Omstead's on Erie
12
Inns E-Magazine / Summer 2014
Margo Omstead dreamed of owning her own bed and breakfast and when one caught her and husband Keith’s eye, their dream started to turn into reality. Then the hard part started: two years of renovations and restorations to the early 1926 craftsman style cottage took place before they opened Omstead's on Erie B&B. Both Margo and her husband worked diligently and opened with one room to start. Together they brought back the former glory and also added a living area for themselves. Now they offer two rooms with ensuites that are appointed with furnishings from the 1930 and 40s era.
Margo loves to scour the countryside for pre-war era antiques and is still keen to attend auctions and estate sales. My bed even had recessed reading lights in the headboard that work beautifully and are wonderful for reading a book in bed. Both rooms are bright, pretty with a step back in time as the furnishings and decor are repurposed treasures. The bathroom mirrors, tub and shelves are even authentic.
Before breakfast you can sit by the fireplace in the main living room and peruse Margo's book collection including Hollywood, fiction, and of course her treasured recipe books. The breakfast room is in the winterized sun porch that looks onto Lake Erie. Breakfast is served on china, and the flatware and acroutrements are all in keeping with the pre-war era. Breakfast was to-say-the-least one of the best ones of my career.
Margo made a Perch Eggs Benedict on gluten free bread. She went to the local fishery and purchased fresh perch and she specializes in gluten free cooking as her daughter is celiac. We started with a home made fruit compote with gluten free coffee cake. Breakfast was so delicious I was pleased to say Margo gave me some to go!
There is a favorite sitting area with an outdoor firepit in the yard that overlooks the lake. You can watch boats of all sizes go by including ocean freighters. Best of all you can enjoy the lake in season from May till October and put this place on your to do list for those that love food and appreciate a bygone era!
Located 90 minutes from Windsor, Ontario, and 20 minutes Point Pelee National Park, Canada's popular destination for birders.
519-324-5727
Wheatley, Ontario
By Mary Hughes
Gourmet bed and breakfast