Tennyson Suite: A knight’s garden with an outdoor cliff shower

Cliff Cottage obtains its name from the ever-present cliff face running behind the collection of 4 buildings — each one a unique place to stay — that make up the complex. And the suite that most takes advantage of that omnipresent feature is the Lord Tennyson Suite located in a blue building that was one of the first mayor’s houses. That building, with its brightly colored gingerbread façade, is the quintessential Victorian structure which gives the Cliff Cottage Inn collection its moniker. A pure example of the style from yester years. At the rear of the suite, a patio with table and chairs along with an outdoor shower set right against the looming cliff wall, creates an intimate nook for couples to enjoy.

A Victorian welcome

A small porch greets you as you approach the suite’s entrance. You stand on the covered front porch while overlooking Armstrong Street and the trolley station nearby. The sounds of the bustling downtown mingle with the chirping of birds in the lovely winding gardens beside the structure. As you enter the living room area of the suite, you notice the beautiful old-fashioned green wallpaper accented with numerous pink flowers which, along with the large windows, gives the room an airy garden-like quality. Sitting adjacent to a large golden ornate oval mirror, stands a suit of armor that is a delightful nod to Alfred Lord Tennyson’s book — Idylls of the King — which is the book that made the Arthurian legends and the Knights of the Round Table famous. Statues and paintings of Lord Tennyson can be seen around the room. Each suite at the Cliff Cottage Inn features a book written by the author that the suite is named after. Placed there for you and other guests to read and appreciate. Often, visitors are inspired by the literature in the room to explore the author’s other works in the future. A source of inspiration unusual in lodging establishments.

The bedroom and luxurious bath

The second room in the suite was the bedroom. It features a king size bed and nearby dresser on one side of the room, and a vanity sink next to a large triangular jacuzzi tub with waterfall shower. The jacuzzi tub looked quite inviting, however since temperatures were in the 90s, I decided to take advantage of the outdoor shower. Opting for a soak in the jacuzzi later. The large double head shower was a delight. Sun peeked over the top of 25 foot high cliff walls surrounding 3 sides of the shower, with a rustic wood screen on the final side. The rock walls were festooned with numerous curious figurines and statues placed along the moss-covered cliff wall face. The warm breezes caressed me as I basked in the cascade of warm water over me from the oversized showerhead. I pondered how it would be perfect for couples. The suite was a great spot for a romantic getaway — a honeymoon, an anniversary, or both.

A whimsical patio retreat

Exiting the shower and stepping onto the wooden deck, I slipped on one of the complimentary robes and shamelessly settled on one of the patio chairs to just relax. Wonderful little items abounded across the cliff walls. From Victorian figurines to mice on motorcycles. Wide eyed frogs and laughing angels. A sense of humor and whimsy could be ascertained by the arrangements, amongst the moss and grey stone.

More Than a Cabin

Eureka Springs is famous for its treehouse cabins — you can find them tucked into the hills outside of town, a car ride from the nearest restaurant. Cliff Cottage, by contrast, sits right at the edge of downtown — walk to romantic restaurants, galleries, and live music without ever starting the car. For travelers who want that same closeness to nature with the comforts of a Victorian bed and breakfast and a central location, Cliff Cottage offers something the treehouses cannot: a 25-foot cliff wall shower, a jacuzzi tub for two, breakfast delivered to your door each morning, and the whole town at your feet. Some folks come to Arkansas looking for romantic treehouse cabins, and there are fine ones nearby — but this cliff shower, with its moss-covered walls and open sky, might be the more surprising find. Whether you stay in one of the luxury cabins dotting the Eureka Springs hills or in a Victorian suite pressed against the cliff face, you will sleep well knowing the Ozarks are right outside your window.

The sun was dipping below the rim of the natural and manmade enclosures that surrounded the patio. Shade’s presence creeping in. I rose from my reverie and reentered the suite’s cool interior. I traded my robe for a new set of clothes fit for an evening out on the town. The early part of the night would be spent photographing night scenes with my Nikon. But eventually, I would find my way to Chelsea’s — one of many things to do in Eureka Springs after dark — to share one of their signature pizzas with a friend there at the upstairs restaurant overlooking the dance floor and bandstand, as I listened to the live rock band and watched the people below. The perfect perch for a nice get-together — good food, good music and good company.