Country Inns Magazine: “It resembles a sparkling white cruiseboat in a sea of green. Inside, relaxation wraps you like a shawl. A fire crackles in the hearth, Mozart plays lightly in the background. Simply put, the ambience recalls…an English country house weekend where you are absorbed into a golden mood of bonhomie and strangers quickly feel like friends. The feeling comes from being thoroughly pampered.”

Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest: “…discriminating guests find true style, comfortable sophistication and an air of refined tranquility among antiques and art from around the world.”

The Georgia Straight, Vancouver: “Tucked away behind tall trees…this gorgeously restored Arts and Crafts house soon has you enthralled in its spell. ThistleDown House is a blissful place. It’s hard to believe that Burrard and Georgia is a scant 10 minutes away.”

The Gourmet’s Guide to Northwest Bed & Breakfast Inns: “…the wilderness is five minutes one way and a cosmopolitan city is fifteen minutes the other. Food is a great attraction at ThistleDown; on the morning of my visit, breakfast consisted of a choice between genuine Swiss Birchermuesli or ThistleDown’s own granola, followed by poached figs and then an amazing Pacific eggs benny that far outdid any other I have ever had.”

Hidden British Columbia: “…an elegant mansion-turned-small inn at the western edge of North Vancouver. The interior is exquisite, with custom woodwork everywhere.”

Best Places Northwest: “This gorgeous Craftsman-style home was built in 1920 from timber cut on the nearby mountain and has been completely restored and luxuriously furnished. Ruth and Rex are ideal innkeepers and the service is flawless.”

Food City Vancouver: “…homemade granola with yoghurt. Maybe some Russian black rye with wild cranberry jam to follow – or homemade challah? Limed papaya cleansed the palate, then on to portabella mushrooms in a demiglace cream.”

Lonely Planet: “The 1920s house…has a country inn feel to it. The gourmet breakfast is scrumptious.”

Romantic Days & Nights in Vancouver: “All the rooms are showcases for the many treasures the owners have collected during their travels.”

North American Highways, Staffordshire, England: “Exquisite rooms are furnished with great attention to detail.”

North Shore News, Vancouver: “A sumptuous four-course breakfast as well as afternoon tea will top off your romantic stay at the Inn.”

The Province, Vancouver: “The yummy afternoon tea is worth leaving home for.”

Harper & Queen, London: “Garden, luxurious rooms and Scottish terrier aside, the best part is the breakfast.”

Northwest Travel, Portland: “That odd feeling of travel displacement rises, where location is embraced and strangers become friends. The comfort of this environment is no accident. Ruth and Rex have crafted its aura.”

The Islander, Victoria: “…the softness of the ThistleDown.”

Approach Magazine, Reno: “This is a perfect place from which to explore. Here there are no TVs, the phone is hidden in a hallway cabinet, and the hosts make their guests feel like long-lost relatives.”

The Unofficial Guide to Bed & Breakfasts in the Northwest: “ThistleDown House is a distinctive lodging with fine finish work, exceptional décor and gracious hosts. Assistant host Talla (the resident Scottish terrier) is a delight. Exceptional linens and fixtures. Richly decorated in muted, tasteful colors such as sage and ecru, and accented with well-placed, eclectic antiques and artwork.”