West Seattle business news: Villa Heidelberg for sale; owner explains

One year after celebrating its centennial, the owner of the Villa Heidelberg Bed and Breakfast has put it up for sale. Several WSB’ers noticed a sign go up yesterday; one even posted about it in the WSB Forums. We checked with Villa Heidelberg owner Judith Burbrink, who marked 10 years of owning it at the same time as last year’s centennial celebration. She said that the sign has come down – she actually didn’t want one, though the property is indeed for sale, “I didn’t want to deter people from making reservations as I am still taking reservations and plan to continue to do so as the sale would be for a turn-key sale of the business.” She reiterates that it’s for sale *as* a B&B. It’s listed for $1.3 million. (If you’re not familiar with Villa Heidelberg, it’s at 4845 45th SW [map].) ADDED 11:25 PM: In a followup note, we asked the B&B’s operator about her decision to sell – click ahead to see what she told us:

“I still love visiting with all the people who come to my place from around the world and love seeing all the return people,” Burbrink said, then adding, “I just want to be able to pick up and visit my family and friends who are around the world and whom I am not able to visit as much now as I used to be able to do.” She says her family’s all in Indiana, and then, even further away, “I have several ‘special granddaughters’ in Japan. I had a foreign student live with me who became like a daughter and she has 2 girls who I call my granddaughters. I have visited them several times but would like to be able to go more as they are now in school and cannot come here as often.” Summing up her feeling as “wanderlust,” she reveals, “I was a flight attendant for 26 years before I bought the B&B.”

Steven Henke with Prudential Northwest Realty, who’s the listing agent, says they’re planning a “brokers’ open” for other agents next week.

3 Replies to "West Seattle business news: Villa Heidelberg for sale; owner explains"

  • John June 18, 2010 (8:52 pm)

    Sad, had relatives stay for our wedding and it was fantastic. None of them are B&B people but loved it.

  • lg June 18, 2010 (11:16 pm)

    my parents have really enjoyed staying there, especially her breakfasts.

  • Rick Jump June 19, 2010 (6:45 pm)

    I am so sad to hear this. Even though my wife and I live in West Seattle we have stayed at the Villa Heidelberg several times and always enjoyed it. We often purchased a gift certificate at a charitable auction – Judy has been a strong supporter of local non-profits. She is also an excellent cook and we have enjoyed several catered affairs at the Villa Heidelberg. Best of luck to you Judy – you will be missed.

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