A Stay at the Edward B&B

There is this place not far from here that makes my heart swoon as soon as we drive off the ferry. In my mind it is Narnia – a world away from our own, where one can escape to explore and feel free. For us, it is just far enough away to make it feel like a vacation, but not so far away that requires expensive travel plans. This dream place is located on a peninsula jutting out onto Lake Ontario. Rolling farmland, sand beaches, and the most romantic wineries await.

This place I talk about is Prince Edward County. 

We have been “long weekend vacationing” in the County for a few summers now. We first discovered its magic on a rainy spring Saturday when we hopped in the car with the kids and just drove. When we returned for our 5th wedding anniversary that fall we discovered some of the County’s finest food and wine locations. We are now on the countdown to our 7th anniversary we still feel the County’s tug. In a world that seems to fly by, the County really inspires me to embrace slow living. It has made me step back and really see the world around me. Far to often I find myself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle that all young families must crawl through (kicking and screaming at times!), so having a reminder to slow down and enjoy the life we are living is always so humbling. 

This summer we met the most inspiring, slow living family during a stay at their Bed and Breakfast, The Edward. If ever you have big dreams, this family is living proof that it can happen. Sisters Rebecca and Jessica, along with their husbands Manolis and Payam, were living the hustle and bustle of Toronto city life when they decided to uproot together and start a Bed and Breakfast in the Lake on a Mountain region in Prince Edward County. What they have built together is not just a business, but a lifestyle, a homestead for their young family to grow and flourish.  

As we slowly drove up their long laneway, we were greeted by Payam, just in from a morning of working on their chicken house (I call it a house because a coop would not do it justice!) We were welcomed with open arms as he helped carry our bags along their beautiful front porch and inside their home. Have you ever had that feeling, the one where all your cares just disappear in an instant and you feel so free you think you can fly? Thats the feeling I had walking in to their beautiful home.

Inside I received the warmest hugs from Rebecca and Jessica, the kind you get from lifetime friends. We have been Insta-friends for a while, but this was the first time meeting in person. I instantly felt like I had found “my people” — the ones who just get you, understand your dreams, and just make you feel like the most important person in the world. Manolis was cuddling with their beautiful little newborn daughter Dafni in their cozy living room while Eva, their first daughter was napping in her room. The scene was so serene and warming.

Embracing their slow-living life, they have created an open, light and airy home filled with thriving plants and an exquisite mix of modern and antique furniture and decor. I walked into a photographers dream as I bathed in the natural sunlight surging through their large south-facing  windows. I could see their wonderful back yard and a tree line filled with magic. Their girls are going to have a glorious childhood here. 

As we continued our tour, I fell in love with their kitchen nook, set for a table for 8, a bench seat along the large bank of windows. One thing I adore about B&B’s is shouldering up with other visitors, hearing life stories and learning about new sights to see. This table was selected just for that purpose. 

Before heading upstairs to see our room, we let Penny stretch her (bum scooting) legs and enjoy the play area they have set up to welcome wee-travelers. This, in itself, is a reason to visit The Edward B&B. Far too often traveling with kiddos means packing up toys, books, beds, bath things, towels, chairs… However, The Edward B&B is child friendly, in fact, they encourage you to travel with your children (and they were legitimately sad that we opted to leave Olive and Henry behind for this trip!) Penny felt just as at home as we did (she did love not having her big brother and sister jumping all over her though!)

As we headed up their grand staircase to our room, we first stopped to enjoy their alcove overlooking the living room. They have truly thought of everything, from a record player and vinyl selection, a telescope, and a trove of books to sit and explore – and lets not forget their continuing theme – Payam’s beautiful, thriving plants! Our room was on the other side of the Alcove, and of course, it did not disappoint. We were greeted by a lovely four poster bed, adorned with heaps of pillows and cozy bedding. There was a perfectly placed desk sitting in the dormer window overlooking the back yard with a glass bottle of water and 2 drinking cups. In the corner they had set up a bed for Penny and also had a change pad, baby towel, baby shampoo and goodnight books. I have never felt so welcomed and so at home. 

We were lucky enough to have two nights at The Edward, which meant we had two mornings of Mano’s breakfasts. On the first morning we slowly sauntered down the stairs after getting one of the best sleeps we’ve had in months and were greeted with the smell of fresh bread out of the oven (is there anything more glorious?) As we made our way to the kitchen, I felt like a kid in a candy store when I eyed up the breakfast bar that Manolis set out – homemade granola, yogurt, lemon poppy seed muffins, an assortment of fresh berries and fruit, yummy jams and jellies… I was in heaven. He made it look so effortless (mind you, I thoroughly appreciated the incredible effort and the attention to detail that he presented).

After Penny scooted around the floor to the play area, we sat down to enjoy a warm cup of coffee and our yogurt and granola. As we filled our tummies, Manolis got to work making homemade crepes for Course #2! BREAKFAST COURSE 2!! I don’t know about you, but I certainly can get on board with multiple breakfast courses to start my day. Manolis plated up two large crepes each and paired it with a yummy apple compote. It was melt-in-my-mouth amazing and took me back to the streets of Old Paris. On the first day, we enjoyed a breakfast for 2 (and a half with Penny by our side). It was so nice to have the house to ourselves and enjoying each other company.

Day 2 we woke up with even mo b smell of fresh bread yet again, and a wonderful breakfast bar spread! For Course #2 (Yes! two days in a row we rolled away from the table as full as can be) Manolis served us Eggs en Cocotte on top of Sautéed Mushrooms. This morning we shared the lovely 8 seater table with 2 other families who were just as wide-eyed as we were.

Bed and Breakfast atmospheres are always so intriguing. I love sitting at a table with people we have never met knowing that we have at least one thing in common. I love how the conversation usually continues – Where are you from? What brought you here? What are your plans for the day? A wealth of knowledge is usually shared within an hour over breakfast. The thing I loved about this particular breakfast was the feeling of positivity and exhilaration that I attribute to the atmosphere that Manolis, Payam, Rebecca and Jessica have created. Everyone was just… HAPPY! In a world so chaotic as this, it was a nice reminder that we can slow down and thoroughly enjoy the company of complete strangers. 

Rebecca, Jessica, Manolis and Payam have not just created a Bed and Breakfast but a homestead, relying also on their acreage to produce bountiful crops and raising chickens. They are working their land to produce healthy produce for their breakfasts and all summer long they have been lovingly raising their flock of chickens who are ready to start laying daily eggs which will compliment Mano’s delectable selection of breakfast recipes. There are big plans for The Edward! The team has been trudging through the forest, creating a hiking trail that can be used all-seasons. Hiking in the spring, summer and fall, and snowshoeing come wintertime. They are planning to have snowshoe rentals complete with hot chocolate to create that warm and cozy winter feeling.  This summer they hosted their first wedding on site which gives me all the goosebumps feelings. Can you imagine getting prepared for your day in a place as beautiful as this? 

Everything about The Edward makes me feel free, from their physical home to how these four amazing people had a dream, took a chance and worked hard to make it happen. Their love of what they do, their drive to continually grow, and their never-ending list of dreams they are making come true have inspired me to never give up! I feel like I have found my people and I cannot wait to visit again!!

Come back tomorrow to see what we made in their kitchen during our stay!!