Open house, open hearts

Robin McKellar enjoys having company.

The spacious, woodsy Log Spirit Bed and Breakfast in Athol is where she hangs her apron at the end of the day, and everyone's invited to come check it out.

"I love to share my home," she said. "You have to be a social person ... It's about the social, it's about the breakfast time, telling people what's in the area. I like sharing my home."

More than 100 people did come and see McKellar's home during the 24th annual North Idaho Bed and Breakfast Association's Holiday Open House which took place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The open house in the Log Spirit included a bake sale to benefit the food bank in Athol as well as collection of money for Christmas for All. McKellar has been involved with the Holiday Open House for about 10 years. She said this year's was very good.

Steve Bell of Bayview sat in the main room of the Log Spirit. He said he enjoyed the friendship of the event, as well as the cozy home atmosphere.

"There have been quite a few people here, and from my conversations with some of them, they're all interested in the place, they're thrilled by what they've seen," Bell said. "I was fascinated myself the first time I went through here by the fact that it is a real, genuine log home. It's not log veneer, it's genuine logs."

Three other bed and breakfasts were on the tour as well, including Cedar Springs Bed and Breakfast in Rathdrum.

Owned by Ellen and Per Larsen, Cedar Springs was named for its literal features: cedar trees and multiple springs on the property. For the tour, the Larsens served fresh pressed hot apple cider and gingerbread cookies.

"Really, this is a gem," Ellen said about the land. She and Per purchased it in 1980. "It's so quiet. We can do whatever we want to."

The other bed and breakfasts on the tour this year were The Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d'Alene and the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sandpoint.

Info: www.nibba.com