Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/484030
6 WINNIPEGFREEPRESS,SATURDAYMARCH21,2015 CARMAN The on-site bistro is a great place to enjoy lunch, live music and other special events. Photo by Darcy Finley O wner Barbara Alarie bought the business last April and moved in the same day, along with her first guest, a doctor from Egypt. "I get a lot of international doctors who need to spend a certain amount of time working with a Canadian doctor. But I think the majority of people seem to come to bed and breakfasts for the entertainment value," she says. "For a historic building like mine, there are all sorts of stories to be told." Even the windows have a tale to tell. Many years ago, building renovations required the removal of two large windows, which featured colourful stained glass that was originally packed in molasses and shipped from Scotland. Over time, local artist Ken Potter, who coincidentally lives in a church in Sperling, collected enough pieces to reconstruct one window. He sold the reconstructed window at an auction to a local lawyer, who later offered it back to Alarie. Coming full circle, the historic piece is now mounted in the B&B's parlour area, which was originally the church's sacristy. As the name "Bell Aura" suggests, the church's bell tower also remains a focal feature — although it is now located in the yard, along with the historic nameplate for the church. The choice to move into the church was clear as a bell for Alarie, who finds solace in the spiritual setting. "I certainly feel that it is home. Maybe it's because of my upbringing, since I went to church a lot. Maybe it's because I'm used to stained glass windows," she says. "But it's really amazing that I moved in here and I live in here by myself when the rooms aren't rented. I just feel that it's relaxing. Maybe it is the history of the building that has that comfort thing." Guests are similarly charmed by the comfortable environment, which provides plenty of history- rich hideaways. On the second floor of the two-storey building, the church's choir loft has been transformed into a sitting room where guests can sip tea and coffee in the peaceful atmosphere. Just off the parlour, the former Sunday school room still features its original blackboard. The space now contains a double bed plus two singles, making it an ideal choice for families to bunk down for the night. The B&B also offers one room with two single beds, as well as two single-occupancy rooms. To add to the unique character, Alarie plans to transform the sleeping quarters into theme rooms. So far, she has one room dubbed The Hemingway and another called Arsenic and Old Lace. On the lower level, a yoga studio offers classes three days a week, starting at 7 a.m. for early risers. You don't have to be a B&B guest to join in the practice, or to quench your appetite. Alarie operates an on-site bistro every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with other times by appointment. "I'm hoping that we will be open five days a week when the weather warms up," says the former owner of Deerhaunt tea plantation and retreat estate. "I like to do interesting things. I've found all sorts of recipes to make, like carrot soup with ginger or beef soup with yogurt." The lunch menu changes often, with soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts for dine-in or take- out customers. Catering services are also available. The bistro is a big draw for music lovers in the community, since the venue hosts special concerts by musicians including Sweet Alibi, Dan Frechette and Emma Cloney. "I was with the Home Routes program for six years," Alarie says. "Now the entertainers are calling me." While the bistro can typically accommodate about 30 patrons, it's open for larger crowds for concerts. Going forward, Alarie hopes to host themed events such as a Murder Mystery evening. And you don't need to worry if you have nothing to wear, since she is well prepared with an ample supply of costumes. "I have a tickle trunk for adults," says Alarie, who used to host themed events at Deerhaunt. To keep abreast of upcoming events, visit the Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast & Bistro Facebook page or call 204-745-6787. ❙ PEACEFULSANCTUARY Formerchurchisauniquebed&breakfast By Jennifer McFee For the Free Press Guests at Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast and Bistro will be in seventh heaven as they tuck in for the night in the former church. The Carman-based establishment is housed in a historical building constructed in 1898 as St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Vanderveen'sGreenhousesLtd. Box 957, Carman, Manitoba ROG OJO Telephone: (204) 745-3534Fax: (204) 745-3920 ManitobaFitnessCouncil certifyingqualityfitnessleaders since1986. For courses, dates and more information visit: www.manitobafitnesscouncil.ca 100-561MainStreet Winkler,Manitoba, Canada R6W1E8 Phone: (204)-325-9672 Fax: (204)-325-4947 www.rrc.ca winkler@rrc.ca WINKLERCAMPUS RegistrationMcCrearyCommunityCentre Festival Pass: $15/individual $30/family FREE Children 5 & under Purchase festival tickets at www.riding-mountain.ca (click on Events then Book Events/Experience to find the Maple Syrup Festival) 204 835-2673 Check us out on: Facebook or at www.riding-mountain.ca ManitobaMapleSyrupFestival Saturday April 11th McCreary 7:45 a.m. – 10 p.m. Events Include: MaplePancakeBreakfast,TaffyonSnow,FunTreeTappingRelay, kidsTreasureHunt,TreeTappingDemos,toursofamaplebush, MapleSyrupDocumentaryfilm,seehowmaplesyrupismade, localMusic&Food,LocalCraftersSaleandFarmer'sMarket, ChristinaTheCrazyHooper,AshamStompersWorkshop &Performance,FrontierFiddlers ALTONA VisitUsToday intheAltonaMall Ph. 204-324-6425 204-325-8941 BreakawayFamily Restaurant & Lounge Corner Hwys. #3 & #13, Carman, MB 204-745-6785 Co • Al l Da y Br eakfas t Sp ec ia ls • Lu nc h & Di nner Sp ec ia ls • VLT Lo unge Op en to 2 a. m . 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