Roslin Hall amps up the notion of a pastoral getaway with ecclesiastical verve. It was once a country chapel, you see. How charming is that?
I first became aware of this gem of a spot when I was given the plum assignment of writing about it for Style at Home’s 2015 July issue (worth googling!). It’s set in Roslin, Ontario, which is about a two-hour drive from Toronto, and just 20 minutes from all the delicious attractions of Prince Edward County.
Historic Roslin Hall has an interior that may surprise you.
Outside, it is all you would expect from a 19th-century Ontario place of worship: gothic doors, lancet windows, ivy-covered walls.
The chapel’s original doors radiate country charm.
Inside, it has seen the light. The original space – all sombre dark wood and panelling – was reinvigorated floor to ceiling with many coats of white paint and expertly furnished by owner Michael Stewart and designer Neil Asselin. Michael, by the way, is the sweetest and most hands-on host and if you don’t believe me check out the online reviews of guests who have experienced the hospitality of Roslin Hall.
The white backdrop makes the 1400-sq-ft space seem even more expansive and lets the fab furnishings shine.
There is satellite TV and a DVD player (with a library of classic movies), as well as books and board games on offer. Love the chapel windows here - the dappled light shining through at the end of the day is so pretty.
The dining area beside the kitchen island. There is also a gas barbecue in the yard.
We, of course, brought a cooler of comestibles but Roslin’s kitchen shelves aren’t bare. Pantry items, condiments and spices can be found in the spotless fridge and cupboards.
Acting like the lady of the manor.
We made wild salmon burgers, jeujed up with bacon, maple syrup and lemon zest, and topped with fresh dill mayo and arugula. The side was good old classic macaroni salad (that means sugar and vinegar are in the mix!). The perfect pour? Sparkling cider from Prince Edward County’s The Old Third Winery. It is my favourite in the County and their cider is made from hand-sorted golden russet apples using traditional Champagne methods (the second ferment is in the bottle). It is complex, delicious and perfect with burgers.
The bedroom is at one end of the space, where the altar used to be, and above it is the original round stained-glassed window. The light hits it perfectly in the morning, as it was designed to do for mass, and is a lovely first sight to wake up to.
The simple and comfy bedroom.
The gorgeous original window above the bed.
Take your morning coffee outside to the back deck, which is irresistible to hummingbirds, and watch the cows from the neighbouring farm casually plod by as they munch grasses in the field beyond the property.
Look up “bucolic” in the dictionary and you may find this. The ivy has grown over the gate, which owner Michael Stewart has never opened for fear of disturbing its wild beauty. Beyond is the field favoured by neighbouring cows.
There’s also a separate, doll-house-like guest accommodation on the acre-plus lot, which, along with the living room’s pull-out sofa, means the Hall can accommodate up to six.
How enticing is this sweet little bunkie?
Inside the bunkie which brims with country style.
I love that Roslin Hall is truly in the country. The succulent sunsets make you wish you were a painter, the nights are all starry black skies and the sounds of animals are the white noise here. It’s also so close to Prince Edward County that it’s an imaginative alternative to the lodgings on offer there.
Country road take me to Roslin Hall.
A Roslin sunset spied from the front step.
If this sounds as remotely enticing as Roslin Hall truly is, then I suggest you book it now because those who have stayed here become converts who keep coming back for more.
Hmmm… Roslin Hall makes me think maybe I’m more of a country mouse after all.
