The owners of a Vashon Inn, a new business that opened quietly in the pandemic summer of 2021, are now eager to show off the inn to the public, at an open house that will take place during Vashon’s Winterfest celebration, from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

At the open house, islanders can tour the property, check out a suite and its amenities, and enjoy light refreshments.

There will also be a free drawing for a complimentary 2-night stay at the inn.

The inn, located at 17902 Vashon Highway SW, just south of Vashon Adventures, contains four freshly remodeled and spacious units, priced at $200 and up, depending on the season.

On a recent tour, owners Don and Susy Roberts, along with their partner, Julia Anderson, proudly pointed out the inn’s expansive outdoor areas, which they plan to continue developing in the coming years.

The sun-dappled property, tucked behind a privacy fence that separates it from the hustle and bustle of nearby businesses, features shaded picnic areas in front of the house, and foliage-filled grounds behind it as well.

Don and Susy — longtime islanders who purchased the property 20 years ago and operated it as an apartment building until its renovation into a lodging in 2021 — said that they hope the Vashon Inn will provide them with retirement income in the coming years.

And for Don — a well-known general contractor on the island — the renovation of the inn was also a fulfilling project, bringing the old building to new life.

In operating the business, the trio hopes to establish the inn as “a cornerstone of true community hospitality,” said Anderson, who is the business manager for the inn.

Anderson also detailed the colorful history of the building.

A graceful abode built in 1909 as the Blakely Boarding House, the structure has, over the course of generations, housed thousands of travelers, storytellers, and merchants from around the world, she said.

Now, it offers newly remodeled, spacious one-bedroom, full-kitchen suites with private entries that are designed for families and couples to enjoy a weekend while sampling local cuisine and music on Vashon. Pets are also welcome at the inn, as are large events or wedding parties.

The inn’s location — steps from town — brings visitors to Vashon “into the heart of why we are so drawn to explore and connect together on this beautiful island,” Anderson said.

To find out more, visit vashoninn.com.