Visitors to the Abbey House Inn are being welcomed by two new smiling faces, those of Pam and Eric Tavenier. The Taveniers became the new owners on Sept. 22, after about three years as Airbnb proprietors at their home in rural Davis.
Although technically Davis residents, Pam says that when they wanted to go out to eat or have some fun, they were always drawn to Winters.
“We love Winters,” admits Eric. “We enjoy meeting people, and we thought it would be fun to own a place in Winters.
Besides an affection for Winters, Eric says that the hospitality industry suits them.
“Every day is a new story and an easy way to ‘travel’ — you get all the stories (from guests) without having to travel.”
Pam adds that the regular arrivals and departures of guests means a steady stream of those stories.
“One leaves, and one arrives,” she says, likening her interactions with their guests as “a great talk show.”
“We get to meet a variety of people,” she adds, noting that their guests have come from faraway places, such as Spain and Israel, and “all over the world.”
“That’s been what’s the most fascinating and most fun.”
Pam says many of their guests are repeat customers, and sometimes bonds and friendships form. They’ve even been invited to weddings and family celebrations.
With so much positive experience under their belts, the step up to a bed and breakfast seemed natural for them and expands their capacity from one bedroom to the five bedrooms at the Abbey House Inn. Although the venue is called a “bed and breakfast,” the Taveniers take a slight departure from the usual home-made breakfasts and instead give $20 gift cards for the Putah Creek Cafe, which is only a block away.
Although two hotels are in the works for Winters, the Abbey House Inn is currently the only “hotel” available within city limits. Eric says the proximity to the downtown area is an attraction.
“It’s a one-block walk to a safe and cool place,” he says.
Both Eric and Pam emphasize that the Abbey House Inn, with it’s daily availability, can be much more than simply a place to spend the night in Winters. It’s a convenient location for both customers and performers at the Palms Playhouse, as well as a spot for large family needs such as weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties, or even funerals. Out of town friends and relatives can even make arrangements to reserve the entire house. Pam adds that this is also handy for someone planning a mini-conference or gathering, because the front room as well as dining and kitchen areas are open to all guests.
The Abbey House Inn is located at 101 Abbey Street, at the corner of Abbey and First Streets. For more information or to make a reservation, call 530-383-1733, email pamsterdam@gmail.com or visit abbeyhouseinn.com.
