Holly Lane Gardens

My significant other and I rented the cottage for the weekend. The whole experience was very charming. Patti, the owner, was an energetic little spitfire. We loved listening to her hilarious stories over a breakfast feast of homemade raspberry bread, fluffy and light omelet, and fresh fruit. The cottage was not in tip-​top shape but we didn’t come here expecting a 5 star hotel. What we got was a cozy warm fire, snuggling in the blankets, and fun playing with the llamas and geese, all for a very affordable price.

This place is full of character like a home you’d wish your grandparents lived and Patti is so welcoming and friendly she really makes you feel like your staying with favorite relatives. She made a wonderful breakfast including veggie omelets and homemade cinnamon bread. While we ate she shared a ton of knowledge that we will definitely take to our future farm. Walking around the property is a real treat if you appreciate the beauty of a working farm. Our little boy got to run through the field and hand feed llamas apples. He loved it! The view of the untouched forest trees covered in ivy that you get from the cottage bedroom is magical especially at sunset. We were looking to get away from the hotel feel and into a more homey environment and this place was a true success. I am very happy Patti was able to get us in last minute.

I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you and an honest & excellent review for Holly Lane Gardens B&B. Patti (who despite other reviews indicating otherwise is MORE than able to provide a gracious and nurturing experience) was accommodating, patient and understanding beyond measure.
We decided to escape the hustle of Seattle last minute on a Sunday afternoon to ferry across the Sound for a quick island retreat. A hurried search for lodging provided a healthy handful of options, but our attention kept returning to Holly Lane due to the implied value of aesthetic/​services/​pricing, and our intrigue of the reviews that were either credibly stacked in favor of, or somewhat seemingly unfair in judgement against. We followed our gut and phoned Patti later in the day on our ferry ride to the island. She assured us she could meet our needs, and that she did.
When we called at dinner to inform her of our late arrival, she said that she was going to suggest we grab a meal before heading over, and to take our time. Btw, Harbour Public House. Clam chowder. Do it. Anyway, we arrived at 10:20pm and made our way up the long driveway. We called as late as it was to assure we were parking correctly and were met with cheerful guidance. Nevermind the sticky notes, as they were merely informative and genuine. Patti greeted us at the door to let us in and guide us to our suite, which was quaint and private, before setting up a time for breakfast and bowing out of the scene. We enjoyed our little nook for the evening, library, décor & all.
The next day my lady friend felt slightly ill and less than spirited. We communicated this to Patti and asked about the potential of staying a bit longer than checkout had directed. She was concerned for our well being and allowed enough time for us to gather ourselves as we felt comfortable before formally saying our goodbyes. She even allowed us to take our aMaZiNg spread of a breakfast down to the suite to enjoy in the privacy of our own company. Once recovered enough to depart, we took a walk of the property and visited the animals and the shaded areas of overgrowth down near the cabin. Had we not had obligations to meet later that day we would have most likely asked to stay another day. Oh! And the quiche omelette concoction was «next level», to say the least…
Patti, we’ll be back!

I was hoping for the best… yet did not find it here. The owner is a sweetheart, but really needs help keeping the place up and cared for. It wasn’t clean in my suite — I had to wash everything before using (including the toilet seat), the garbage can under the sink was already full from previous guests, etc. I wanted to have a sweet getaway and forget everything… but this didn’t happen. The grounds are lovely, but it’s been a long time since they’ve been lush and well-​groomed… and the pen where the critters live needs a lot of maintenance too. Best of luck to the owner in getting her place in order and back to the delightful B&B it once was.

Definitely deserves the five star rating. Hospitality is top notch… Breakfast was delicious and unique both days. The little cottage was cozy and comfortable with the fireplace. It was just what we wanted for a romantic getaway. She has a small farm with cute animals that are not at all intrusive as you’d think they might be. Rather they are adorable and give this B&B a charming personality

My partner and I are moving to Bainbridge, so we have been visiting frequently… every time we come to Bainbridge we stay at Holly Lane Gardens. This was our last trip as visitors, and the only sad part was that we don’t get to stay here any more! The good news is that we found out this morning that we can sign up for Patti’s CSA in the spring, yay!
We love the cottage… it is quaint and cozy and dog friendly! We love the ninja llamas that keep all the ducks and geese safe. We love Lady, the farm dog. And most of all we love Patti, the amazing hostess/​owner/​chef!
Yes, it is rustic, but that is the charm. If you want pristine, modern, and soulless… run away! But It feels like home to us, and we wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe the showerhead in the cottage, but only if we really had to choose one thing ;-)

