The Sauntry Mansion Moorish Fountain

A unique feature at the Sauntry Mansion is our replica Moorish Fountain.

Originally, our landscape architects, Stephen and Kristin Pategas (www.hortusoasis.com) suggested a gazebo feature. However, in 2004, we were in Spain and visited the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada. While waiting for our appointed tour time, we visited the Alhambra gardens and became enchanted with the Moorish fountain.

When we returned to Stillwater, Sandy made the decision to opt for the fountain. While the design and installation is ours, we relied on Flair Fountain (www.flairfountains.com) for technical advice and equipment fabrication. Construction began in earnest in April, 2007 and the fountain was completed in July. The fountain is surrounded by Minnesota Limestone fabricated and laser cut by Rivard Stone (www.rivardstone.com).

The fountain is both a visual and audio experience. If you are mesmerized by the sight, you will be delighted by the sounds. Come visit the Sauntry Mansion and experience the Moorish Fountain.

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What is a Steam Shower?
 
Tom and I have owned the Sauntry Mansion Bed & Breakfast for nine years and over that period of time, we have done some updating in all of the guest rooms.  Steam showers were added to two of the rooms.  This is a new bathroom trend in the United States. However, steam baths have been around for centuries. 
 
In Turkey, the steam bath, or “Hamam” has survived the thousands of years, and with it our continued use of the term “Turkish bath”. The practice spread to northern Russia, where it was known as the “Banja”. While steam baths were also built in Europe, their expansion was probably limited in the first instance by technical problems (chiefly in regulating the steam temperature) and because of the high investment costs involved. Today though, new developments in steam generating technology have made it possible to install steam baths almost anywhere.
 
Not unlike a sauna in that it induces sweating, but with entirely different atmospheric conditions, the steam bath not only relaxes you and renews your energy, but also promotes your health and beauty as well. The physiological effect of heat and sweating on the body are wide reaching. The heat creates a work load for every system, function and part of the body. For example: blood vessels widen and, hence, blood pressure decreases temporarily; skin pores open, allowing the release of toxins and heavy metals; metabolism increases; the immune and endocrine systems are boosted; temperature regulation is improved; many bacteria and viruses are cleared since they cannot survive at these higher temperatures; lungs and sinuses are opened; the skin is deeply cleansed; total body relaxation and emotional release occurs.
This covers most healthcare issues we have, including headaches, menopause, muscle and joint pain, stress, insomnia, poor circulation, menstrual cramping, hangovers, colds and chest infections. Steam will also help with weight loss. Although occurring initially through loss of water, when done regularly excess weight will fall away as we become healthier and happier in ourselves.
A great advantage of the steam bath lies in its highly beneficial effect on the skin, a feature particularly appreciated by women. The moist heat stimulates the subcutaneous blood flow and cleanses the skin intensively, opening the pores, removing impurities and leaving the skin feeling soft, clean and silky smooth.
THE CORRECT WAY TO TAKE A STEAMBATH
Shower before the first session and time the stay in the steam bath in accordance with your personal sensitivity. Do not exceed 15-20minutesand cool off with cool water without shocking the system.  The steam bath at the Sauntry Mansion also includes an 18” sunflower shower, Waterfall and eight hydro-massage jets.  This is an excellent way to cool off.  My personal favorite is the 18” sunflower shower.  It’s like standing in the cool rain on a hot summer day.   Enjoyed correctly, a steam bath will help to overcome the stresses of everyday life, to relax and recover and to gain new strength and improve general physical and mental well being. And what’s more, a steam bath can also be fun. STEAM AHEAD…

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It’s that time of year when you know Spring is around the corner, but you also know there is a good chance of a snow storm before the tulips start to bloom.  I call this March Madness.

What do you do?  Many Midwesterners head south e.g. Mexico, Florida, and Arizona.  Sounds great, however, if you don’t have a week or two to get away, you feel trapped.  The answer to this problem is a night away at the Sauntry Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

The experience starts with a glass of wine or hot-spiced cider with homemade bread, salami, olives, etc.  All our guest rooms include a double whirlpool tub, fireplace and stereo with CD player.  I suggest scheduling an in-room massage to help cure your March Madness.  The massage therapist will set up the table in front of the fireplace in your room.  Unlike a spa, after the massage, the massage therapist leaves and you stay, to enjoy the whirlpool and fireplace. There is no rushing, and best of all, you are not going out to the cold car.  The other advantage to this scenario is your guest room is your own personal spa.  Just you and your significant other alone together.

Once you feel completely relaxed and warmed by the fireplace and or whirlpool or steam shower, a dinner is next on the agenda.  There are so many great restaurants in Stillwater that are just blocks from the Sauntry Mansion.  A couple of our favorites are Marx Wine Bar and Grill, and Savories.

When you return to the Sauntry Mansion after dinner, you may want to soak in the whirlpool tub again or relax in front of the fireplace with a good book.  At this point in the evening, you will think that the tulips are blooming. 

The next morning, you will enjoy a leisurely four course breakfast.  Two of our guest rooms also have the option of having breakfast delivered to the room.  What a treat!

Even though you’ve only escaped for one night, I think you will feel cured of March Madness. Instead of loathing March, you will see it as a time to totally unwind, and give your mind, body, and soul a vacation.

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Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, The Madame LaFuegy room is perfect for YOU!

