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One of the best bed and breakfasts in Meaford Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.
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Near North and Northern Ontario
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Irish Mountain Bed and Breakfast
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John and
Bobbie Avery
R R 1
Meaford, Ontario
Canada, N4L 1W5
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| Phone: 519-538-2803 |
| Arguably the best view from a bed and breakfast anywhere. |
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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.
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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
The view from Irish Mountain Bed and Breakfast is truly exceptional. From its heights you’ll have a panoramic overlook of Georgian Bay and its darting shoreline. The view alone is reason enough to come to John and Bobbie Avery’s bed and breakfast, but add in three nicely-furnished suites with amenities such as hot-tubs, gas fireplaces, en suite bathrooms and private decks, and it becomes apparent why this bed and breakfast holds such appeal.
As for restaurants, there’s a ‘famous in these parts’ diner within walking distance. A short drive takes you to Meaford or Thornbury which offer up an appealing assortment of restaurants and shops. Even if your aim is to be in Collingwood or Owen Sound it could well be worth checking out this bed and breakfast.
Here’s what you can expect. You’ll most likely be greeted by John and possibly his sidekick, Zoe the German shepherd. (He’ll have checked that you’re OK with dogs.) John is one of those sporty types who used to own a pub meaning he often ends up skiing or hiking with guests who are so inclined or even taking them out in his 29-foot sloop. Kind of a man’s man. Bobbie’s the Toronto Star’s area correspondent so she’s usually busy being a scribe while John does most of the B&B hosting.
The bed and breakfast is set up so that each suite has a flat screen TV, private entrance, private sitting area and king-size bed. And, of course, free internet access. Slippers and robes are provided and on the beds you'll luxuriate in goose down duvets and white Egyptian cotton 600-thread-count linens. You won’t be unhappy in any of the rooms so here’s the lowdown on their differences. In the main house you’ll find the top-level Lakeview Suite – it’s the one with the full panoramic view. Lofty cathedral ceilings set the airy tone. The décor effectively offsets the large boldly coloured painting over the bed. There’s a large en suite bathroom with heated marble floor plus a sun room with three skylights and a door leading out to your own private deck with hot tub.
Back downstairs on the main level you’ll find a two-room suite with outside entrance from a private deck with your own hot tub. It has internet access, a cosy sitting room with fireplace and windows that face the view. Back outside, and a bit up the hill, the Averys have built a large cabin that has a dining area with a handy microwave oven. Again, your hot tub sits on its deck. Even from here you’ll capture a good chunk of the view.
Next morning breakfast is served in a dining area off the common guest living room. There are three tables set up so if you prefer a private conversation over breakfast you’ll be fine. However, if you’re a tried-and-true B&B fan, as am I, you’ll still be able to chat with like-minded guests. When I was there John served up a substantial breakfast of multi-grain waffles with walnuts with all the usual accompaniments. As you check out Georgian Bay from the dining room you’ll also pick out some other reasons to come here – award winning gardens with pools and waterfalls plus an enormous deck with swimming pool. All yours to enjoy.
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
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Irish Mountain Bed and Breakfast, Meaford, Ontario
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| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://www.irishmountain.net |
| Best to call: |
anytime |
| Languages: |
English and some French |
| Season: |
all year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S or D $165-214 plus 13% HST
Weekdays September through June (except Christmas holidays) $155-165 plus 13% HST
2-night weekend minimum is usual, 3-night minimum for long weekends |
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| Cards: |
cash or cheque only |
| Restrictions: |
adult retreat; smoking outside only; enquire about guests' pets |
| Facilities: |
3 suites, 3 king beds, en suite bathrooms, gas fireplaces, flat screen TVs and en suite outdoor hot tubs. Private entrances. Living room, deck, pool, central air, free wireless internet |
| Parking: |
on site |
| Breakfast: |
full |
| In Residence: |
Zoe the friendly German Shepherd, usually kept in host area. |
| Location: |
on Cape Rich overlooking Georgian Bay, 9.5 kms west of Meaford. Thirty minutes from Collingwood. Twenty minutes from Owen Sound. |
| Directions: |
on Hwy 26 drive 5 kms west of Meaford. Turn north on Grey Road 112 (9th line). Go 4.5 kms to top of hill. Turn left to bed and breakfast. |
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