer is the name Chaucer used for a rooster in one of his Canterbury Tales) for its sun- yellow walls, view of Saratoga Passage, wood-burning fireplace, and outdoor hot rob. Dove House doesn't share the view but is charmingly decorated with a mix of furniture and art (the bronze otter was sculpted by Georgia Gerber, Seattle's Pike Place Market Rachel-the-pig artist). A wood stove adds coziness, a second bedroom has bunks for the kids. The Potting Shed has a whimsical garden theme, "twig" bed, two-person jetted tub, and glass-front wood stove. A full breakfast is left in each kitchen. THE BEST PLACES TO KISS IN THE NORTHWEST REVIEW CHAUNTECLEER HOUSE, DOVE HOUSE, AND POTTING SHED COTTAGES 5081 Saratoga Rd, Langley / 360/221-5494 or 800/637-4436 You'll be feeling romantic the moment you set foot on this enchanting property, where three gorgeous cottages sit on a beautiful bluff overlooking scenic Saratoga Passage. In the early spring, you're even likely to spot a pod of gray whales spouting and breaching on the horizon--a breathtaking sight! Sheltered among 6 acres of lush gardens and lawns, each of these three accommodations is unique, with luxurious touches that include jetted tubs and full kitchens. The two-story Chauntecleer House is perhaps the most sublimely romantic, with its large hot tub ensconced in the garden, spacious deck with panoramic water views, and sunset views from the bed. The double-headed shower in the beautifully tiled bathroom is an added bonus. The living room features English pine antiques and inviting plaid couches flanking the brick hearth. Blond hardwood floors, wooden roosters arranged here and there, and tasteful art work add charming detail. The warmly inviting Dove House doesn't have the Chauntecleer's view, but its cedar walls, bright skylights, wood stove, terra-cotta floors, colorful fabrics and art work, and cozy breakfast nook with hand-painted fish tiles in the sunny kitchen make it delightful nonetheless. The Potting Shed, set next to the English garden, is smaller yet, but still enchanting. The interior has a whimsical garden motif, handmade twig bed, two-per.son jetted tub, and glass-front wood stove. Provisions for a delicious breakfast are stocked in each kitchen. We simply can't think of a better place to seclude yourselves and enjoy the beauty of Whidbey Island than one of these three retreats. KAREN BROWN'S GUIDE REVIEW WHIDBEY ISLAND- LANGLEY: DOVE, CHAUNTECLEER HOUSE, POTTING SHED These three cottages, situated 100 feet above a rocky beach on 60 acres of lush green lawn, woods, and fairy-tale garden, with sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, will tug permanently at your soul. Gray whales feed on shrimp in coves below. Eagles perch in trees overhead. Sunsets stop your heart. Dove House is essentially your own private two level lodge with romantic loft bedroom, second room with bunk beds, river-rock fireplace, outdoor hot tub, and full kitchen. Chauntecleer House, another two-story hideaway, is closest to the bluff's edge and furnished in a contemporary country style. It has a full kitchen with bay window, an open fireplace, a large bedroom with skylight, its own hot tub, and a private deck. Finally, there's The Potting Shed, an enchanting secret garden of a place, nearly concealed under canopies of clematis. It has a queen bed with separate sitting room, a wood-burning stove, a large bath with two-person jetted tub and shower, and a full kitchen. You find lavish and artful attention to quality and detail throughout in the tile, the woodwork, the linens, the flatware, the creative use of space. These dreamlike places provide the ultimate in a tranquil, private retreat. Directions: From the Mukilteo ferry, take 525 north for 3 miles, then turn right on Langley Rd. At the stop sign just after the school, turn right on Cascade, then left on 2nd Street, which becomes Saratoga Rd. The property is on the right, about half a mile from the village. AMERICA'S FAVORITE INNS, B&B's and SMALL HOTELS REVIEW CHAUNTECLEER HOUSE AND DOVE HOUSE Just a short walk to the village are two cottages, the Chauntecleer House and Dove House, owned by Bunny and Bob Meals. The charming Dove house has Southwestern decor, a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a fireplace. The elegant Chauntecleer House is furnished with pine antiques and has a kitchen with bay window, living room with fireplace, large bedroom and private deck for viewing the sunsets. Exquisitely decorated. Bunny is extremely personable and did all of the decorating herself. Comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Dove House - The Potting Shed - Chauntecleer House - The Grounds - Directions The Area - Guidebook Reviews - Guest Comments Contact/Reservations - Specials and Seasonal Rates - Home Page