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 one I recommend. Janette Higgins
Located on a cul de sac of large newer homes, By the Bay bed and breakfast is a mere 5-minute walk from Lake Erie and Wheatley Provincial Park. David and Elisabeth Dent bought this architect-designed home from the builder several years ago. It has a cedar shake roof, two large wrap-around corner windows in the living room, as well as some other distinctive features. Recently retired from education they now offer a quiet and relaxing bed & breakfast.
The Dents ask guests to remove their shoes before entering -- there's a screened-in porch where you can leave them. As you might expect (besides the carpet being cream-coloured) all is spotlessly clean within. To your left is an attractive coral, green and burgundy living room with wood-burning fireplace where I had a quiet read after dinner -- the Dents have a small den for themselves nearby.
Upstairs, two of the three bed and breakfast guest bedrooms share a full bathroom located between them. I stayed in the simple but attractive slate-blue-and-white Woodview Room from where I could see the feeders the Dents have set out for birds that frequent the Carolinian woods in their backyard. The Cedarview Room along the hall contains a king-size bed that can be converted to twins. It has a fresh green-and-white colour scheme and small TV. Both have reading lights and carpeted floors. A spacious third bedroom, the tasteful Parkview, has a queen size bed, sitting area with TV/VCR, and an en suite bath with shower and bidet. From its several large windows and adjacent balcony you have a view of Wheatley Provincial Park.
Next morning David dons his chef's hat and prepares breakfast in the open kitchen. Because I was the only guest, he and Elisabeth joined me for a breakfast of juice, banana bread, fresh fruit and a delicious baked egg concoction in a toast nest. Another of his specialties is raspberry yogurt pancakes with bacon. After, there's plenty to see. You could take a hike through the park. Perhaps borrow a canoe or a bike from the Dents. Or you could visit Point Pelee, Pelee Island Wineries or Jack Miner's Bird Sanctuary. They're all within a half-hour drive of this delightful B&B.
Note 2 to reader: I appreciate your support of the continuation of my research by letting David and Elizabeth know you read my consumer review of their bed and breakfast on this bbontario website. Many thanks! Janette Higgins, Travel Writer
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