You’ll love the new bath that includes a double swedish steam shower, double whirlpool tub, corner sink, and renovated original overhead water closet. The bath finish includes Brazillian granite sink and whirlpool surround, red oak trim carpentry, and hand blown German stained glass. Perfectly romantic for your Valentine’s Day celebration.  The bedroom features a king bed, sofa and at 400 square feet, this luxury room is a terrific escape. The optional breakfast to the room allows you to cocoon to your hearts content during your stay at the Sauntry Mansion in historical Stillwater, MN.

Check Availability and Make a Reservation by clicking here.

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After nearly 6 months of creating, planning, deconstructing and reconstructing, the Madame LaFuegy (pronounced La Few gee) room has been reopened.

The renovation included a gutting of the bathroom and doubling of its size. We combined the existing space with a seldom used hallbath. The new bath includes a double swedish steam shower, double whirlpool tub, corner sink, and renovated original overhead water closet. The bath finish includes Brazillian granite sink and whirlpool surround, red oak trim carpentry, and hand blown German stained glass.

Additions to the renovated bedroom include a king bed, sofa and a remarkebly quiet mini split ac system. All of the original woodwork was stripped and restored to accent the magnificent original stained glass.

At 400 square feet, this luxury room is a terrific escape. The optional breakfast to the room allows you to cocoon to your hearts content during your Sauntry stay.

The before (left) and after (right) pictures appear at the top of this post.

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It takes the effort of many people to run a bed and breakfast. Besides Sandy and me, we rely on employees, relatives, friends, and some great tradespeople. It may come as a big surprise, but one of the key “cogs” in the Sauntry wheel was our friend, Chewey Nora. Chewey’s specialty was breakfast sausage. In particular, he was adept at consumming the breakfast meats which guests couldn’t finish eating. You see, Chewey was a 150 pound bull mastiff owned by our next door neighbors.

Its with a real heavy heart, that we mark his passing this past week at the tender age of 7. The hole in our hearts left by this massive and magnificent dog is as big as he was.

In the B&B business, its difficult to have pets. Guest allergies, time constraints, and space, make pet ownership for us, impossible. The next best thing is your neighbor’s dog. Chewey was always willing to go for a walk, eat breakfast treats, and entertain guests from his adjoining back gate (he looked imposing, but I felt he was a small dog trapped in a large dog’s body).

In the end, these dogs give us everything and ask for nothing in return. Well, in Chewey’s case, maybe he requested an occasional sausage link or two. Thank you Nora family for sharing Chewey with us. He will be sorely missed.

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There are several places in Stillwater to enjoy outdoor dining: The Dock Cafe, Luna Rossa, Freight House, Water Street Inn, and Stone’s, to name a few.

However, there is only one place to enjoy breakfast dining outdoors (that we know of), the William Sauntry Mansion. With summer in full swing, our guest will enjoy their morning coffee and breakfast on our terrific front veranda. We started outdoor breakfast last Fall (weather permitting) and it has been very popular with the guests.

If you like your breakfast outside, and with a fantastic view of our Moorish fountain, try the William Sauntry Mansion.

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This is a story about the Iranian and the Israeli. No, its not a joke.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of innkeeping are all the great, terrific people we get to meet. This last week we had an interesting guest, an Iranian American whom I will call Hamed. Hamed came the the US over twenty years ago. Like most Americans, he works hard, pays his taxes, and raises his children. In that regard he is typical. Hamed was a great guy. Reserved and modest, his quiet demeanor made him all the more interesting.

The ironic thing was that Hamed reminded me so much of another friend of mine, Eitan. Eitan is also an immigrant, having arrived in the US in the 1970’s. Eitan is from Israel.

Strange, these two men so much alike. Both from the Middle East, both immigrants, even their personalities were similar. They could be brothers except for one striking fact.

Hamed is Shiite Muslim from Iran. Eitan a Jew from Israel. Are we really that different? Remember this when you travel. There are no strangers, only those we have not yet met.

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We are frequently asked, “do you ever take a vacation?” The answer is a definite yes. We try to get away several times a year, usually during our slow time.

This year, Jill and Tru Lawson, prior owners of the James Mulvey Inn, were gracious enough to offer use of their condo. In a word, wow!

If you are looking for relaxation, sun, quiet, and great food, Cozumel is your place. We landed on Superbowl Sunday and spent the next five days, well, doing nothing.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, we will be back. Jill and Tru offer two great units within sight and walking distance of everything. Check them out at mycozumelcondo.com

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DINING AT THE SCENIC DOCK CAFE
The folks at the Dock Cafe welcome William Sauntry Mansion guests. Located on the banks of the scenic St. Croix River, Dock Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting) for your pleasure.

Bed and Breakfast guests are special to the Dock Cafe. Weekend seatings at the Dock Cafe are on a first-come, first serve basis only UNLESS you are a
B & B guest!!!

LUNCH AT THE DOCK CAFE
$50.00 includes tax and gratuity
* $25 includes two glasses of wine, beer or cocktails per guest. (Specialty drinks not included)

Your meal will include a green salad or cup of soup, luncheon salad or entree of choice, followed by a delightful dessert. Coffee, tea and pop are included.

DINNER AT THE DOCK CAFE
$100.00 includes tax and gratuity
* $25. includes two glasses of wine, beer or cocktails per guest. (Specialty drinks not included)

Your meal will include an appetizer(1), your choice of dinner salad or soup, entree selection of choice and dessert for each of you. Coffee, tea and pop are included.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! (These offers Not available on July 4th or New Year’s Eve.)

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