This place had potential… once upon a time?
We would not recommend this place. The owner appears to be having difficulty in managing a full farm (including animals, plants, trees, and acreage) plus her house and the rentable cabin.
The first warning sign was the strong odor of must and old furniture. Upon further inspection, we noticed the place had likely not been vacuumed/​swept in weeks, the walls were full of cobwebs and their unfortunate contents, the shower curtain was moldy (and the water pressure low/​low shower head, which, under other circumstances is normally forgivable), the furniture was covered in dust and did not appear clean, the dishes in the kitchen were dirty and the sponge smelled like it had lived there for years, and the blanket on the bed (gasp!), appeared to be either stained or dirty and appeared as if the bed had just been made, not washed, since the previous guests. Additionally, wi-​fi in the place, as advertised, was nowhere to be found (unless you were sitting in her living room!), the appliances looked ancient and unclean, and the freezer was packed with loaves of strange freezer-​burned bread wrapped in cellophane. The hot tub, which is inside the main house, was functional, but there was insufficient water to provide for adequate circulation (it didn’t come up to the skimmer… we told Patti but she said it was normal…), and the hot tub room reeked of what appeared to be cat pee. Finally, breakfast in the morning could have been promising if the owner had asked us what time we wanted to eat before preparing it for us. Instead, when we arrived at the kitchen, two skillets, containing some sort of egg dish, were waiting for us in the oven, cold. We really wanted this place to work, but even we couldn’t turn a blind eye to the defects, given the amount of money we spent. Given all this, we would have preferred to camp in the rain.
This was really painful after reading all the great reviews, but we are telling it like we experienced it in January, 2011. Such potential! Such a letdown…

A certain someone had a birthday coming up and I decided to go above and beyond to make sure his birthday weekend was worthwhile. I had also been feenin’ for a weekend trip somewhere I haven’t been. As I researched plenty of areas to visit I kept coming back to Bainbridge Island due to the reasonably priced bed and breakfasts they have. I found Holly Lane Gardens on a Bainbridge Island lodging website. From the pictures it seemed like a cute place, was in the woods, and the price was just right. There are two rooms each with a theme, a suite, and a cabin available for stays. There is no minimum night stay unlike so many other places.
We arrive at Holly Lane Gardens to a cacophony of animals sounds. There are roosters, chickens, ducks, and even a llama. The house is a spacious wooden structure surrounded by a plush lawn, cheery blossom trees, and a forest in the back. There is a swing to act out your childhood past time.
I park and we make our way to the front door. We find numerous Post-​Its directing people to their rooms and explaining the owner is either out in the garden or driving the tractor. We enter and to the left is the living room filled with books and a piano. The kitchen is directly in front. We walk down the hall to the right and find our room. I picked the Morracan room based only on its multi-​colored bedspread and tried to keep my expectations low. As I entered the room I was blown away. It wasn’t huge by any means but it was decorated with an Asian flair and there was burgundy net surrounding the bed. I recognized the brightly colored bedspread. I jumped on the bed and felt like a princess. The bathroom was across the hall and it was a great size and very homey.
I was disappointed I didn’t meet Patti, the owner, upon our arrival but we left and came back and met the cutest most kindest dog on the planet. We open the door and there is a doe eyed dog looking at us, not barking, obviously knowing we would do no harm. We make our way to the living room to watch some television and here comes the dog, nudging me with its nose to pet it. She gets her fill of admiration and sprawls herself out in the hallway. I later learn her name is Lady.
The next morning I meet Patti. She is she cutest nicest little old lady I’ve met! We have our introductions in the living room as she is preparing breakfast which consisted of egg soufflé, homemade bread, and fruit. At the table we meet the other guests of the B&B and we all make small talk as we consume our breakfast.
There is no check-​in time according to Patti. I was told we could come anytime. As far as check-​out goes, I’m not sure. We left fairly early but I would assume you could leave whenever you want.
If you find yourself yearning for a short trip I would suggest going to Bainbridge Island and staying at Holly Lane Gardens. The rates are reasonable, the house is beautiful, the location perfect for rest and relaxation, and Patti is so nice you’ll definitely want to stay there again.

WOW! Ok, this is my First ever review. I’ve never done this before so bear with me if I come across as such a noob.
I loved this place! Patti is sweet, knowledgeable, and entertaining. She makes great pannekookens (dutch babies) and only serves organic produce. The place is charming and can be rented out for weddings too (1,000 for the use of her entire lot). There are about 3 rooms in the house and a cute cottage that all can be rented at affordable prices. So, if you’re into a more personal experience, skip the Best Western and go here instead.

this is an actual conversation my husband and i had yesterday:
him: «what would have happened without patti?»
me: «the world would have ended.»
patti, as you may have guessed, is the wonderful owner of the equally wonderful holly lane gardens bed and breakfast where i tied the knot in september. she deserves a five star review of her own — she practically threw the wedding herself, from making my bouquet to preparing a wonderful dinner for our small group. i shouldn’t even get started on the breakfasts — i’m still having dreams about her dutch babies!
the property is absolutely breathtaking — seriously, i’m talking acres and acres of ‘wow’ — and there’s a wonderful trail for a venture into the woods right behind the old fashioned tree-​swing. it was a great setting for wedding photos, and we all had a great time strolling the grounds.
all of our guests commented that their rooms were warm and comfortable, as was the cabin that jordan and i shacked up in, and we had a great time sipping wine in the hot tub! i’d absolutely recommend holly lane gardens for everything from a wedding to a weekend retreat. we’ll certainly be back.

I hosted my 2004 wedding at Holly Lane Gardens, and have also stayed there as a B&B guest. I grew up in the neighborhood — if you can call it that. The B&B is down a one-​lane dirt road that winds passed a dilapidated barn and a pond that in the spring time is filled with croaking frogs. The B&B is centered around a large house with three suites, and then a separate cabin. Pattie, the owner, is an amazing chef and very chatty — she’s happy to tell you all about the area! The property is lovely with tons of gardens filled with flowers and vegetables.
The best part is how, even though you feel like you’re tucked away in the wilderness, the Island’s best Thai restaurant is only a 5 minute away by car, or 15 minutes by foot.