The Secret Garden Cottage is a charming, licensed short-term rental home situated in Historic Old Town of NOTL. Your stay will lift your spirits with all the comforts of home. Beautiful in any season, enjoy having the house to yourself, as well as the gifts that this unique area has to offer. A 10-minute walk from the main (Queen) street, you can walk or cycle to the many high-quality wineries, outstanding restaurants, charming shops in town, and highly-acclaimed Shaw Festival productions. Or cozy up with all of the comforts of home, enjoying a glass of local wine on the back deck or in the Garden Room, while gazing out over the stunning Secret Garden.
This home is the perfect size for a "couples’ weekend", and it is large enough to accommodate up to 7 guests. Inside there are games, puzzles, books, and Amazon Prime TV, all helpful with keeping children and adults engaged! Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen (spices, oils, sugar, flour...it has it all!), use the big BBQ in the backyard, or dine out at one of the amazing local restaurants.
Need a work space? No problem! Your office can be in the Music Room.
The Secret Garden is the absolute gem of this property and, as was the case for all of my previous guests, you can enjoy it while sitting in the Garden Room, on the back deck, or in any of the 3 tiers of the garden.
Located at the back of the garden, the shed contains 2 bicycles, saving you having to rent elsewhere! Use them to experience wine-tasting, outstanding farm-to-table meals, and the wonderful trails in the wine areas, and alongside Lake Ontario.
It is situated right next door to the famous Willow Cakes and Pastries shop, and within walking distance to so many restaurants, wineries and other attractions. The walk to the main street (Queen St.) is 12 minutes.
It's just a 15-minute drive to the Outlet Collection at Niagara, and 30 minutes to Niagara Falls.
MAIN FLOOR:
The Secret Garden is a hidden gem, and the beautifully landscaped property can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the home, with spacious front and back porches.
The GARDEN ROOM is the most special place of the home. Cozy up with a good book, a mug of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine, and you will be in your own little oasis. There is also an electric fireplace for cooler days.
The KITCHEN features all the appliances you will need, has so many glasses, dishes, pots, pans and more, and the pantry is well-stocked with baking and cooking supplies. The adjoining DINING ROOM has an expandable table with 6 chairs. (2 additional ones are stored in the basement.)
Need an office to work at your home away from home? There is a desk in the MUSIC ROOM. It also has an upright Kawai piano, should you need to rehearse some music or just want to have a sing-along with your family or friends. That room also has a double sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick.
There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.
UPSTAIRS:
TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds are on the upper floor, and THE PRIMARY BEDROOM also contains a love seat that can be set up as a twin sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS SOFA BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The UPSTAIRS SPACIOUS BATHROOM with combined tub/shower, toilet and sink with plenty of counter space, also has Pharmacopia and Beautycounter toiletries provided and, of course, plush towels for your use.
Enjoy the floral and musical themes throughout the cottage, and be sure to have a glass of wine (provided by your host!) on the deck overlooking the extensive and stunning Secret Garden, or in the Garden Room with a beautiful view!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
1) 7 is the maximum number of guests that the Secret Garden can comfortably accommodate. There is an additional charge of $50 per sofa bed per stay, so that the sofa beds can be prepared in advance of your arrival, with cozy bedding, extra-thick mattress covers, and enough pillows and towels provided for all guests, and then dismantled after your departure.
2) The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake now requires me to charge 3% MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) beginning in 2024, and 4% in 2025. I have built that into the fee per night, including the HST on the MAT.
3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023
4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795