Highland
Manor - Steeped in History!
Reviewed:
D&D Sept/Oct 2004 - Destinations & Discoveries
by Heather Sande, Lucknow
I
have to share that I have a secret! I had a fantastic time
at Summerfolk and my evening only got
better when I reached my accommodations at The Highland Manor
Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast! It wasn’t only
my secret - all the rooms at the manor were full of “Summerfolkies”.
And believe me, it was GRAND, in every sense of the word.
The Highland Manor overlooks the bay in Owen Sound and is
steeped in history. To think that this grand old house was
built in 1872 quite intrigued me. In 1872, the Ross family
acquired the deed to the land and it was shortly after that
they built the 7500 square foot home and became the first
family to live in this home. From the unique vantage point
of the 2nd floor of The Highland Manor, the Rosses were able
to keep an eye on the ships coming into the harbour, a very
busy port in the mid 1800's. Upon the retirement of the Rosses
the manor changed owners a few times and in 1919 it became
Miss Moore's Maternity Hospital (1919-1940), a private maternity
hospital. Many of the residents of the Owen Sound area came
to this prestigious home to have their children. Although
it has been thought by some that the cage elevator had been
installed during the home’s maternity hospital days,
further research has proven that it was actually installed
in 1953.
In
1992, the house began to experience a renaissance, when
the Buchanan family arrived, and put their heart and soul
into bringing the manor back to life. Although Linda and
Paul now have legal entitlement to The Highland Manor, they
feel that their role is more that of custodian than owner.
During my stay Paul & Linda made it easy for me to believe
I was a princess! The crowning touch was the luxurious bath
towel topped with a bedtime chocolate. Surrounded by molded
ceilings, historical paintings, antique (but still comfortable!)
furniture, Italian marble fireplaces, plush beds, and a gorgeous
music room I almost expected a horse drawn carriage to pull
into the driveway. In my dreams, I share the music room with
other guests. I am not worried about impressing anyone. After
my morning practice session, I sound like a concert pianist.
The only thing that pulled me from my wonderful sleep was
the alluring smell of breakfast cooking! I would go back
to The Highland Manor just for another serving of Paul and
Linda's egg and cheese soufflé. It was so light and
cheesy it just melted in my mouth. The coffee cake, fresh
fruit cup, choices of juice and delicious coffee and tea
began my day with a wonderful sense of being able to take
on the day. My hosts, Paul and Linda, not only served a great
breakfast, they provided excellent directions and were incredibly
friendly and fun to talk to! My stay at the Highland Manor
gave me a taste of Owen Sound that left me wanting to try
more. Before I left I was already formulating plans of taking
over the entire second floor guestrooms for a girl’s
spa and shopping weekend!
But
it would also be ideal for meetings, anniversary celebrations,
intimate weddings or
perhaps a romantic honeymoon. I'm sure I could think up
an unending
list of excuses to stay at The Highland Manor. But the number one reason
for me is the escape it provided from the hustle and bustle
of our busy lives.
The silence is stunning and very welcomed. Inside the walls of the Highland
Manor you can easily forget the trappings of our modern society and just
relax!
Reservations
can be made by calling 1-877-372-2699 or 519-372-2699
Web: www.highlandmanor.ca -
Email: info@highlandmanor.ca
Highland
Manor Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Reviewed:
March/April 2003 - Destinations & Discoveries
Staying
at the Highland Manor is like being pampered at a country
estate. High atop the hill overlooking Owen Sound and its
harbour, this lovely red brick mansion awaits those who
love old houses, great scenery, wonderful food and lovely
hosts.
Finding
the house takes a bit of detective work. It is nestled
back on 4th Avenue West. When you call to book an evening
stay, have Paul or Linda give you directions or fax you
a map. Directions are also available from their website.
It is well worth the search. As you drive in, past the
brick garage that looks as though it once was used as a
stable, you see a graceful Victorian lady of red brick,
iced with beautiful yellow brick accents, pretty chimneys
and lovely woodwork. The grand porch and towering front
doors face the bluff, so the natural entrance off the street
is the back kitchen hall.
The
house is magnificent. There is a staircase that winds up
three storeys as well as an old-fashioned elevator that
also services all three floors. The home's interior has
survived the occupation of many owners and users with its
deep woodwork and graceful plaster details intact. At one
time the home was used as a hospital for expectant mothers.
Many babies came into the world in this lovely Victorian.
It has been restored to the era of its first owner, a Scottish
foundry owner who built it in the mid 1800s. The library,
with its tall windows overlooking the lawns and bluff,
invites guests to linger on its comfy coaches to meander
through a book, watch the large screen television or have
a good chat. A music room, complete with a beautiful grand
piano, is lovingly furnished with family heirlooms and
portraits. Both Linda and Paul are accomplished musicians
active in the communities of Toronto and Owen Sound.
The
guest rooms occupy the second floor while Linda and Paul's
personal living space is on the third floor. All of the
rooms are spectacular. Some have working fireplaces, which
Linda and Paul supply with a log for those desiring a cozy
evening in front of the fire. The beds are plump with fine
linens and cozy comforters and blankets. We stayed in the
honeymoon suite, a room washed in cream, beige and soft
blue. Out our window at night, the lights of Owen Sound
sparkled and shone. I dressed my hair at a nice appointed
dressing table before going out for the evening while my
husband made full use of the ensuite bathroom, complete
with shower and tub. In the morning, with sunshine streaming
in the five tall windows, we caught sight of the harbour
and the bay beyond. It was hard to leave the room, with
its beautiful windows, fireplace and comfy settee and chairs
but breakfast was worth it.
In a
dining room set like an English tea room, we choose a table
in front of the fire. Beautiful stained glass windows and
lovely period wall coverings made the room cosy yet refined.
Antique glassware from Linda's family adorned the buffet.
We feasted on freshly squeezed orange juice, fruit salad,
lovely banana bread and muffins and the most wonderful
pumpkin pancakes served with locally made maple syrup and
ginger butter. Breakfast was delicious. The pumpkin pancakes
were just what a pancake ought to be - fluffy and filled
with flavour. I can still recall the taste and aroma of
them. Linda let me visit her kitchen which is a beautiful
space filled to the exposed rafters with her cookbook and
tin ware collection. It has the warmth and comfort of a
home's heart.
We enjoyed
our visit at Highland Manor and look forward to visiting
again. It is a place that begs to be seen in the glory
of all seasons. It is only a walk down a nature path to
downtown Owen Sound. In summer, guests can lounge on lovely
antique deck chairs on the wide front porch, which catches
the bay breeze or swing on the wooden swings suspended
from the centuries-old trees that dot the lawn and hillside.
Coming or going, the Highland Manor is a beautiful and
graceful sight filled with the warmth and comfort of beautiful
rooms and wonderful hosts.
The
Highland Manor Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast
867 4th Ave. A West, Owen Sound, Ontario
Tel: (519) 372-2699 or toll-free 1-877-372-2699
Web: www.highlandmanor.ca - Email: info@highlandmanor.ca
