One of the most beautiful places to catch a sunrise or sunset in the Walla Walla Valley is at Cameo Heights Mansion in the tiny town of Touchet (pronounced too-chee), Washington. Rising from basalt bluffs, and surrounded by 400-acres of rolling vineyards and fruit orchards, this European-inspired retreat is a true escape from city bustle.
The 11,000-square-foot mansion features seven spacious suites with private baths, spa tubs, fireplaces and sweeping veranda views of the Walla Walla River. Each suite embraces an international theme (think Spanish, Greek or French) and is embellished accordingly with flair. This might sound extreme, but the accents are subtle and mostly speak through color schemes.
The Greek suite, for example, had fun with stately columns, small statues by the soaking tub and a book collection including “The Complete Works of Aristotle.” What was most memorable about the room—a luxurious king size bed, the overstuffed reading chairs facing a fireplace, and a writing desk with desert landscape views changing hues by the hour.
As tempting as it is to hide away in your room (some suites are more than 500-square-feet) with a book and the view, proprietors Deanne and Alan Fielding go above and beyond to ensure many options for guest entertainment. Amenities include a dedicated movie room with 100-inch screen and a library of nearly 170 movies, a popcorn machine, free WiFi and ping pong. Head outside to play horseshoes, tetherball, or to hike in the surrounding trails, vineyard and orchards.
In the late spring and summer time, the outdoor pool entices—surrounded by elegant landscaping and of course, that ethereal vista where desert meets vines. Animal lovers will fall head over heel for Dolly Parton, the resident shaggy-haired farm dog. You’ll most likely meet on the veranda when you try to catch sunrise.
Morning begins with coffee and a homemade Danish delivered to your door, followed by fruit and a gourmet breakfast in the dining room. Then you are set for a tasting adventure—the heart of Walla Walla wine country is only 20 miles away. You can also ride in a hot air balloon, walk the historic downtown, cycle rural farm roads or play a round of golf.
For dinner, plan to dine at The Vine, the onsite restaurant, at least one night—they are open Tuesday through Saturday nights. Chef Nathan Carlson’s seven course prix-fixe dinner features inventive and wildly delicious fare. A beet and blue cheese mousse arrives in a house made wonton cone, while a swirl of prosciutto, mango, basil and honey-chili is gift-wrapped in soy paper.
The pumpkin-bay shrimp bisque with pepitas and smoked paprika seems simple, but lingers as one of the most flavorful and memorable items on the menu. Optional wine pairings for each course highlight a local vintner each month. After dinner, there’s the fire pit set for s’mores, and a year-round outdoor soaking tub near the pool. Imagine the night sky brimming with stars. And yes, that is the Milky Way that you can spy so clearly here in the countryside.
Cameo Heights Mansion || 1072 Oasis Road, Touchet, WA || (509) 394-0211 || cameoheightsmansion.com
