Near Seattle, a grand hotel opens in a former seminary at Saint Edward State Park

In a green environment you will find peace, relaxation and gourmet cuisine inspired by the northwest

The exterior of the historic building is a vision from the moment guests step onto the property – photo courtesy of The Lodge at St. Edward

A quiet, wooded estate 16 miles from Seattle in Saint Edward State Park, offers one of the most enchanting accommodations in the Pacific Northwest. After all, not every day you have the opportunity to spend the night in a converted seminary, where you can see deer prancing from the dining table at dusk.

The brand new lodge in St. Edward Park on the east bank of Lake Washington offers guests a fascinating piece of Kenmore history. Dating back to the 1920s, Saint Edward Seminary was created as a peaceful PNW oasis to train young men for the priesthood.

Nowadays, the venue reflects and preserves the former identity of the property and at the same time invites visitors into large, newly designed rooms, which ensure lively banter amid good food and drink. The Tonsorium bar (Latin for “barber shop”) is located where seminarians once had their hair cut; The central restaurant Cedar + Elm is located in the former dining room of the seminar.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park promotes local artists and features exquisite creations throughout the property – photo courtesy of The Lodge at St. Edward

Those looking for a rejuvenating experience can head to the gorgeous Vita Nova Spa on the ground floor, which features natural treatments from friendly, skilled technicians, pastel shades, succulents, an outdoor fire pit, and sculptures by Sabah Al-Dhaher.

Or head outside to explore the 326-acre property, which is dominated by a fascinating jungle and 3,000-foot long freshwater coast. Guests will find 71 scenic hiking trails, bike paths, and a playground designed by the community’s children (and built by over 2,000 volunteers in 2003).

Traces of the past echo in the long corridors of the building; On the sprawling property, 36 QR codes link to history lessons, photo galleries, and videos that share the seductive stories behind various websites. Outside, learn about Chef Jason Wilson’s garden, which is stocked with seasonal produce, and the adjoining gym building that the state park is turning into a learning center (expected in late August).

The venue’s 84 guest rooms combine the original character of the building with modern flair – photo courtesy of The Lodge at St. Edward

Inside, black and white pictures line the hallway on the ground floor, while a fine arts gallery on the upper floor shows a changing selection of local art that visitors can marvel at and buy. The lodge will host an Artist in Residence program highlighting a new creative quarter that will allow them to be inspired by the remarkable surroundings and offer private and public classes.

While there’s plenty to explore in and outside of the hotel’s common areas (including a library full of games), guests can also find refuge in one of the 84 comfortable guest rooms, which range from former dormitories to light-filled suites with vaulted ceilings. Original windows and doors stand alongside curated wallpapers with architectural drawings of the building and current details such as smart TVs, cozy bathrobes and modern glass showers with natural stone elements.

A series of Chef’s Harvest Dinners will begin at the Lodge this fall – photo courtesy of The Lodge at St. Edward

During your stay, indulge in a cocktail at Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar before heading to your reserved table at Cedar + Elm, where James Beard Award-winning Chef Wilson celebrates the generosity of the Northwest. The menu here is influenced by seasonality and sustainability efforts, always aiming to support local farmers, fishermen, producers and suppliers.

Standout dishes include St. Jude’s white tuna crudo and plancha seared scallops with strawberry salsa verde, ramps, asparagus and celery root. Book in advance to enjoy the popular Sunday brunch, which is accompanied by live harp music, and keep an eye out for other upcoming events that showcase the talents of local spoken-word performers, poets, and musicians (like Spanish guitar on Thursdays Bar).

Live music reverberates through majestic rooms on select evenings and brunch mornings – photo courtesy The Lodge at St. Edward

Would you like to get out of the property during your stay? The St. Edward limo is available to guests for $ 250 an hour for private wine tours, wedding events, or an aimless drive around town. The 1938 Pontiac Tour Limo, specially remodeled in 2008, reflects the estate’s efforts to honor the intrigues of the past while celebrating the comfort and beauty of modern day indulgence.