Langley – Country Cottage of Langley
Every hotel concierge dreams of owning their own inn.
Jacki had been a Concierge for 25 years and earned her “Golden Keys” with Les Clefs D’Or in 1990. She has opened several hotels with major hospitality companies such as The Kimpton Group, The Westin and The Four Seasons.
Her dream came true as an accidental tourist visiting Langley on a beautiful fall day in 2001. While shopping in the Village’s unique boutiques with their daughter, her husband Tom decided to walk into a broker’s office and ask: “You don’t have a B&B for sale do you?”
Their visit happened to coincide with “Djangofest,” a music festival dedicated to fans of Gypsy Jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt. The Village was packed with tourists and strolling musicians. The broker suggested they just drive by and take a look. Much to their delight, the inn was packed as well, and the owner didn’t even have time to talk because he was so busy with guests and guitarists jamming in the Gazebo. They looked at each other and said almost simultaneously, “This place is a gold mine!” Little did they know, this event was the last of the peak tourist season.
Country Cottage of Langley Bed & Breakfast is an historic B&B situated on a bluff overlooking the Village, The Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and the Cascade Mountains.
As one of the oldest Inns on Whidbey Island, it has changed ownership six times over its 35 year history. Jacki and Tom are the sixth owners and are now celebrating their 16th anniversary as innkeepers. Having purchased the Inn just after 9/11, they have managed the B&B’s six private cottages from the worst year in U.S. travel history to one of the best in its 38 years as an historic inn.
Built in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression, the Inn’s first iteration was with Sally in 1980 as “Country Cottage” with two rooms upstairs in the original craftsman style farmhouse and a wing on the house to live in. Originally sited on 40 acres, with a huge barn, caning Cottage and sheds, it is now two acres, the original home and six cottages, with a three-car garage.
Gradually, it changed its name, as each new owner became its caretaker. Its second incarnation as a B&B began with Caroline. After Caroline came Mary and her husband whose art is still prominent in the entrance. Subsequently Trudy bought it and doubled the size of the inn by building two twin cottages to the East with great water views. Next, Bob and Kathy rented out the two cottages in the wing and moved back into the house. They built the largest and most popular Cabernet Cottage. Finally, with six cottages up and running, Tom and Jacki’s dream came true when they assumed their current role as the new owners of Country Cottage of Langley. Jacki is now the envy of every concierge she knows.
Country Cottage of Langley
Jacki & Tom Felvey
215 Sixth Street, Langley
360-221-8709
www.ACountryCottage.com