Wise Woman Travel

I wonder what Charles Holten would say if he knew that the home he built in Revelstoke, British Columbia, in 1897 was now being enjoyed by guests from all over the world.

He’d probably be thrilled. He’d used part of his mining fortune to build the home for his bride, Lyda Edwards. The pair became one of the Revelstoke region’s early 20th century “it” couples, hosting concerts, dinners, and many other social events in their home.

The house stayed in the Holten family until the 1970s. After a series of other owners, an Edmonton couple bought it in the 1990s and restored much of its original 19th century charm. It opened its doors as a bed and breakfast in 1999 and tourists have been enjoying it ever since.

We stayed in the Royal Suite, one of three rooms on the second floor, accessed by a winding staircase, lit by twinkle lights.

Downstairs, the library is open to all guests for reading, snoozing, or playing board games.

A full breakfast is served at a time of your choice every morning in the dining room, or on warm summer mornings, on the verandah.

But the real charm of a heritage bed and breakfast emanates from its host, and Holten House has one of the best I’ve met – the friendly and accommodating Andres, a 14 year resident of Revelstoke, transplanted from Toronto. A world traveler, skier, instructor of ski instructors, he made our stay special with great conversation, restaurant recommendations, even the loan of his Parks Canada pass when we took a drive up Mt. Revelstoke.

The Holten Heritage House will definitely add a touch of luxury to your stay in Revelstoke.