New South Kitsap bed and breakfast truly is a destination

For Melissa Pigg, the location is not a detriment but an attribute worth accentuating.

Pigg and her husband, Greg, run Wye Not Getaway bed and breakfast, which is closer to Belfair than Bay Street despite its Port Orchard address.

Despite that, Pigg said the bed and breakfast not only is a draw for out-of-state travelers, but locals who are drawn to the prospect of feeling like they are in a different area without the expense of airfare.

“I definitely would describe it as a destination bed and breakfast,” she said. “When people get here, they’re pleasantly surprised they get to unwind.”

The bed and breakfast, on Wye Lake, is the culmination of a lifelong dream for Pigg. Growing up in Southern California, she frequently visited her grandparents, who ran a bed and breakfast.

“It certainly came natural for me,” Pigg said.

Only recently did it come to fruition.

The Piggs relocated to the area 20 years ago and discovered Wye Lake, where they began building and renovating homes, including the bed and breakfast, which was built in 1991. She said they always planned to operate a bed and breakfast upon retirement. The transition began three years ago, when they started to utilize it as a vacation rental. Pigg said people still have the option of doing that, but demand is greater for it as a bed and breakfast.

The couple aims to take advantage of the natural setting during the summer. In addition to a small event deck overlooking the lake, there is a canoe and rowboat parked at the dock.

Days featuring 70-degree weather in the Northwest are limited, though. For that reason, Wye Not Getaway has a massage room, where clients can schedule a masseuse by appointment. That room is detached from the bed and breakfast, as is the private sauna.

“I had to come up with things to do when it rains,” Pigg said.

For that reason, she has tried to make the bed and breakfast comfortable, as well.

An accomplished oil painter — she spent 15 years as an art instructor, florist and interior decorator — Pigg has decorated the bed and breakfast with several landscapes, including one featuring otters that frequent Wye Lake. Her oil painting of Jackson Hole, Wyo., was featured in the 2006 book “Arts for the Parks.”

“All of this has come in handy with a bed and breakfast,” she said, referring to her background.

Wye Not Getaway features two bedrooms for guests — the Piggs are considering adding a third. The downstairs suite, which runs $175 per night, has a small kitchen and bathroom with an oversized tub. The smaller room on the main floor, which costs $125 per night, has a bathroom with a regular tub, but no kitchen. The Piggs live on the upstairs level.

Similar to other bed and breakfasts, Pigg serves a breakfast that offers a variety of options ranging from biscuits and gravy to omelets. She also has gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available.

The Piggs also offer free WiFi to guests.

She said the reception toward the bed and breakfast has been strong.

“That is the nice thing about them,” Pigg said. “I had one say this isn’t my grandmother’s bed and breakfast.”

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.