Just in time for the holidays, Gananoque’s vibrant, iconic and historically unique bed and breakfast reopened under new ownership, two weeks ago (November 2021).
Predestined union
Gananoque, in. Ruby Manor Bed and Breakfastt officially opened on November 1, 2021. Unlocked and updated by new owner Brenda Boudreau (47), who changed the name of the house to celebrate the arrival and birth of her first granddaughter: “she shares the same month of birth with me, “Boudreau said in an interview with a YGK news team. Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July, and those shared birth months inspired the name of the B&B.
This fated union was introduced on March 1S t, 2021. Boudreau felt deeply that it was time to pack up and get closer to the family: “My family and I wanted to buy a property near Kingston like my [eldest] daughter lives there. We thought it was very difficult to visit her regularly from where we lived. When my first grandchild arrived, the need to be close to her became greater for us. We started looking for a house near Kingston. Then we came across Sleepy Hollow B&B that was for sale. “Boudreau said in an interview. Boudreau is a nurse and business enthusiast. Having worked as a care manager, she loved running a business. Running the B&B seemed like the thing to do. perfect opportunity to combine those worlds, a serendipity for the whole family.
Brenda and her family “were so impressed with the [mansion’s] exceptional beauty and history, [that they] I fell in love with the property almost instantly, ”Boudreau admitted in an interview with YGK News staff. Boudreau also spoke effusively about his first visit to Gananoque, admitting to YGK how memorable the city was once he left: “The city has a beautiful and serene setting, the people are very friendly and living at the entrance of the Thousand Islands is extraordinary. For us, we live in our own paradise. “
Family comes first for this owner. As he paves his legacy, much like the Skinners did the year before, Brenda and her family hope to cultivate the vitality that emanates from the building inside the home.
An ornate legacy
Ruby Manor Bed and Breakfast, previously The Sleepy Hollow B&B was originally designed by “architect Frank T. Lent and built by the firm Gananoque, Mitchell and Wilson” (Exhibit B, Statement of Reason for Designation). Since its construction, this exquisite building has been a prominent example of Queen Anne’s Renaissance style in the city of Gananoque, and an illustrious example of the architect’s intricate planning and artistic work. It is one of a kind and looks a lot like its new owner, warm, vibrant and stylish. Upon completion in 1905, the building reflected a consolidation of the social position of the more recent elite families in Gananoque, such as the Skinner family (the first family to own the building as a Bed and Breakfast).
‘The Queen Anne Revival Style’ originated in England during the Victorian period (1860s and 1870s) as an architectural style favored by the upper middle class. Having become popular in the United States before World War I, this style of construction has been described as an amalgamation of different eras, ranging from the Middle Ages to the Victorian period. Its stained glass, pointed ceilings, and obtuse-shaped windows and accessories largely reflect medieval cathedrals and high Gothic architecture popular between 1855-1885. Appropriately, defining this type of style is difficult due to “its eccentricities, and it has been described as exuberant and excessive, fanciful and outlandish in perspective.” According to Historic Places in Canada.
Like a ruby, this building is a gem.
The mansion itself was built in 1905 as a three-story suburban mansion and nursing home. Since then it has been used as tourist accommodation and apartment rentals. It wasn’t until 1999, that the mansion found its current position, when it was adopted by “Don and Marion Matthews in 2001, then used as a Sleepy Hollow Bed and Breakfast in 2002.” (Ontario Heritage Trust, August 1, 2008).
Having worn many titles and many hats, this structure has also known and served many lives. By housing and nurturing many veterans of the war, residents of Gananoque, it retains character beyond its physical age.
Gananoque is also an indigenous name, which means “between two rivers” or “town of two rivers.”
Services and updates
“We want guests to feel rejuvenated and revitalized, taking a new energy with them.”
When asked if the new property meant additions or amendments to the property, Boudreau insisted that “the atmosphere and decor remain true to the uniqueness of the house, built in 1905 and protected as a World Heritage Site. [Their] The goal is to make guests feel welcome enjoying the serene and luxurious surroundings of Ruby Manor. ” “We want guests to feel rejuvenated and revitalized, taking a new energy with them,” said Boudreau.
Queen Anne Revival architecture explores asymmetrical facades, steeply sloping and irregular roofs, front gables, hanging eaves, circular or square towers with corner turrets, unusual windows, wraparound terraces, highly ornate spindles, fish scale cladding, detailed textures and bright. colors.
“Past Sleepy Hollow guests can expect the same great atmosphere and service with Ruby Manor. Minor The decoration and bedding have been updated ”. Boudreau said in an interview. Rates range from $ 159-199 per night, which includes a continental breakfast for each guest, a spacious room each with its own bathroom, a pool table in the 2North Dakota floor, an outside terrace on the 2ndNorth Dakota floor, a coffee maker in the room, fresh bathrobes and a hair dryer.
“Ruby Manor is steps away from everything Gananoque has to offer. Mall, a brewery, boat museum, Shorelines Casino, seasonal cruises, great restaurants, Sculpture Park, and of course the beautiful Thousand Islands, ”Boudreau continued.
Pandemic Precautions
It is not necessary for guests to be fully vaccinated to stay at the bed and breakfast, however it is essential that all adhere to sanitary standards. More information can be found on the facility owner’s website.
Book your stay
Anyone can stay in Ruby Manor. Whether visiting for the sights of Gananoque, an exclusive yet affordable getaway, this bed and breakfast has everything guests need for a comfortable and restful stay. Located at the corner of 95 King Street West, next guests can connect with Ruby Manor and Brenda herself through Facebook, Or email:[email protected] This historically elegant B&B also has an up-to-date website where prospective guests can book their stay.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Ruby Manor Bed and Breakfast and / or to book your stay, click here. If you’d like to read more about the origins of Ruby Manor, click below.
References
Parks Canada, historic places of Canada. “The Queen Anne Renaissance Style.” Obtained from HistoricPlaces.ca – The Renaissance Style of Queen Anne, November 2021.
Ontario Heritage Trust, an agency of the Ontario government (August 2008). “The Corporation of the Town of Gananoque by Law NO. 2008 – 24 “. Obtained from 404 – Ontario Heritage Trust
City of Gananoque, Ontario (2023). Obtained from Gananoque, Ontario – Official Website of the City of Gananoque.
Recognition of the land made by the writer.
I gratefully acknowledge that the land on which I reside and work is the traditional territory of the Annishinnaabeg, Attawandaron Haudenosaunee and Lunaapeewak peoples who have deep-rooted relationships with land, water, and the Southwest Ontario region.
Reference-ygknews.ca