Tag Archives: B&B

Accommodating the Soul B&B, Beach, Toronto

Sightseeing, Toronto,

With so much to do and see, there has not been time to write about either of the excellent B&B’s we stayed in!

Accommodating the Soul B&BArriving at Accommodating the Soul felt like coming home! We had dragged our luggage about 2.5K from the subway station (we could have got a bus, but felt like walking and were keen to take our first opportunity to explore!) on Toronto’s hottest day of the year.  It was bliss just to sit on the porch as we waited for our hosts, Steven and Paul to arrive, soaking up the extraordinary sense of peace of this leafy city neighbourhood.

We could not have asked for a better home from home and Steven treated us to an excellent breakfast each morning; fresh fruit salad, perhaps followed by frittata bursting with fresh flavours or delicate pear pancakes and maple syrup, not to mention the handmade Italian sausages – and plenty of coffee!

Accommodating the Soul B&BWe stayed in the Blue Room, not huge but more than adequate to our needs.  This room shares a bathroom with the Yellow Room (there is also one ensuite room). The house was built in 1911 and has been sympathetically modernised and furnished, with a happy mix of old and new, including Steven’s lovely stained glass work. Situated on Waverly Road, just yards from Queen Street (rich in restaurants, cafes and quirky shops), the location provided the perfect blend of access to downtown and relaxing retreat near the beach.

Above all, both Steven and Paul were superb hosts, mines of information and wonderfully supportive of our fact finding. Paul is a Realtor (similar to but much more than an Estate Agent) and put together a brilliant house-buyers’ information pack for us, as well as taking us to see a number of properties that illustrated possible neighbourhoods and options.

One reason we regularly choose to stay in B&Bs is that, so often, we come away feeling that we have made new friends; this was certainly on of those occasions.

Avalon Clearview B&B

Georgian Bay, Sightseeing,

Although it looks out over Devil’s Glen, Avalon Clearview is not presumptuous in its allusion to the isle of the blessed. This is a magical place in an enchanted setting!

Arriving at the back of the house, there is not much to see and it is easy to overshoot. But looking out across the Niagara Escarpment, a World Biosphere Reserve, my spirit soared.  Later, I wandered the grounds and woods beyond with a child’s delight, utterly present.

Avalon Clearview, Georgian Bay Avalon Clearview, Georgian Bay Avalon Clearview, Georgian Bay - In the woods Avalon Clearview, Georgian Bay

It isn’t hard to see how this glorious environment nourishes Steve’s work – once again, our host is a stained glass artist! Huge panelled internal doors re-dress the summer trees through which we stroll in their autumn raiment. Vibrant colours and natural forms spill throughout this lovely and very comfortable home.

Avalon Clearview, Georgian BayKnowing we would arrive late afternoon, we had taken up the option of a home-cooked dinner. Elaine is an enthusiastic and excellent cook and were honoured to share our meal with both our hosts – once again, we immediately felt as if we were visiting friends and took great pleasure in their company. Breakfasts lived up to our by now high expectations, with particularly amazing fruit starters including Watermelon Benedict, (a base of home-made granola, watermelon, kiwi fruit & berries topped off with lemon yoghurt).

(You can see more photos in our Sightseeing Gallery!)