Victorian B&B a short drive away.

Surrounding Area

Chatham has a long history - The Duchess from 1896 is a newcomer. Historically, the area was the site of pitched Canadian+Indian battles with American invaders, the escape route for blacks taking the Underground Railroad from slavery, and settling free in Canada, the birthplace of Canada's oil industry (and now wind power industry), and is the Classic Car Capitol of Canada, home of RM Restorations, which is available for daily tours.

Accommodations

The Duchess has 3 spacious bedrooms on the second floor, reached by a staircase winding through a circular tower lit by oval stained glass windows. The ground floor has three rooms exclusively for our quests, including an informal parlor with Sony TV and DVD library, the music room with 1905 piano and eclectic library, and the Wellesley dining room for breakfast to die for or to simply relax with an afternoon tea and shortbread. Hi speed wireless internet, a restored Victorian garden, onsite parking, and a wraparound porch are at your disposal.

Rooms/Suites

The house has central air. Each of the three theme suites has vintage queen beds, armoires and dressers, with period lightling and original woodwork and oak floors. All have ensuite baths - choose from a circular shower, a jacuzzi-shower-skylight combination, or a restored outsized clawfoot tub. The names - The Hunt, BackStage, and The Empire Suite reflect their decor themes.

Amenities

Travelling alone? Please invite a local friend or business associate to join you for breakfast. Additional breakfast guests at nominal charge. We host business and organization meetings, small weddings and/or receptions. Guests of the B&B have the opportunity to use the ground floor for business purposes....spread out an create an office if space allows!

Restrictions

We are smoke, pet and child free in the premises; inquire about grooming and boarding packages for your dog or cat off site. We aren't suitable for small-children, but please ask about adolescents. Smoking is allowed on the grounds - please ask for an ashtray. Let us know about YOUR restrictions-we aim to accomodate your special needs, but are not wheelchair accessable.

Other Information

Not driving? Let us pick you up at the Thames River Docks, the Greyhound Bus Terminal, or Via Rail station.Driving from the USA? A US Citizen? You need photo id to cross the border, but not a passport, yet.

Directions

We are 12 minutes off Highway 401. From Toronto, exit on Highway 40 North to Park, west to Lacroix, north to Wellington W. Go one block to corner of Wellington and West. Parking off West Street.From Detroit, exit North on Bloomfield Road, turn right at Richmond, left at Lacroix to Wellington Street. Go one block to corner of Wellington and West. Parking off West Street.

Discounts Offered

Your US $ still goes further in Canada. We charge no Federal or Provincial Taxes. If you make other purchases while here, remember to ask for a tax rebate form.