MINTO MANOR

A B&B in Revelstoke British Columbia

Updated Apr 2024

I don’t usually write about hotels or bed and breakfast establishments unless they are exceptional, very interesting or unusual in some way. This is only the second time I have done so.
A hotel can be clean and have excellent service and facilities, but still, it is a place to sleep and nothing to write a story about. Minto Manor is different.

The House

Minto Manor is a 1905 Edwardian mansion in the neoclassical style located in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. It was built by Robert Howson, who worked on laying the lines for the railroad’s expansion to the west and was later a prominent Revelstoke businessman. The mansion cost $10,000 to build, which was a lot of money at the time.

The house was initially heated with many wood-burning fireplaces. After about ten years, modern radiators were installed, which are still in use today (you can see one in the photos below).

After working as a carpenter for the railway, he set up a business in Revelstoke as a building contractor. He eventually became the owner or partner of a furniture business, a funeral home, and a lumber mill. He left Revelstoke in 1920. His son operated the companies and the house until everything was sold in 1926.

The Railroad

As mentioned above, Robert Howson worked for the railroad. The famous “last spike” ceremony was held nearby to complete the railroad from east to west. There is a railway museum in the town of Revelstoke.

Birch Lodge

In the 1930s, the house was known as the Birch Lodge and was used as a rooming home.

The Piano Keep Bed and Breakfast

Later, Vern and Gwen Enyedy purchased the house. Enyedy was a professional piano repairer and restorer. He filled the house with more than 70 pianos and other musical instruments and operated a bed and breakfast for music lovers. Musicians came from around the world to stay there.

Enyedy also restored the house to its former glory, as much of it was abused and deteriorated during its days as a rooming house.

Today, the house still has two great pianos – an 1887 Mason and Riche and a Heintzman.

Minto Manor today

Today, the house is known as Minto Manor Bed and Breakfast. It is furnished with period furniture, and owner Edna-Mae is a wonderful host. She also serves a great full breakfast with eggs and cooked vegetables.

Some rooms have modern showers but you can choose a room with an old-fashioned bathtub on feet. Even a toy duck is included for your bath to remind you of your childhood.

Although the house is filled with antiques, it also has modern conveniences like wireless internet. There is a TV room, but there are no TVs in the guest rooms, which is as it should be in keeping with the period look.

There is a wonderful wrap-around deck with pillars where people can sit and talk. Guests from all over the world stay here, so you might meet someone very interesting to chat with.

The house is within walking distance of downtown, or you can go for a walk along the riverbank.

Recommendation

I don’t give many recommendations. But I recommend the Minto Manor—definitely the best place to stay in Revelstoke

Mythatchedhut Travel Tip

In British Columbia, hotels are obliged to charge federal tax (GST 5%), provincial tax (PST 7% on purchases and 8% on hotels), municipal hotel tax (2%), and, in some places, a city tax. This could add up to more than 15% of your bill in addition to the basic price.

Here is your secret My Thatched Hut Travel Tip. Bed and Breakfast accommodations with three rooms or less are required to charge only the GST (5%). The same applies if you stay for more than one month. If you stay in hotels for your entire vacation, this can add up to considerable savings. The same applies to camping fees.

Update April 2024

Minto Manor was sold to a new owner, Andrew Goldman, in 2017. Mr. Goldman upgraded the structure with extensive renovations while keeping its original look. Sadly, the Bed and Breakfast has since closed down, and rooms are no longer available for rent. Still, if you are in Revelstoke, it would be worth a few minutes to stop and look at this magnificent and historic old house.

Although Minto Manor is now closed, the Mythatchedhut travel tip still applies to other accommodations.