The McColgans have the gift of being incredibly gracious hosts while still maintaining an inviting and homey atmosphere - and all this within a 'green and sustainable' travel & hospitality ethic. Breakfasts were fantastic - no small feat given my severe dietary restrictions. John and Pepper gently questioned, hunted up resources, invented recipes, and fed me superbly. My body was nourished and my soul was nurtured by their kind attention to my needs. Their ability to draw the breakfast guests into an enjoyable and interesting cohesive conversational group was also much appreciated. Ours was the McColgan Room which is very effectively arranged to keep a smaller space warm and relaxing rather than simply 'efficient' and utilitarian. Another perk; this room has the best location to hear the river through the open window - a beautiful accompaniment to our days and nights. Our 'bathroom down the hall' was actually only a few steps away and was our own private bath. (My husband normally absolutely refuses this type of arrangement, but with the robes provided he was fine with it.) The common living room was a very welcoming and relaxing space for my husband to do a few requisite hours of internet work while I played the piano or read. The naturally maintained grounds that lead to the river –complete with the chickens that provide eggs for breakfast - are another restful refuge. All in all it was a beautiful experience. We can't recommend Belle Peppers highly enough!

We stayed in the largest of the 3 rooms, which had its own bathroom. The room had a seating area with a couch, coffee table, gas fireplace, king-size bed, and a clothes closet with plenty of shelving. It was homey and comfortable, not luxurious, and completely spotless. Bathroom had an oversized tub perfect for soaking; towels were large and of good quality.
We mostly enjoyed the delicious breakfasts: french toast, thick bacon one morning and scrambled eggs with sausage and a potato dish accompanied by salsa the 2nd morning. Each breakfast had muffins, 2 kinds of juice available and fresh fruit cups.Everything was home-cooked.
We had no trouble getting on the high speed Internet. Television was available if desired. (Small set on a cart to be wheeled into room.) We chose not to use it.
Our stay was enjoyable and hassle-free. It is within easy walking distance to restaurants and other features of Joseph.
The flower beds could use some sprucing up so that it looks less like your grandparents' farm, and the entry steps need an update.

We had wanted to visit Joseph, Oregon, an artists' community, with a specialty in bronze castings, in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon's Alps, for some time. As part of a trip to Banff, we finally had the opportunity to visit. On the web we found Belle Pepper's, booked it, and found it to be everything we expected. The house was beautiful, a block off the main street in Joseph, comfortable, and welcoming. The hosts, John and Pepper McColgan, were gracious and informative, and wanted us to treat Belle Pepper's as our home. Our room was large, airy, and comfortable. There are only three guest rooms, which added to a home-like feeling. There were great communal breakfasts, beautiful grounds, and a wonderful living room for evening conversation and/or reading.

I love this home! It was built in the early 1900's and was the mayor's home for the little town of Joseph. The back drop of the big Wallowa mountains is breathtaking. The caretakers, John and Pepper, are wonderful caring people. The decor suits the house and the meals were fabulous! My husband and I have stayed there twice and the second time we took my parents who have traveled all over the world and they "loved" it. We will continue to visit there at least once a year as it is such an enjoyable place to stay.