Compass Rose Bed & Breakfast

A magical experience! My husband and I stayed with the Bronsons this July, and from the moment we stepped across the threshold, we were treated more like visiting family members than bed-​and-​breakfast guests.
After greeting us warmly at the door, Mrs. Bronson sat us down in the parlor for tea and a chat about our plans for the trip. She also listed off a mind-​boggling number of options for our two breakfasts; we settled on applecakes with cinnamon and waffles with real cherries jubilee, if you can believe it. The food was delicious, served in formal courses on beautiful china and crystal.
The house itself is a literal treasure trove, spilling over with the Bronsons’ international collections of books, knickknacks, furniture and sundries. The overall effect is somewhere between a Studio Ghibli film and the set of «Practical Magic». It’s very understandable that they can’t host small children! For older guests, though, it’s difficult to pry yourself out of the building to see the other sights on the island. We enjoyed viewing antique photographs on a Victorian-​era stereoscope and listening to a music box with swappable punched-​metal discs, and spent a pleasant evening sipping port and playing chess in the upstairs parlor, feeling very posh.
Between the delightful host and hostess, the wonderful food, and the completely unique furnishings, our time at the Compass Rose was unforgettable. We’ll definitely be staying here again.

I haven’t stayed here — yet — but I had an amazing conversation with the proprietor when I called to check availability for dates in March. Unfortunately for me, the dates I needed were unavailable, but she gave me several other places to try and was incredibly sweet and lovely to talk with.
Based on this first impression, the Compass Rose will definitely be my first call the next time I get to Whidbey Island.

This is a charming B&B — and real find if you want to experience a taste of Victorian hospitality. The owners (Capt. & Mrs. Bronson) are full of interesting stories and information about local finds & activities.
Breakfast is truly wonderful… served on the beautiful china most people keep stored away. Delicious, fun, delightful and something you will tell your friends about!
If you are thinking of a stay on Whidbey, try the Compass Rose for a delightful and different experience!

This 1890 Victorian home is loaded with beautiful, breakable antiques and collectables. The website pictures do not do it justice. Every nook and cranny, table, shelf and surface (and probably their attic and all their closets) is knick-​knaks and crystal. Once you get used to that it was wonderful. The householders are very accomadating and welcoming. World class service and hospitality. The Breakfast was elegant and fabulous. We dined off of china and silver, crystal and lace. (sweedish pancakes and a exotic jelly/​jam tray.)
The bed was an antique head board and frame with a tempurpedic (I didn’t lift the sheet to check the label on the matress, you can when you stay here) memory foam. We had our own private bathroom with shower. I know It probably sounds getto to say this and very white trash, which I am. This b&b would be ideal for a honeymoon couple or a romantic weekend.