Bob and Joan have to be two of the nicest and most interesting B&B keepers that we have met in our short B&B career. Their lovely home, located on 40 acres of wooded land on the island, is an incredibly comfortable place to stay. You can crash at the B&B all day, or go out to "do the island." Bob and Joan are full of really incredible stories and have lived amazing lives. They are fabulous cooks, and the breakfasts were gourmet (ask for the Eggs Benedict and Stuffed French Toast). They are both well-connected to the Island, and a full of great information. You will need to have your car, as they are outside of the town, but that just makes it easier to visit some of the lovely beaches and hiking spots on the south side of the Island. They have a hot tub and outdoor fireplace which guests are more than welcome to use. We will be staying with them again, next time we find our way to Beaver Island. Thank you so much for an amazing vacation week! If you are disappointed staying at the Shanoule, the fault is yours!

Bob and Joan Banville are two of the nicest, friendliest people I have ever had the fortune to meet. Our four days with them was wonderful. They went out of their way to make our stay perfect. The breakfasts were gourmet. Bob has a wonderful sense of humor and he and my husband had a blast comparing stories about their military experiences. Joan is a lady's lady. Gentle, kind and very friendly. Although they had a family situation, they were still attentive to us. We didn't spend as much personal time with them as we would have liked as we were on the go so much. Then tired out at night, that bedtime came early. Nonethe less our experience at lovely and unique Shanoule was a very inspiring and wonderful experience. Great people, great food, cannot think of one negative thing to mention. Also loved the house, absolutely beautiful and the peaceful atmosphere was only added to by the wild turkeys and deer roaming outside the door wall. Great time. Thank you Joan and Bob. Would love to return. Bev & Byron Fiedler

Really beautiful log cabin, wonderful owners, delicious breakfast. Beaver Island isn't a luxury shopping getaway but it's wonderful, peaceful and feels like a safe retreat to a place that's retained the charm left behind in the progress of the rest of the world.

That's not to say that the people there aren't intelligent and progressive, because they are, it's just that somehow the island doesn't seem to have been encumbered with the search for status that seems to have overtaken many places. You can leave your keys in your vehicle (like Bob, one of the owners says, where would someone go if they took it?) and the main rule of the island seems to be not to forget to wave while you're driving. The younger the driver, the less hearty the wave, by the way. Older drivers use their full hand, while younger drivers simply lift their forefingers off the wheel while nodding.

Beaver Islanders aren't about to get pushed into submitting to mainlanders' rules. When roads were re-named, the Islanders simply tacked up the original street name beneath the new sign. And you'll notice a laxness about other rules there too but somehow they manage just fine. Since many are of Irish descent and take pride in drinking quite heartily, teetotalers may not feel comfortable there.

During the winter you'll have to fly over to the Island but it's worth it. I want to check out the cross-country skiing and sled dogs, if they're still there. In the summer I think it would be a great place for fishing and the beaches. There are dirt roads through most of the island, thickly lined on both sides with trees. There's also a lighthouse you can explore, which is left open all the time.

It's been more than two years since we've been there but I'm longing to go back. Our stay in this amazing log cabin that the owners built was extremely comfortable. The owners are both charming and welcoming without being pushy or domineering.

I can't say enough about this place and fully plan to return someday.

My wife and I spent two wonderful nights at this very relaxing friendly B&B. The food was delightful as were the laid back atmosphere and nature preserve surroundings. If you want to get pampered and get away from the busy World stay with Bob & Joan Banville.

Deer, wild turkeys and other critters eat outside your windows. There is even a dog to borrow should you want company on a walk in the woods.

We'll be back!

Terry & Jan Schubert
Cleveland, Ohio