Inside a luxurious new boutique hotel that just opened in cottage country

Hidden in the dense woodland outside of Blue Mountain are the ruins of a castle estate built by a Toronto lawyer for his ailing wife in the 1890s. Britton Osler built Osler Castle hoping the fresh mountain air would restore his wife’s health. Tragically, she passed after only one visit, and Osler died a few years after its completion. Today, only a small portion of the once grand exterior remains, but the gothic ruins make for a spooky hiking destination overlooking the Nottawasaga Valley and Georgian Bay. This lonely landmark serves as the namesake for the Castle Keep, a new boutique hotel just a short drive away.

The Castle Keep is run by husband-and-wife team Emily and Jake Lawson, who have deep ties to the area. Jake grew up in Georgian Bay, and Emily visited the region frequently as a child, so sharing what it has to offer was important to them. “Grey County is such a peaceful and quiet area,” says Jake. “We wanted to provide an experience that would feel in tune with those qualities, more than a larger hotel chain would.”

In 2018, the pair purchased a 15-acre property filled with woodlands and rolling hills, dreaming of transforming it into a rugged countryside escape. But there was a significant hiccup. The property isn’t commercially zoned, and short-term rentals are prohibited in the area, so the couple applied to build a bed and breakfast. Despite some initial skepticism, the town board eventually came around to their vision.

A carpenter by trade, Jake built the inn from scratch with Emily’s help over nearly two years. Constructed with stone from a local quarry and reclaimed wood from an old farm down the road, the space oozes historic charm despite being a new build.

Offering three two-person suites, the inn is marketed largely to couples looking for a romantic getaway. Inside each room is a king bed, an electric cedar sauna, a steam shower, and a large tub for warm soaks or cold plunges. There are also kitchenettes for quick snacks and lounging areas with wood-burning fireplaces. And in the summer months, guests have access to private terraces.

Rooms start at $399 per night during the week ($499 per night on weekends) and feature natural materials like stone and wood that evoke the calming natural environment. The Glenstone suite has a flagstone arch behind the soaking tub, for example, and the Pines has a warm pine-plank ceiling.

Outdoor fireplaces provide another space for guests to socialize. The property also has a trout-filled pond for fishing, swimming or rowing. In the early spring, a nearby maple forest produces sap that Emily and Jake plan to tap, boil down and use in cocktails at the Great Room bar.

Beyond the property, guests can explore nearby hiking trails, spend a beach day on the Georgian Bay, or check out local wineries and cideries. “It’s a great place to just slow down,” says Emily.