‘People thought it was a hair salon’

“When we first opened up our ‘Salon Cafe,’ people thought it was a hair salon.” That’s Cheryl Krecsy’s favourite joke about her own business, as she told the Vancouver Guardian in 2025. She also admitted she’s “not good at jokes.” We’d say that one lands.

Most people call her Cece. She opened Little White House & Co. in historic Fort Langley in 2000, according to the shop’s website, and she’s still the owner and “original creative mind” behind it.

The salon in question is a tea room. Cece describes the whole place as a “soft style of living boutique” mixed with a Salon Cafe, selling European antiques and vintage finds next to its own fashion labels, all inside a historic house on Glover Road.

Built for women from 8 to 88

Cece knew exactly who she was building it for. “Many café & restaurant menus & interior design are created with men in mind & I designed LWH mainly for women from 8 to 88,” she told the Guardian.

She wanted somewhere to get away from “the day-to-day stresses & life’s responsibilities,” she said. A place to shop slowly. Or sit down over high tea, or “just a latte & sweet petit.”

Men aren’t turned away, for the record. “Everyone is welcome,” she added, and the stock and menu change with the seasons.

Tea in the Salon Café

Afternoon tea is served in the Salon Café every day, the website says, and you book a seating online. Call if you’re hoping for a same-day table.

There’s a Green Goddess Afternoon Tea that’s fully vegan and gluten-free, with seven little bites on the tier and loose-leaf tea. Seasonal menus rotate through the year. For weddings, the house pairs its high tea with a signature blend it calls Crème de la Earl Grey.

Not every review glows. One Google reviewer was unhappy to hear “you only have 15 minutes to finish” while the tier was still full. Others gush. “I love love love this store!” one wrote in 2025, and another called it “one of the most charming hidden gems in Fort Langley.” Ask how long your seating lasts when you book.

The paper doll is Natasha

Cece doesn’t run it alone. Her daughter, Natasha, is the general manager and “the face of the LWH brand,” the site says. It goes further: “LWH is what it is today because of Natasha.”

Look closely at the illustrations around the website and on social media. That LWH Paper Doll, dressed in seasonal outfits, was inspired by Natasha. You’ll often find the real one on Instagram trying on new arrivals.

“The best part of owning LWH for me is that I have been able to work closely with my talented & hardworking daughter,” Cece told the Guardian. Natasha took the question about the worst part. Her answer is the highlight below.

More rooms than you’d expect

The house keeps going. Beyond the boutique and tea room, LWH hosts small weddings in its Coach House and Conservatory, for up to 25 guests. The website also lists guest suites and a B&B under the Little White House name.

One last tip for the content creators. Planning to film a reel for your own business while you’re there? Ask first. The site says photos or videos taken at LWH for a business account need the owner’s OK.

Photos: Little White House & Co.