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       | Sunny Hill ("Sauleskalni") is a 150 year old millhouse surrounded by 30 acres of gardens, meadowland, forest and spring-fed lake. The property was formerly owned by Voldemars Sauleskalns (1905-1973), a well-known Latvian author and playwright. After his return from exile in Siberia in the early 1950's, Voldemars and his wife Vera came back to live on the family farm which they had owned before the war. He spent the remaining years of his life developing an extensive rock garden on the property. His collection of exotic plants, gathered from all over Europe and Russia, included a unique collection of flowering lilacs. Voldemars passed away in the early 1970's. Not wishing to remain alone on the large property, his wife Vera ceded Sauleskalni to the City Council of Kuldiga in return for a flat in town. Thereafter Sauleskalni became a branch of the Kuldiga museum; and for many years the property was maintained as a tourist attraction for viewing the collection of museum paintings as well as the colourful gardens. After independence, when the museum was no longer able to finance the upkeep of Sauleskalni, Voldemar's niece and her husband, expat Americans, took over the property. In order to provide a continuing source of income for maintenance of the gardens, they decided to develop the property as a bed and breakfast operation. A total renovation of the millhouse to meet international standards was carried out, and Sauleskalni was ready to accommodate guests in the spring of 2002. Restoration of the gardens is currently being undertaken in consultation with the Salaspils Botanical Gardens. On January 25, 2004, the Baltic Times wrote: "If nature is your passion, then Sauleskalni (Sunny Hill) in western Latvia is without a doubt the best B & B in the Baltics - hands down. With a stunning garden, a genuine fishing pond, and an expansive forest surrounding the territory, client satisfaction is guaranteed. In fact, once you settle in you're not likely to even want to leave the grounds." As will be noted from the section on Facilities, the attic upstairs has been converted into four bedrooms each with attached private bathroom. Downstairs there is a VIP bedroom and bath, communal living room, kitchen, dining room, and attached verandah for sitting out on rainy days. On sunny days there is a terrace overlooking the rock garden where visitors can relax in peaceful green surroundings. Lauku Celotajs has awarded us their Green Certificate. "This eco-label certifies that the establishment offers healthy recreation in a clean and tidy rural environment."
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