Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast is located at 3061 W. Tree Tops Trail (off Copper Basin Road). For more information, call 928-443-1429 or visit www.whisperingpinesbb-az.com.

© Paul Markow

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Peace and Quiet

By Kathy Ritchie

Prescott Quiet. It's not always easy to find, but when Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast owners Tim and Gayle Graham
opened their log-cabin refuge in the trees, they had just that in mind. "It's not for everybody," Tim says.
"You come just to chill," Gayle adds.

Despite the silent hum, the place isn't exactly off the beaten path. "We're so close to heaven and not too far from downtown Prescott," Tim says. Indeed, Whispering Pines nestles against Prescott National Forest, and although it's less than a 10-minute drive to the heart of town, the address doesn't even appear on a Google Maps search.

As you head up the steep drive and make your way onto the 5-acre property, you'll immediately be struck by the view. It's a spectacular sight and completely unexpected — the photographs on the couple's website hardly do it justice. Gayle and Tim, who've been in the hospitality industry for decades, eagerly greet guests with their tiny pup, Cameo, in tow. Once ushered into the 3,000-square-foot house, it's not the size of the home that'll take your breath away, it's the 30-foot windows that offer more of those stunning views.

Four bedrooms feature different themes and varying price points. The British Room is filled with Blighty-inspired memorabilia, thanks to England-born Tim. The cozy Southwest Room boasts a Western theme (the cowboy pastel in the room is courtesy of Gayle's brother — "the place inspired him," Tim says). The Asian Room, with its two twin beds, is decorated with treasures from the couple's travels around the globe. Last, there's the Prescott Room, which feels more like a suite. The rest of the house is open to guests. Of course, if you're looking for just the right spot to unwind with a glass of wine, head up to the loft, where you can plop down on a comfy sofa, watch the sun set or get lost in a puzzle.

Like most B&Bs, breakfast is included, and the Grahams go above and beyond as far as hospitality is concerned. Forget bagels and coffee. Gayle loves to give her guests options, one of which is her savory breakfast pizza. If sunny skies are in the forecast, enjoy breakfast on the wraparound deck, then take a stroll on the trails that are — literally — the fruits of Gayle's labor. She trimmed trees and shrubbery to create three footpaths around the property.

"I want to exceed people's expectations," Gayle says. "We want people to say, 'Wow, this was a great experience.' " And a quiet one, too, no doubt.

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