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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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Riverside Bed & Breakfast
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Paul and Diane Ratcliff
157696 7th Line, RR 2
Meaford, Ontario
Canada, N4L 1W6
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| Phone: 519-538-4376 |
| An 1870s Victorian plunk in the middle of nature. |
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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
I’m of two minds on how to approach this review. Go the quintessential bed and breakfast route. Or pursue the veritable Eden side of Riverside bed and breakfast which is what the hosts prefer to emphasize. In fact, Riverside covers all the bases. Owners Paul and Diane Ratcliff came across this Victorian farmhouse, set on 160 bucolic acres, while in pursuit of their retirement dream of living in nature and running a bed and breakfast.
They were captivated by the surroundings. It was close to Georgian Bay with its many beaches and harbours. Next to the picturesque peaks of the Beaver Valley. And but four kilometres from the small-town charms of Meaford which now boasts a couple of good eateries. Paul has cut trails through the woods and around the fields for hikers, cross-country skiers, even snowshoeing guests, to explore. He can also point you to the best spots for trout fishing on the Big Head River that meanders through the property. Further afield, Georgian Bay beckons and a paved biking trail winds its level way to Thornbury and Collingwood. Sailors, skiers, hikers, bikers and fishers will all love this place.
I wasn’t there for any of those things as I was heavy into research for this website, so I loved the quintessential bed and breakfast part. First off, the hosts are gracious and pleasant and know the fine line between welcoming and intrusive. I was impressed with the décor – it was comfortable and traditional with some surprising touches such as the luxe ‘patchwork’ curtains in the living room. The queen-bedded room I stayed in was beautifully done in blues and whites with pretty opaque white-on-white roller blinds. Its private-use bathroom is down the hall. The other room is larger with its queen bed, single bed, and option for a rollaway. Its bathroom is en suite.
Our breakfast next morning was nicely presented with yumminess to spare. We had fresh fruit with yogurt, lemon-ricotta pancakes with a choice of berry sauce or the Ratcliff’s own homemade maple syrup, plus a side serving of very good bacon. There were also cereals available. As the Ratcliffs bid us adieu we were truly sorry to leave without partaking of everything this B&B has to offer. (Note to self: must go back.)
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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Reviews of Janette Higgins'
favourite places beyond Ontario
More of Janette Higgins' reviews
of Ontario's best bed and breakfasts
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Riverside Bed & Breakfast, Meaford, Ontario
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| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://www.riversidebb.com |
| Best to call: |
anytime |
| Languages: |
English only |
| Season: |
All Year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S $100-115, D $110-125 (No taxes)
Two night minimum on holiday weekends.
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Currency converter
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| Cards: |
Cash or personal cheque only |
| Restrictions: |
smoking on verandah only; no guests' pets allowed |
| Facilities: |
2 rooms; 1 'family' room with queen and single bed (also room for a rollaway bed) & en suite bath; 1 with queen bed and private-use bathroom nearby; guest lounge with fireplace, TV/DVD/VHS; Free wireless internet. Verandah |
| Parking: |
plenty on site for cars, bikes and snowmobiles |
| Breakfast: |
full |
| In Residence: |
Sydney, the golden retriever |
| Location: |
5 kms south of the harbour town of Meaford on southern Georgian Bay; 2.5 hours NW of Toronto |
| Directions: |
obtain when booking |
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