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One of the best bed and breakfasts in Haliburton Highlands Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.
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Near North and Northern Ontario
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Wild Swan Bed and Breakfast Inn
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Bob Baynton-Smith
65 Invergordon St.
P.O. Box 119
Minden, Ontario
Canada, K0M 2K0
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| Phone: 705-286-3020 |
| Toll Free: 877-959-0991 |
| It all adds up to a 'fine romance' at this bed and breakfast in Ontario's Haliburton Highlands. |
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Click
Mapquest
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Haliburton Highlands, Ontario map
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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
To find the Wild Swan bed and breakfast inn you'll follow a quiet road along the Gull River and pull into the long drive leading up to the house. When we arrived we were greeted by host and inn-keeper Bob Baynton Smith. Bob hails from the area and in fact his ancestors settled here in 1848. He's now returned to the Haliburton Highlands for his 'retirement'. We signed in and paid (well, yes, this is more of an inn than a typical B&B home) and Bob checked off our preferences for breakfast such as coffee or tea, toast or croissant, juice or not, and which jam we'd like.
Upstairs, our room was exquisite, as are they all. The muted bird's egg colours, the fine linens, the antique furnishings, the cotton bathrobes; even the in-room marble washstands and whirlpool tubs for two are beautifully designed and suit the ambience. In keeping with the romantic theme, all of the rooms, except for the Country Room, have dining areas for intimate breakfasts for two if you so choose. Otherwise breakfast is taken in the dining room or on the riverview verandah in season. It all adds up to a 'fine romance'.
The largest bed & breakfast guestroom is the Highlands Room done in creamy hues, which offset the drama of the large carved Victorian headboard and armoire. From the room's dining area you gaze through arched windows to views of lawn and woods. Another arched window in the Riverview Room again with carved armoire and headboard. The serene Country Room has pine furnishings and a waffle-weave duvet cover on its four-poster bed. The most secluded room is called The Retreat. It's at the back of the house in former servant's quarters. Here you'll find a Victorian-style wicker headboard and beautiful hand-carved armoire.
After we’d settled in we headed straight for the wicker-furnished front verandah. There we imbibed a glass or two along with some hor d’ouvres we’d picked up at the local supermarket. As I settled into the cushions and put my feet up I couldn’t help but think of that old cliché, “This is the life.” Then there was the tasty surprise of the Thai restaurant down the street – the owner/cook is from Thailand where she and her husband return each winter but those lucky enough to be in Minden when they're in town will find some genuinely good food. (Note: since I've been there Bob now offers 3 course dinners for $22.50 per person.)
Next morning, we took breakfast in the dining room. We had juice, croissants, fresh fruit and scrambled eggs with peameal bacon. Or as our American friends know it; Canadian bacon. Had we stayed a second night Bob would have offered quiche with mushrooms or asparagus. After, you're welcome to borrow canoes or bikes from Bob at no charge. Launch the canoe on the Gull River right out front or take the bikes to explore the nearby cycling trails. In winter, B&B guests can use the inn's snowshoes for adventures around the estate or in the adjacent Township Park.
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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Wild Swan Bed and Breakfast Inn, Haliburton Highlands, Ontario
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| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://www.haliburton-couples-getaway.com |
| Best to call: |
anytime |
| Languages: |
American Sign Language |
| Season: |
all year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
D $165-185 for first night; $145 for second night (plus 5% GST and 5% PST). See Wild Swan's website for dinner packages. Two night minimum long weekends, summer weekends to mid September and special |
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| Cards: |
cash/cheque/VISA/MC |
| Restrictions: |
not appropriate for children; no smoking anywhere on property; no guests' pets |
| Facilities: |
4 bedrooms (4 queen); 4 en suite WCs; 4 in-room marble washstands and whirpool tub for 2 and overhead shower); parlour, library and dining room and comfortably furnished verandah for guests; central air |
| Parking: |
ample |
| Breakfast: |
full |
| Location: |
Minden is part of the Haliburton Highlands tourist area |
| Directions: |
exit Hwy 35 at 'Minden Main St'. Drive 1 km, go over bridge. Turn right on Invergarden Street (formerly North Water St.) and follow to B&B on left. |
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