1.360.983.8008
As soon as you drive through the front gate, you immediately realize Adytum is going to be a special place that will capture your heart.
My husband and I have stayed in B&B's across the US and Europe. Adytum is the most luxurious in our price range of $250 or less per night. In many areas, a retreat such as this would easily charge two to three times the rate.
This being our first trip to the Pacific North west, we were only looking for a place to stay one night between trips to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Kat me warned that one night wouldn't be enough. She was so right! Adytum is a destination unto its self. The house and grounds are lovely, with every amenity one could desire. The decorations are both tasteful and calming. The walls are painted in an old world style and the floors are scraped alder. The home is filled with beautiful artwork, musical instruments, and walls of windows to enjoy the view of Lake Mayfield. The breakfast was superb. Kat, a nutritional therapy practitioner, is willing to acommodate all dietary needs. She was very attentive to all our needs.
The grounds have been certified as a wildlife habitat. We didn't have time to wander the paths and fully explore the property. However, close to the house is a lovely garden, koi pond, and access to outdoor games. The view of the stars from the hot tub was spectacular, especially for us city folk who forget just how many stars there really are.
The Orion Suite was fabulous. We enjoyed wine on the patio watching the sun set over the lake. The double shower was great after using the in room sauna. We had easy access to the Turkish steambath on the second floor. The bedding, towels, robes, and even the pillows were luxurious. The refrigerator was stocked with healthy snacks and flavored waters. There was a Keurig coffee and tea bar, microwave, and yes men, a 50" plasma TV. We toured the Star of the North Suite, which was also spacious and had a lovely private balcony to view both the front and back yards. The First Light Suite was much smaller than the other 2 rooms, and would be perfect for a single person.
I have given many other places 5 points on Trip Advisor. Adytum deserves 10 points! It is in a class of it's own.
“I really would like to keep this secret to myself... but I'll share...”
Date of review: May 15, 2011 - New
Adytum is one of my new top 10 "Favorite Places on Earth". I know there are a lot of lovely places on Earth, but there are a few that get into the soul. Adytum was that sort of place to me. Honestly, I don't WANT to write this review, because you may go and decide you love it too and then I may not get to go when I next get the chance. However, I must share, because really, that is true charity.
My darling husband and I stayed in the Orion Suite in early May. What a room. It seemed like each time we wished for something... Poof, there it was: A wide screen LCD HD TV with a Blue Ray Player... yep, we wanted to veg a bit, a Keurig coffee maker for that "oh man I could go for a coffee right now" time, a sauna when Washington springs leave you a bit chilled, a shower you can run laps in, a bed that was SO ULTRA COMFY, a kitchenette with all the comforts of home, a bird book to help identify all the amazing birds that cover the grounds. The breakfasts that Kat made each morning were really wonderful. The sort that made you so happy you had tastebuds, but then left you feeling like you'd eaten well. We had the most amazing muffins and waffles from her gluten free pantry. She's one savvy lady in that kitchen. The coffee was so good, the extras were always perfect to accompany the meal. Really, I'm still thinking about what a great experience breakfast was. Kat is an amazing hostess. She knows when you need something... food, conversation... and she also knows "these people came here to be alone together". Just a beautiful person. Oh... and the carrot cakes she made for our anniversary... SO AMAZING. I bought all the ingredients to try my hand at them.
The grounds... don't miss this part. Take some time to stroll about. You'll see things you've never seen before. Kat and Donn have created a nature sanctuary up on this lovely hill. It's a treat to stroll about. It will quiet your soul and remind you how lucky we are to live on this blessed sphere. Birds, plants, other critters, fungi (I found some cool ones), a rippling creek... all sorts of beauty waiting for you to discover it. I walked for hours... no kidding. The koi pond kept me for a half an hour once, it was mesmerizing.
The infrared sauna was nice. I'd never used one, so I was a bit chicken to stay in for more than 15 min. The steam sauna was AMAZING. The jacuzzi is the sea salt sort. It felt so nourishing. I loved not smelling the chlorine. I just sat there laughing out loud at the pleasure of solitude, hot water, jets of water, and the view over the lake/Cowlitz River. I laughed out loud a lot during our stay, just from the sheer joy of being in this space.
The shared spaces of this B and B are amazing. Just so beautiful, impeccably designed. Windows everywhere, comfortable seating, books EVERYWHERE. Kat and Donn have excellent taste in art and music and both are evident in the place. There is ambient music softly playing in most spaces and it completely adds to the sensation of being in paradise. It's not overbearing like some places one has to visit. Did I forget anything? Oh, and did I mention the view.... stunning. I can't wait to return. Part of my heart is still there. My husband and I keep saying "let's go back to Adytum in our hearts". It just takes us back to a place where we were just together with each other, nature and a piece of peace.
The Orion Suite Journal Entry 5-12-2011
Donn and Kat:
Thank you so much for sharing this space of peace! We haven’t relaxed like this in a long time! Your planning of a place of retreat is evident in every location in this glorious space. Our room was truly beyond perfect.
I so enjoyed my long explorations around your grounds and the surroundings~ wild geraniums, Oregon grape, oxalis…even a late Trillium- not to mention the birds – everywhere! The view….Wow. The food is unbeatable in quality, flavor, and presentation.
Your hospitality ~ perfection…You are a most amiable hostess/host combination. I can’t wait to find time to come back!
P.S. I’m sending all my friends to you…
Stephanie and Shane from Redmond, WA
Our stay with you both at Adytum was an exalted experience. The food, accommodations and wisdom that was shared created a transformational, healing environment that we will treasure forever.
Last weekend Katy and I stayed at Adytum. The B&B is only about 45 minutes from Olympia but a world away from stress. I've stayed at a lot of B&B's and this is without a doubt the finest! We were pampered beyond belief! The room was amazing! Five stars and diamonds all around! Brent and Katy Kohler
I am struck with awe at the beauty of your home and your more than gracious hospitality. Wow, every little detail speaks volumes. Thank you for sharing your spectacular home. The whole earth is filled with His glory….Mary M.
What a beautiful home and view. Thank you for sharing the beauty. Sally C.
Words cannot express our gratitude. You have a space that is off the charts, and we feel so incredibly blessed that you shared it with us. Every detail that you have in your home is so well thought out. I love that there is a story behind everything. Adytum is “insanely luxurious!” Your attention to detail is so appreciated. The Lord will bless you in your endeavors as you have Him number 1 in your minds, in all that you have created here. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are an amazing couple whom we truly look up to. Chris and Julia
Thank you so much for having me…your house is honestly the nicest place I’ve ever been. Each room and area in the house is carefully planned and decorated with amazing detail. Also the view of the lake and the sauna was great for relaxation. Kat, your food is so yummy and your generosity is admirable. I look forward to coming again….Mahvish
What a wonderful blessing it was to spend time at your beautiful home. How awestruck we were by the architecture and design that you so tastefully blended. Everything is so expressive and impressive. We thoroughly enjoyed each moment in your warm and lovely castle. M. Matlem
There are many different kinds of houses but the wise man builds on the solid rock. Your sanctuary is a spirit filled home and it is a blessing to see and hear you give honor and glory to God for all you have. Thank you for sharing it with me…for such a relaxing, fun time. God bless you richly. Darhla S.
Thank you! Being here is so rejuvenating and soul inspiring. The idyllic grounds, along with the expansive view, make for a place both to enjoy pockets of solitude as well as great spaces for small gatherings around a fire or out in nature....but with all the amenities of a very well thought out B&B. Thanks again! We loved it, Rachel and Angus
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