|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the best bed and breakfasts in Stirling (Belleville) Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.
|
|
Area East of Toronto along Lake Ontario
| |
|
|
La Dolce Vita Bed and Breakfast
|
Cathy and David Baynes
54 Wellington Street
Stirling, ON
Canada, K0K 3E0
|
| Phone: 613-395-2138 |
| One of Stirling's beautiful old homes has been beautifully restored as a pretty special B&B. |
|
|
|
Review by Janette Higgins
author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide
Six editions of the book were published to critical and popular acclaim. Janette now publishes her B&B
reviews and holiday reports online.
|
Note 1 to reader: Every Ontario bed and breakfast receives my consideration. I travel incognito, pay where I stay and write reviews of the top 5%. Here is a bed and breakfast I recommend in Stirling near Belleville. Janette Higgins
The sweet life. That’s how La Dolce Vita Bed and Breakfast translates into English and it represents the goal of hosts Dave and Cathy Baynes who, in 2002, made the bold move from Toronto to Stirling. It took awhile because little did they know the restoration of their historic home for bed and breakfast would take six years. Cathy was an insurance claims adjuster in her other life, but it’s clear to me she could just as easily have been an interior decorator. Take the living room walls for instance. Though it reads as wallpaper it’s actually handpainted creamy gold stripes with a stencilled fleur de lis repeat motif in what passes for gold leaf. Beautifully effective as a subtle backdrop for the elegant furnishings.
Upstairs, both guest bedrooms have queen beds but there the similarity ends. The Raffaello Room is done in rich tones of gold and red and its en suite bathroom is original though it now has a tub with shower. The Leopardi Room is done in soft blues and antique gold and its en suite bathroom has a shower stall. And a note to those travelling together who need two rooms (perhaps parents with a child or two singles); at the back of the house there is a fresh green-and-white overflow room with toile accents. It has a double bed and is only rented to someone travelling with those staying in the Raffaello Room since they’d be sharing its en suite bathroom. Conveniently, the bathroom has a second door for access from the hall.
Dave’s background is in website design and, following another passion, he’s also set up a small recording studio on site. In the kitchen, though, both hosts share responsibilities for breakfast and offer the lucky guest a choice. I was asked to choose among eggs Benedict with homefries, a fritatta with a wide choice of ingredients, or bourbon French toast with sauteed apples and toasted almonds. After humming and hawing I decided to indulge myself and have the French toast. It was a huge serving and I could only eat one slice but chef Dave says most are able to finish the whole thing.
This penchant for good food comes honestly to both; Dave grew up in the restaurant business and Cathy grew up in an Italian kitchen (born Caterina, she moved from Italy with her family when she was 14) and to this end they offer Italian cooking classes where, among other dishes, you can learn how to make Italian pasta. Then, of course, you get to eat. Or you can simply work out a menu in advance (homemade pasta and tiramisu could be two of the four courses) and for $30-40 per person you can look forward to an elegantly presented meal in the formal dining room when you arrive. Savour it and contemplate how sweet life is.
Note 2 to reader: I appreciate your support of the continuation of my research by letting the hosts know you read my review of their bed and breakfast on this bbontario website. Many thanks! Janette Higgins, Travel Writer
|
Reviews of Janette Higgins'
favourite places beyond Ontario
More of Janette Higgins' reviews
of Ontario's best bed and breakfasts
|
|
La Dolce Vita Bed and Breakfast, Stirling (Belleville), Ontario
|
| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://ldvbb.com |
| Best to call: |
Anytime before 9:30 PM |
| Languages: |
English, Italian |
| Season: |
All Year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S $90-105, D $100-115 (no taxes) |
Currency converter
|
| Cards: |
Cash or Cheque only |
| Restrictions: |
Enquire about older children; smoking outside only; enquire about nearby kennel for pets |
| Facilities: |
2 bedrooms with queen beds and en suite bathrooms (1 has shower in tub and 1 has shower stall); a 3rd room with a double bed can used as overflow for someone travelling with those staying in Raffaello Room; central air, wireless internet; guest living room |
| Parking: |
ample off street |
| Breakfast: |
Full |
| In Residence: |
Micio, the cat |
| Location: |
Stirling is 20 minutes north of Hwy 401 at Belleville which is at the north end of Prince Edward County. Belleville is less than an hour west of Kingston and about 1 hour 45 minutes east of Toronto. |
| Directions: |
There are two exits off Hwy 401 that will take you into Stirling depending on whether you are coming from the east or the west. Obtain directions when booking. |
| |
|
|
|
|
