Mansion mission: Big B&B

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — The iconic 13-bedroom, 13-bath "Amway house" on the Spokane River in Post Falls is proposed to be converted into a bed and breakfast.

John Beutler, owner and broker of Century 21 Beutler and Associates, is seeking a special-use permit from the city of Post Falls that would allow for a B&B.

"A lot of people have inquired to use it for weddings and other nice events," said Beutler, who represents the property owner, the Puryear Family Limited Partnership of Liberty Lake. "We believe it's the best use for this Northwest icon."

Beutler said the property reminds him of a mini five-star hotel.

"It is the belief of many that this property should be made available to the public for viewing," he wrote in a narrative to the city.

The 28,469-square-foot home at 216 S. Parkwood Place is currently listed by Century 21 for $8.495 million.

It has been for sale off and on the past nine years, Beutler said. When it first went on the market, it was listed as high as $19 million.

"We had it sold a few years ago — the people had it on a lease option with quite a bit of money down — but it didn't work out," he said.

Beutler said that under the bed-and-breakfast concept, the property would be the site for events such as weddings, business and family gatherings, private parties and wine and cheese socials.

The property includes a saltwater pool, 10-car garage, exercise center, putting green, tennis court and billiard and theater rooms, 452 feet of river frontage and several boat docks. It is across Black Bay from a city park.

Beutler wrote that the majority of improvements are above the river, which allows for added privacy from not only the current facilities but the neighbors as well.

The Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday at 6 p.m. on the special-use permit request for a bed and breakfast in a single-family residential zoning district.

Beutler said the Puryears are negotiating to acquire an adjacent 1-acre site to the east to accommodate an additional 100 to 120 vehicles for parking.

"From a business standpoint, this will attract visitors to the Post Falls area," Beutler wrote. "This is an Idaho gem."

However, some neighbors, including Maureen Hansen, have concerns about the proposed use.

"This will be a huge precedent-setting zoning permit change allowed along Spokane River," Hansen said. "Our safe, quiet area will be affected due to someone else’s decision to overbuild years ago and the problem the owners have of not being able to sell it for years.

"When built, it was to be their second home, but now we have no idea who will buy it and there is no plan for the owner to be a part of the neighborhood."

Hansen said other neighbors have signed a petition with concerns to present to the planning commission.

The home was built in the mid-1990s by Ron and Georgia Lee Puryear, a couple who made a fortune in Amway and related businesses.