Places to Stay : Ephraim

Lodgings at Pioneer Lane
P.O. Box 275
Ephraim
920-854-7656
800-588-3565

Here is an inn in the beautiful town of Ephraim that was built and first opened in the Spring of 2000, but has a distinct old-world look and charm about it.  This is a beautiful inn that we think you will be thrilled to find!

We were pleased to meet with the innkeepers, Hugh and Alicia Mulliken, who gave us a tour of the four-room inn, which is tucked away behind the Village Hall, in a small square of buildings. Hugh, who is an architect by trade, designed the B&B and made it consistent with the local architecture. He oversaw the expansion from 3 to 4 rooms in what was the original house built in the late 1800’s.

In the main building, we toured all three rooms. First, the Cabin Room (#203) boasted a king bed with bentwood headboard and side table, a whirlpool surrounded by stained pine panels, and a large bath area complete with toilet and bidet and embroidered towels! A red bentwood rocker, a wooden chest coffee table, love seat and fireplace compete the cozy atmosphere and look.

The rooms also have a coffeemaker, private phone with answering machine, and refrigerator covered with a wood panel to dress it up – very nice touch that softens the whole look. Antique metal advertising signs grace the wall above the fireplace and rise to the 9-foot ceilings, which offers a very open and airy feeling. A balcony offers a private sitting area.

In the Leaf Room (#201), we found a king bed with unique headboard that was green painted wood, with a painted tin insert. Unusual metal leaf decorated lamps stood on the nightstands. Here the whirlpool surround was maple, while two chairs fronted the fireplace, which was graced with leaf stenciling above it. A small gaming table and matching chairs made your imagination wander. Again, the amenities like wood-panel covered refrigerator, and the like were available too. A private balcony also was accessible through the French doors.

The Blossom Room (#202), sported rose quilted beddings, a whirlpool with wood surround, and offered a covered balcony for your relaxation. Instead of the usual framed picture or other piece of artwork over the bed, a collection of antique plates decorated the wall, and worked so well with the room’s décor. A TV in the armoire, rose colored walls, and antique pedestal table, wicker chairs in a fireplace grouping made the room very inviting.

Hugh, being an architect, made sure the soundproofing was excellent, to block out road noise etc.

The new room is a suite with a sitting area and whirlpool and is handicap accessible – a very nice feature we thought. A fireplace graces one wall, and a door can be opened to the adjoining room is great if traveling with family or friends. Some of the original home’s logs (again, built in the late 1800’s) are exposed in this new room – this creates a nice feeling, tying tradition with the modern conveniences also offered.

A unique key system, which allows you to pick up your key at anytime, is employed for each room. A lockbox sits in a wall outside the room that has a combination lock, and when you book the room, they tell you the combination so you can arrive whenever you like without worry. Nice touch.
We were impressed with the attention to detail, the 9-foot ceilings in the new section, the quality of craftsmanship, and nice touches like the wood-panel covered mini-refrigerator doors. We think anyone will find Lodgings at Pioneer Lane pleasant and wonderful. Hugh and Alicia have done a wonderful job!

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