COVER STORY
to complement the B & B scene . The listings often touch upon the idea of getting away from it all and getting back in touch with nature . A room with a view of uninterrupted acres of farmland is a common theme , as are renovated churches and humble lakeside cottages converted into glamping hubs . And there ’ s a more recent trend to consider : reimagined classic motels .
Just outside Picton is the June Motel , a sweet spot that caters to weekend escapes with like-minded adventurers . In the town of Wellington , arguably the hippest burg in the County , there are a further two examples worth mentioning : the Drake Motor Inn and the recently revamped Lakeside Motel . The former , which opened last year , is the latest addition to a collection of Drake properties and storefronts in Toronto and Prince Edward County . The Motor Inn is close to the main drag in Wellington and a stone ’ s throw from the waterfront , where sister property Drake Devonshire holds sway over the weekend scene .
Originally a foundry building from 1880 and then a B & B , Drake Devonshire is now a certifiable hipster hangout — a boutique hotel that manages to honour its past and bring new energy courtesy of the quirky art , funky furniture , stone-covered beach and indispensible patio . The Drake Motor Inn has more modest roots , but its colourful exterior paint scheme , slick guestrooms , and art and photography installations are appealing in their own right .
The Lakeside Motel , meanwhile , adopts a less bombastic approach to the stay-and-play product offering . The minimalist motel rooms are largely clad in black , white and earth tones , while the on-site glamping tents have a similarly relaxed vibe . At the Lakeside , the selling points also include a large swimming pool in the courtyard and an even larger dining deck and bar situated right on the shore — the largest licensed outdoor patio in the County . The vibe here is different from the historic feel of Wellington , but watching the sunset on the water , enjoying cocktails and roasting a few marshmallows over the fire pits just seems to work .
But there ’ s one location in Prince Edward County that just may top them all for sheer originality — Angeline ’ s in the village of Bloomfield . Situated on a single property , this small collection of buildings includes a historic home , a refurbished motel that dates back to 1953 , the Coachhouse Loft , a chalet inspired by the owners ’ Swiss heritage and the Babylon Log House , a cabin from the 1860s .
The main building , Angeline ’ s Inn , comprises five guestrooms , a dining room on the main floor and , near the front desk , a small collection of gifts created by local artisans . The nine rooms in the Walter Motel feature slick , minimalist , artistic touches . The property is , for sure , eclectic in nature ; there ’ s a pond , a small maze , a tiny schoolhouse that ’ s been turned into a tuck shop and lounge chairs that look out on neighbouring farmers ’ fields .
The crowing glory here is the Babylon Log House , which sits in a quiet , private corner of the property . The owners acquired the small house a few years ago , hauled it to Bloomfield and undertook a complete restoration . The result is a building that brings modern luxury , yet retains its historic country house feel . “ Preservation doesn ’ t mean keeping everything period ,” says proprietor Alex Fida in a 2017 film documenting his efforts , “ but it ’ s about being sympathetic and using spaces in new ways and incorporating modern design with them . So it ’ s about giving old places new life .”
True story : Not only was our family lucky enough to stay in this treasured space , but a certain Justin and Sophie stayed in the exact same spot , celebrating her birthday in the County a few years ago . So , yes , we are now close friends with the Prime Minister of Canada and his better half . Or so we like to claim .
Once you ’ ve unpacked in the County , there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained . The lake is , of course , a natural starting point for swimming , sailing , fishing expeditions , kayaking and wakeboarding . The beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park are , if anything , more popular than ever . The region is also a big cycling destination with many shops eager to assist with bike rentals and repairs . The big lure for avid pedlars is the Millennium Trail , a former rail corridor repurposed for recreational use . The trail runs from Carrying Place to Picton , a distance of close to 50 kilometres .
With all of these physical activities on the Prince Edward County dance card , it ’ s a good thing there are so many incredible food options now , too .
A short walk from Angeline ’ s is Flame + Smith which , as the name suggests , incorporates a lot of fire in their meal preparation . The result is a great , earthy smokiness that brings out the best in each dish . The East Coast oysters here did not disappoint , nor did the seafood platter , which represented the perfect sharing experience . We added fresh local sides and greens , then concluded the meal with our server ’ s inspired suggestion , the lemon-yoghurt sorbet .
Elsewhere in this small town of some 600 residents , there ’ s Bloomfield Public House Market , a more casual establishment . Here , you can order ready-made dishes , including their famous fried chicken , or shop in the small grocery store . The purveyors take pride in featuring goods from local suppliers such as Blue Wheelbarrow Farms , Pyramid Ferments and County Soda Company .
With a strong tradition in farming and agriculture , the County continues to play this card to differentiate itself as a getaway destination . The phrase “ farm-to-table ” didn ’ t originate here , but it certainly applies to the food scene and many of the cultural experiences available to visitors .
Another irresistible experience , one we were fortunate
16 six star magazine
Opposite page photos , clockwise from top left : Jenny Thompson ; courtesy of The County of Prince Edward ; Brühmüller Studio ; courtesy of The County of Prince Edward ; Terry Culbert ; George Amaro ; Brühmüller Studio