Regenerate, Rejuvenate, Rejoice

Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast & Bistro is steeped in history

The Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast & Bistro in Carman, Manitoba has a history that dates back almost 125 years.

The building was first christened the St. Andrews Presbyterian church when it was constructed in 1898. It went through various other incarnations until it became the Walnut Street Bed and Breakfast and Tea Room.  The current owner, Barbara Alarie took possession in April 2014 and it was named the Bell Aura Bed, Breakfast and Bistro Ltd.

The Bell Aura spans over three floors. The main floor features a dining room, a convenience kitchen, parlor, breakfast nook, shower room, two restrooms, a multi-purpose room, laundry room and the primary suite for the present owner. The second floor features six bedrooms and a small library with a coffee station. The lower level has two more bedrooms, two bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, and a yoga studio/multi-purpose area.

The bedrooms are named after authors and books and are decorated accordingly. The Manderley is dedicated to Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. The novel lays open on the letter desk and displays the first sentence “Last night I dreamed I was at Manderley again.” The Hemingway is done in Spanish motifs reminiscent of the days when Hemingway covered the Spanish Revolution as a journalist. It also has a sizable collection of his novels, as well as a book of select letters that he wrote to various people. Other rooms are dedicated to W.O. Mitchell, Agatha Christie, Gene Statton Porter to name a few. In the Agatha Christie room there is a turn of the (20th) century typewriter on which some guests have sworn they have heard her typing at night. However, Alarie can’t attest to that.

“The building is filled with antiques, art and various collectables. The stained glass windows are original and were shipped from Scotland packed in molasses. The welcoming purple doors are the colour of healing and peace. The building is steeped in history,” says Owner/Operator Barbara Alarie.

Bell Aura also features a gazebo, fire pit and picnic tables, flower beds and fruit trees to pick from when the season is right.  There is also a yoga studio which is available to guests when not in use by their instructor. Private yoga sessions can be arranged with the studio’s owner – a Reiki Master.

The clientele varies widely from young families wanting to get away from the city for a respite to older folks wanting the same thing.

“Our motto is Regenerate Rejuvenate Rejoice. That includes just about everyone. However, we have yoga retreats, scrapbooking retreats, quilting retreats, personal development and spiritual retreats. Small weddings happen here. We are adaptable.”

Its heritage is part of its charm.

“Bell Aura looks very much like a church because of its roots. It has Cathedral ceilings in the part that housed the baptismal fountain. There is an original blackboard in the Limberlost room, which once was the Sunday school room.”

Despite this history Bell Aura does not have a heritage designation as too much of the original building has been changed.

When the church was sold 35 or 40 years ago the bell tower was removed to the front yard and benches installed for seating. The front entrance and what is now the dining room is original. It has the tongue and groove ceiling that was popular then. The sanctuary which is now the parlor is original with its vaulted ceilings. The front stairs are part of the original building that opens onto what used to be the choir loft, which is now the library/sitting room. There are two bedrooms off this that are original as well. A second floor was built from that point to the edge of the sanctuary and there is a landing that overlooks this area.

“The town however considers the building as having heritage significance as they say and treat it with something short of reverence.”

Looking to the future Bell Aura plans to stay the course and whatever comes along. In short they plan to regenerate, rejuvenate and rejoice with all of their guests.

Nicole Sherwood | Western Hotelier Magazine