A new chapter for the Balch Hotel

DUFUR — A new chapter of stewardship and hospitality is underway at one of Oregon’s most historic landmarks: the Balch Hotel. Dufur’s century-old inn and National Register-listed property is now under the ownership of professional photographer and entrepreneur Christina Engle.

Engle describes herself as “a lifelong seeker of beauty in everyday moments.” Married to her high school sweetheart and raising six children, she’s drawn to the Balch’s blend of community, creativity and connection.

“These days, I’m trading city lights for creaky floors and good wine,” Engle said. “Continuing my favorite work of gathering people together.”

Built in 1907 and opened in 1908, the hotel started as a pillar of Dufur’s early economy and a busy stop along the Great Southern Railroad. In its pre-Depression heyday, the hotel’s dining room was a lively hub for travelers and locals. Crowds were so large that a rope had to be strung across the doorway to control the flow of guests.

Prosperity waned during the Great Depression, leaving the hotel dormant for decades. But a major restoration in the 1980s by Portlanders Howard and Patricia Green brought it back to life as a commercial lodging house.

In 2006, Samantha and Jeff Irwin continued restoration efforts, reopening the Balch to travelers and establishing it as a special event venue. Nearly a decade later, Josiah Dean and Claire Sierra expanded its operations, introducing wellness offerings, art exhibits, food and wine events, and a concert series.

Now under the helm of Engle, the property begins another evolution, “anchored in history but moving towards a modern vision of rural hospitality,” said a press release.

With Engle, the hotel is poised for enhancements. Early plans include a classic cocktail bar, a revitalized wedding program, and a re-imagining of the in-house spa, with hints at a cold plunge and hot tub under the stars. Renovations to guest spaces, the addition of a fireplace, and ongoing development of the hotel’s restaurant, Bistro 1907, are also on the horizon.

In collaboration with the professional design team behind Portland’s Pittock Mansion Christmas displays, The Balch will unveil an all-new decor installation this holiday season. The project will launch on Thanksgiving Day, aiming to transform the hotel’s main gathering spaces into immersive, photo-worthy destinations through the New Year.

The Balch is open seven days a week and offers 20 unique guest rooms for overnight stays. Dinner service is offered five nights a week.

To celebrate the transition, the Balch hosted a community open house on Nov. 22, gathering locals, guests and friends for a sneak peek of festivities to come under new leadership.

The Balch Hotel is located at 40 Heimrich St. in Dufur. For more information on events and services, visit www.balchhotel.com.