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The Stone House Perched on a ridge surrounded by breathtaking views, the weekend retreat of Lost Gardens resembles an English stone manor house. Located between the villages of North Bruce and Underwood just south of Port Elgin, it sits on a beautiful 10-acre ridge overlooking an expansive meadow and hardwood forest while Lake Huron can be seen in the distance. The house, built in 1885 by renowned stone mason, Alexander (Sandy) Brunton, is one of only three that he completed in the area. Original owner Job Carr, an English gentleman, was also an avid horticulturalist who surrounded the property with exotic plants and even a peacock, thus the name, Lost Gardens. Today, the extraordinary botanical gardens are in the process of being restored. Sue Glass, with help from her husband and family, offers a quiet, year-round country retreat filled with the delights of nature. "We want our guests to enjoy all that this area has to offer," says Susan. "We are close to one of the most incredible provincial parks anywhere, McGregor Point, right on Lake Huron and we provide comfort bicycles in the summer, snow-shoeing in the winter, hiking and various arts activities on request." For those who prefer less active forms of relaxation, Lost Gardens offers a heated pool (in summer), indoor hot tub and sauna and gentle yoga stretching sessions. A hot stone massage and artistic workshops, such as pottery, can also be arranged for a slight additional cost
Garden Solarium Features a Hot Tub "We also offer an eclectic selection of films in the evening and a music room with piano," Susan adds." We want people to 'feel at home when away from home'. Our guests can sit back and relax while all their meals and snacks are prepared or, if guests who only stay overnight prefer to have access to the kitchen to make a light breakfast, that's definitely a possibility." Since Lost Gardens is situated in the rich historical and agricultural area of Bruce County, Susan often features theme weekends focusing on a wide variety of gourmet delights. "When local, tender young asparagus is in season for instance," she explains, "our menu will reflect that or, when strawberries are in season, we will feature delectable strawberry delights." |
(continued) When it comes to sleep, Lost Gardens, provides for almost every contingency. The Tranquility Room with Queen size bed and an ensuite, complete with claw-foot tub under an overhead skylight, offers a stress-free hide-away.
Ensuite
The Garden Room offers Victorian Ambience The Garden Room entices visitors into a Victorian ambience of floral delight and there is a sumptuous shower room for two that resembles an ancient Roman marble bath complete with ensuite sauna. For families with younger children, the Forest Room is ideal. A double bed, single bunk and a twin bed can provide comfortable sleeping accommodation for a family of four. Technically, however, Lost Gardens is capable of sleeping up to nine people at one time. Lost Gardens is a year-round retreat where couples, families, individuals or groups of up to six, can relax in the stress-free surroundings of nature but, if you and friends want something NEW, UNIQUE AND HEALTHY, try the new half-day retreats on Thursdays and Fridays. "These retreats are perfect for small groups looking for a get-away with friends," says Sue. "We offer host-facilitated snowshoeing in winter, aqua-fitness in summer, bike treks and gentle stretch yoga (year-round). These can also be mixed in with whatever particular activities a group wants to do, such as stitch-and-bitch, scrapbooking or simply holding a club meeting." Top off the afternoon with a delicious, nutritious meal and you have the ideal afternoon get-away. All inclusive weekend packages run from Friday 7:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:00 p.m. Call 519-832-2331, toll free 1-877-892-2331 for information and reservations or visit
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