Ten years on from the launch of The Drake in downtown Toronto, hotelier Jeff Stober is taking things in a more rural direction with the Drake Devonshire in the historical town of Wellington, Southern Ontario. The country inn, bar and restaurant – which has the air of Montauk’s New York getaway Ruschmeyer’s about it – is on a much cosier scale than its city slicker sibling, and is pitched at those looking to enjoy Prince Edward County’s renowned freshwater beaches and sample the best of the region’s artisanal food and wine in a peaceful lakefront location.
John Tong of the +tongtong design studio – the man behind The Drake and a bunch of international We Heart faves (Toronto’s Annie Aime and Café Belong amongst them) – was in charge of converting the foundry, built circa 1800, into an 11-room, two-suite inn. Those versed in the architecture of Ontario will recognise the property as a celebration of pitched roofs, covered porches and brick chimneys; rustic building materials also prevalent, and a great example is to be found in the dining hall lined with Douglas fir. Aside form the lovely architectural heritage features, we also love the artwork dotted around – particularly the quirky portraits. The purposely mismatched furniture has been assembled from vintage discoveries and +tongtong’s own custom pieces.
The hotel is currently undergoing a fall soft-launch prior to its grand opening next spring.
