Colette Suite: Lavender dreams in the purple house

Today, I would be staying in the Colette suite situated in what is called the purple house. There are four buildings in the complex that is known as Cliff Cottage. The purple house is a 2 story Victorian dwelling clad in purple and white, sporting a lovely little porch on the front overlooking the nearby trolley station. (Which is accessible by nearby steps going down one flight from Armstrong St. to Main Street). The trolley station’s dew-coated metal roofs glistened in the morning sunshine. Cornerstone bank with its unique antique museum themed lobby sitting next to the trolley station, offering a glimpse of the past with its 1930s era lobby complete with old time bank teller windows and a wall phone that actually works! Not a bad view to wake up to — and for my money, among the best views in Eureka Springs.

Morning on the porch

The little porch was a perfect place to write during the cool morning hours. Sitting at the small wicker table and chairs a nice breeze caressing my skin. From within the door came a middle-aged couple, who told me they were visiting from San Diego. It was their first visit to Eureka Springs. They were getting ready to go to Thorncrown Chapel and asked me what I thought of it. I told them how it had been chosen as the 4th greatest architectural achievement of the 20th century by the National Institute of Architects around the year 2000. Only losing out to Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the first three spots. Although they had heard of Thorncrown Chapel, they did not know about its architectural awards. Cliff Cottage makes a handy base for a Thorncrown visit — it’s only about fifteen minutes by car, and you can be back on this porch before your coffee gets cold.

A lavender sanctuary

After a while, I headed up to my room for the evening — the quaintly cozy Colette Suite. Walking up the plushly cushioned stairs, I entered the little suite and was greeted with shades of lavender and purple. A one room suite with a small balcony in the back overlooking the nearby cliff face which gives the bed and breakfast its name. A private little nook to have coffee in the morning together. Or a moonlit kiss. The kind of quiet romantic getaway that doesn’t try too hard. Complete with a small white wicker table and chairs. Around the one room suite were paintings of flowers and landscapes. Maintaining the purple shades. Even a large lavender flower shaped rug near the petite pink couch. Nearby windows overlooking the garden and downtown area.

Portrait session before dinner

I had plans to meet a friend at nearby Mud Street Café for dinner and a piece of one of their delicious pies. The main reason for me was the pie actually — although their food is very good and my friend insisted that I try one of their specialty sandwiches. So long as I got my piece of pie I would be willing to try pretty much anything. Except liver.

My friend arrived as I was standing on the balcony considering the cliff face as a nice background for a portrait. After knocking, she let herself in and I quickly asked her if she wasn’t starving, would she mind posing for a fast portrait. She enjoyed modeling for me so I didn’t have to twist her arm. A mess of camera equipment was already out on the bed so it wouldn’t take me long to grab my favorite Nikon and get ready. But before we could step out onto the balcony a ray of sunshine illuminated the white curtains through the glass doors. Changing my idea for the shot, we ended up taking a delicate portrait behind the glass doors overlooking the balcony. She looked lovely in the morning light.

Finishing a couple of poses, my friend and I headed over to Mud St. Café, anticipating some wonderful food. The sound of a street musician serenaded us as we went on our way. The smells of Mud Street Café drawing us ever nearer. Just one of many things to do in Eureka Springs within walking distance of this historic little corner of town.