The Once Baxter House, Now Green Woods Inn Bed and Breakfast

By Rosalyn Gambhir

Green Woods Inn is a historic bed and breakfast like no other.

With such lavish history, charm and character, Green Woods Inn – Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful Victorian home situated on two acres of grounds just a few minutes from downtown Kingston and the marvelous 1000 Islands. A home away from home, Green Woods Inn is a getaway you have to experience. Originally built by the late George Baxter in 1850 for his son upon marriage, the warmth and passion can be seen throughout the home immediately upon entering. Through generations and extensive renovations, you are now welcomed with loving arms by current owners Nigel and Tessa Dearsley. Both of whom are quite the storytellers, entertainers and chefs!

Always a believer of ‘staycationing’, experiencing the historic Green Woods Inn for a night in The Willow Room was a magical one. It was as though being transported to a quaint English cottage with modern conveniences. The evening I arrived, I was pleased to know that parking was available on site for free and proceeded to meet Nigel as he presented keys to the home and to my room along with a tour of the estate. It is hard to believe that such a residence can be found within Kingston limits.

The Ash Room – One of four rooms available along with The Willow, The Oak and The Linden Room.
The Ash Room – One of four rooms available along with The Willow, The Oak and The Linden Room.

Green Woods Inn is a historic bed and breakfast like no other.

As I settled into my room with a cup of black tea to unwind and it felt just right sipping on a British blend while sitting back on the cozy arm chair in the corner gazing around the room admiring every little detail and reading over the guest information booklet. The room was spacious, possessed its own ensuite bathroom and for us techies, free Wi-Fi.

The Willow Room - Cottage chic bed spread and a great reading nook.
The Willow Room – Cottage chic bed spread and a great reading nook.
Impressive selection of hot drink options; black tea, green tea, peach apricot tea and hot chocolate.
Impressive selection of hot drink options; black tea, green tea, peach apricot tea and hot chocolate.

Upon waking up, the aroma of culinary delight was in the air, though so comfortable in bed, all I could imagine was Homer of The Simpsons mumbling, “I’m just a big toasty cinnamon bun!” and that’s how I felt. The sleep was heavenly on the feather-topped bed as I was wrapped in fine cotton linens and a cottage chic duvet I wanted to take home.

No detail to be spared right down to the napkin.
No detail to be spared right down to the napkin.

A gourmet breakfast was served promptly at 9am in the beautiful Tamarisk dining room where guests are encouraged to relax and chat while enjoying a scrumptious meal and sip on Cooke’s Fine Food and Coffee Chez Piggy blend. Breakfast was three light meals starting with freshly baked croissants, which I paired with a Crab Apple homemade jelly. Light but not too flaky, it was the best I have ever had. The next plate consisted of poached pear, wild blueberries and sliced strawberries with a special sauce and fresh yogurt. The myriad of sweet flavours infused into my taste buds and gave me a necessary jolt of energy for the day. Caffeine, check! Sweet tooth satisfied, check! To top it of, the main was greens with soft feta topped with an over easy egg and side of herbed tomato. Unique breakfast experience using locally produced foods, check! It was a sweet and savoury combination that was visually stunning and copious enough for you to go on an afternoon adventure. Foodie approved.

 

A sweet delight of breakfast.
A sweet delight of breakfast.

 

An unexpected breakfast meal with organic and local produce.
An unexpected breakfast meal with organic and local produce.

As my partner and I relished in the dishes, we continuously stimulated conversation with a fellow older couple from Ottawa about local Kingston shops, restaurants, must-sees and of course cheese. We have officially been converted to bed and breakfast lovers.

The Dearsleys are truly hosts with the most. A summer visit in the future is expected as to see the blooming trees, gorgeous gardens and sip a glass of wine on the porch. Ideal for couples, girls’ retreat or small business meeting, you will leave wanting more.

Hosts Nigel and Tessa Dearsley with a furry companion. Green Woods Inn is pet friendly.
Hosts Nigel and Tessa Dearsley with a furry companion. Green Woods Inn is pet friendly.
Fun Tidbit:

Green Woods Inn is a Member of Historic Inns of Kingston, a collective marketing initiative featuring Secret Garden Inn, Rosemount Inn & Spa, Hochelaga Inn and Frontenac Club Inn.

 

For more information:

1368 Highway #15
Kingston, Ontario
613-544-1922 | 866-878-1884
info@greenwoods-inn.ca
www.greenwoods-inn.ca