The site of many overnight stays, weddings, teas, banquets and Camas-Washougal Rotary Club meetings will soon become an assisted living facility.
Jack and Chris Foyt, owners of The Fairgate Inn, plan to begin accepting residents in January 2014, after all of the licensing is completed. They will be board members of Fairgate Estate, while their daughter Jennifer Coriell will serve as the administrator.
The transition from a bed and breakfast to an assisted living facility will involve the installation of an elevator and other adjustments to accommodate individuals with mobility issues.
The guest rooms are undergoing the renovation process and are no longer available for lodging guests.
“We really are excited about this new venture that is increasingly needed with an aging population,” Chris said. “Having loved ones in close proximity is such a benefit to family members within our community.
“This new business is a decidedly more stable business than that of events and makes far less impact on our neighborhood,” she added.
Chris said they have already received inquiries about placement for parents in need of assisted living.
“I imagine every business considers themselves to be unique, but we believe that because of the limited number of residents — 10 to begin with — the level of service that we will be able to provide will be such a benefit,” she said.
The Foyts decided to transition the business after determining it was time to retire. They spent time investigating the possibility of opening an assisted living facility and made sure there is a need for that service within the community.
“Then we met with other professionals in that field for counsel, as well as direction,” Chris said.
They opened The Fairgate Inn in May 2000.
“Jack and I have made Camas our home for the past 22 years,” Chris said. “At this point in our lives, we did not really envision selling this property that we have invested our resources and so much of our time.”
The Foyts plan to live on the property, but not in the assisted living facility.
“We will not be selling the property, but it will, in fact pass down to our children at some point,” Chris said.
Notable guests at The Fairgate Inn have included U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and his wife, Landra.
The Reids and five Secret Service agents stayed at the inn for three nights in August 2012. Harry, the Senate Majority Leader, was in the area to visit childhood friends and attend a political fundraiser in Portland.
In March 2011, an episode of the Turner Network Television series “Leverage” was filmed at the bed and breakfast.
Jack portrayed a chef in the episode. The series included Timothy Hutton, winner of an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his role in the film “Ordinary People.”
Tea reservations are accepted
A Christmas Victorian tea will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the conservatory at The Fairgate Inn, 2213 N.W. 23rd Ave.
The cost to attend will be $35 per person.
The event will include a several course tea and live entertainment, and the inn will be decorated for Christmas.
To make pre-paid reservations, call 834-0861. For more information, visit www.fairgateinn.com.
