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Mozart House B&BVictoria, BCBy Barbara Ballard
The gracious and friendly owners, Astrid and Ralph Gottfried are from Augsburg, Germany, the home of the Mozart family since the 15th century. They have created a beautifully decorated B&B around the theme of music and Mozart.
The Mozart B&B’s rooms are spacious, bright, and beautifully and tastefully decorated. Italian chandeliers, antique furniture, marble fireplaces, and leaded glass windows add to the luxurious surroundings. The home’s turn-of-the-century charm has all the modern conveniences and comforts you could expect in today’s B&B’s. Clever musical touches abound from drapes and napkins decorated with musical notes to musical ornaments. Every bedroom is individually furnished with exquisite taste. European bedding and duvets grace the beds. All rooms have large ensuite bathrooms equipped with bathrobes, bubble bath, and the other usual amenities. A fun extra in each room is a pair of goldfish named Wolferl and Constanze after Mozart and his wife. A CD player/radio with a selection of classical music is provided to add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Upstairs, beside the guestrooms, is a welcoming oak-paneled library with wood burning fireplace. Comfortable Italian sofas with feather upholstery and double French doors opening onto a view of the garden below add charm and comfort. Coffee, tea, and a small fridge are provided for the guests’ convenience.
The Mozart House caters to brides and bridal parties with a special and elegant room set aside for bridal receptions. This quiet and private retreat restores the senses and gives a feeling of well being and relaxation. Mozart House describes itself as a lyrical experience. It is, in every sense of the word, true. Essential Information:
Astrid
and Ralph Gottfried |
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TM
The
composer, Mozart, produced elegant and beautiful music. The Mozart House
B&B, built in 1923, is an elegant and romantic place that produces a
sense of well being and luxury for its guests.
The Italian
Renaissance building is located on a quiet, tree lined street in an
upmarket area of Victoria. For those who don’t want to walk to town,
there’s a bus a half block away. But the neighbourhood lends itself to
walking. The Lieutenant Governor’s mansion with its beautiful gardens is
just down the street and around a corner. Craigdarroch Castle and the
Victoria Art Gallery are nearby. The 15-minute walk to town provides not
only exercise but also a delightful streetscape, especially in the spring
when the flowering trees and bulbs are in bloom. 
The Figaro Suite, a black and white room overlooking the garden, has a
grand 4-poster bed, a Jacuzzi for two in the attached sunroom, and a
separate bathroom with shower. Toile valances decorate the windows. 
The
Symphony in Blue Suite, in hues of soft blue and ivory, has a separate
sitting area, a full ensuite bath, and king/twin beds. An antique chaise
lounge adds to the relaxation. 
Four
course gourmet breakfasts are served around a beautifully decorated
communal table in the dining area. Couples who wish to have a table to
themselves are provided for in an adjoining room. In good weather,
breakfast may be eaten on the patio overlooking the garden. A sample menu
might include broiled grapefruit with maple syrup and brown sugar or other
fruit compositions, freshly baked croissants or rolls with butter and jam,
eggs Benedict with shrimps and asparagus or Swiss potato/zucchini cake
with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon, and apple slices fried in crepe
dough or bread pudding with white chocolate chips. Fresh tea, coffee and
fresh squeezed orange juice are included. 
The
Gottfrieds are happy to arrange tours for guests. House concerts,
presented by a trio of musicians (violin, cello, and clarinet) can be
organized for small groups. These consist of a half-hour concert followed
with a champagne break, then another half-hour of music and high
tea.