Owning a Country Inn is one of the great fantasies of many adults. But the real appeal of owning an inn is based upon the same pleasure derived from other positive facets of life.
As with a business life, the chance to interact with people, meet new friends, and cherish relationships are driving factors. Above all, we want the people who stay with us to feel as if they are invited guests rather than paying customers. We have entertained so many angels unaware through the years. We are grateful to each and every one of our wonderful guests for choosing to stay with us.
Owning this luxury bed and breakfast for the past eleven years, my husband Efrain and I have wedded our talents. His love and talent with the restaurant business and mine with design (including the guest rooms, gardens and delicious foods we create). Of course, it's all hard work, but we love it!
The day-to-day tasks are 24/7 -- but when we receive an award such as “One of the Best…”, the thrill overshadows the labor.
Or, take a look at some of our awards, accolades and positive press coverage…A Bed and Breakfast is truly a "Better Way to Stay".
Named “One of the 20 Perfect Summer Getaways for 2008” by Travel & Leisure Magazine
Named “One of the Top 25 ‘Best Undiscovered Incredibly Romantic Inns” by BedAndBreakfast.com
Recipient of the coveted “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns’ Award” from American Historic Inns, Inc.
2008/2009 winner of "Best in the Midwest" from BedAndBreakfast.com
Winner of the 2004, 2008 and 2011 "Hotel of the Year" for the Casual Coast of Indiana” as selected by Porter County Tourism
Midwest Living "Out and About Chicago" section of Sept/Oct issue
Midwest Living "One of our 30 Favorite" May/June 2011
As, innkeepers, we have been fortunate to have met some terrific people. Some of our guests come only once, but others return year after year. When these returning guests arrive at our door, it's like welcoming back old friends or family members. Many hug us at the door, many bring us gifts.
The guests sometimes have a melancholy feeling at check-out, as if they'd like to enjoy just one more moment before returning to the “real world”. Many say “one night is not enough; next time we are staying two or three!”. Others say “I don't want to give you the key back”. We receive many thank you cards and holiday cards; many of them include photos they have taken while visiting our romantic bed and breakfast in Northwest Indiana, or photos with their children and extended family. The love so many of our guests have shown to us over the years is very powerful indeed.
How did we start? We purchased our luxury inns’ land and immediately started planning the landscape. Our property had been a dairy farm and apple orchard in the early 1900's. It features bur, white and red oaks – many of which are over 300 years old. The 6.25 acres we own back up to 350 acres. Our property was covered with native plants and really needed some pruning. We planted pachysandra, Thorndale ivy, and vinca for ground cover. We started building walls to hold back the soil, and terraces of flagstone and bluestone. We built a dramatic fire pit with boulders gathered from the landscape. We have over sixty varieties of hosta, and many varieties of ferns. Our vegetable garden provides us the herbs, vegetables, and berries we feature in our morning breakfasts, along with the large variety of day lilies that adorn the plates throughout the summer months. Watch the video on the breakfast page!
Breakfast is an important part of any romantic weekend getaway – and is certainly a big part of what we offer at Songbird Prairie. Our three-course hot breakfast consists of a warm oven baked item, fresh fruit plate, and a warm entrée, all finished with an especially decadent dessert.
Many guests say “dessert for breakfast?” I say, of course, you’re at Songbird Prairie – one of the finest romantic inns in the Midwest – and what is more romantic than dessert?! We also offer a “corporate” breakfast for single occupancy, featuring fruit and scones.
So what happens at Songbird Prairie with the change in seasons? We used to love decorating for the winter holiday, and I used to spend a lot of time making fresh decorations for the Inn. I would cut bittersweet, rosehips, and grapevines from the property - and cut boxwood for the wreaths. December became a holiday decorating marathon, with the kickoff of an over 25-year annual cookie party. It all became a little overwhelming…
In recent years, we've had to become much more efficient in holiday planning. One reason is that the holidays follow right on the heels of our busiest season -- Autumn. The retailers rush the season and guests come to expect their stay to be a tree-adorned extravaganza during their early holiday season.
We feature a tree in every guest suite as well as in the common room, all beautifully bejeweled with sparkling lights, ribbons, and ornaments coordinating with the décor and theme of each room.
We never sacrifice our personal enjoyment of the holiday to the business side of the inn. We close on major holidays so that we can still spend them with our four daughters, their husbands, and our ten cherished grandchildren. We know you believe that family time is as important as we do. When you visit the inn, you'll find festive holiday décor - but you won’t' find us working on Christmas Day!
We hope you find our luxury bed and breakfast as delightfully relaxing and pleasant as we feel in hosting you! Enjoy your stay!
Certainly. You can make an appointment for a personal tour. Barbara's most convenient times are Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Central Standard time. Please contact us to schedule your personal tour.
What if I can't make the check-in time from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM? Or, what if I want to arrive early?
A 50% deposit via credit card is required (in card members name) at the time of your reservation. The balance is due 10 days prior to check-in. We offer Visa, Master Card, and cash.
What do you mean by "quiet hours" from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM?
We ask that you respect all of our guests who turn in early for a pleasant night's experience. Your agreement in keeping the inn quiet during these hours is most appreciated.
Can you make a dinner reservation or order flowers for me?
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Northwest Indiana – An award-winning luxury bed and breakfast, Lake Michigan bed and breakfast, Indiana Dunes bed and breakfast.
