BYOC (Bring Your Own Carriage) to Langdon Hall

Langdon Hall

I wish I could have arrived at Langdon Hall in a horse drawn carriage. This 25,000 square foot Cambridge, Ontario estate is a well-preserved, and functioning no less, historical gem. This grand property, now a hotel and spa, was once the summer estate of Eugene Langdon Wilks (1855-1934), son of Matthew Wilks and Eliza Astor Langdon, while he and his wife Pauline Wilks (née Kingsmill) spent their winters abroad.

Greeted in the foyer by a cheery fireplace, one of 63 wood-burning fireplaces throughout the property.

One of my favourite features of the house is the octagon balcony above one's head in the foyer.

After Pauline died in 1914 of cancer, Wilks married Marguerite Briquet and had three children.

The Red Room, what used to be the Ladies Parlor, hangs a portrait of the last Wilks descendent to reside in Langdon Hall.

The distinct feature of the Red Room is the domed ceiling, which was designed for whispers to be heard across the room.

When the house was bought by in 1987 by the current owners, William Bennett and Mary Beaton, the property was in a state of disarray. William, an architect, and Mary renovated the property over a year and half, and several new additions were added on.

The newly added Sunroom.

Exposed brick in the Sunroom.

The Billiards Room, complete with an historical map of the local counties.

Langdon Hall has hosted movie sets (Conrad Black) and magazine shoots (Style at Home's November issue, all wreath's were shot here).

Langdon Hall serves traditional tea here every Friday and Saturday afternoon. So classy, I love it.

Langdon Hall has been a member of the prestigious hotel group, Relais & Châteaux since 1991.

The very sleek-and-chic bar.

On the wall in the bar proudly hangs pictures handed down by the Wilks family.

Famous guests who have stayed here include the cast of Red (2010), while they were filming next door.

Guest Suite, one of 52 on the property

So plushy.

Langdon Hall is also home to fine dining, being awarded the Five Diamond Award from AAA/CAA

Dining Room

Lovely ceiling details, which were refurbished and brought back to all it's former glory.

When preparing his menu, Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue and his culinary staff head to the garden.

Props to my tour guide, Jessica, for taking the time out to show me around and tell me all about the wonderful history of Langdon Hall.

See more about Langdon Hall here.

I'll be joining in the fun at Type A: Anything Goes and No Minimalist Here: Open House linky parties this week.

The Thumb of Michigan

I learned to drive on the "thumb" of Michigan, Hwy 25. I spent my summers lounging on the beach and walking along the pier in Lexington, where beautiful historical neighbourhoods abound.

Gables are wood shingles will always signify beach house to me.

The True Blood Homes

Two years ago, vampires "came out of the coffin".

This is the premise for HBO's True Blood, a show I am currently addicted too.

Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic bar maid, met her first vampire (Vampire Bill) since vampires made themselves known to the public. Her life since has been full of serial killers, werewolves, shapeshifters, and fairies with an unknown agenda.

Just another day in small town Bon Temps, Louisiana.

But at least she lives in a great big Southern heritage house, that in it's current fourth season has gone through a major face-lift (courtesy of everyone's favourite vampire, Eric Northman, secret vampire sheriff of the area).

Sookie Stackhouse's Home, Season 1: The clapboard is run-down.

Sookie's Home, Season 4: Vampire Eric gives everything a good sprucing, painting the clapboard a soft yellow.

The biggest renovation this season is Vampire Bill's. His sprawling antebellum home was, although majestic, in a state of neglect when we were first introduced to it.

Vampire Bill's House: Season 1

Vampire Bill's House: Season 4

Bill's House: Season 1

Bill's House: Season 4

Bill's Office: I like the lighting in this room; recessed lighting hidden in bookcase shelves, the shaded chandelier.

Bill's Living Room: The white trim on the walls is a nice touch.

The vampire bar, Fangtasia (vampires love puns), remains the same.

I love the padded door.

I'm a Trubie.

I also highly recommend the series the show is based on, The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. Or anything by Charlaine Harris... she's just that great.

I'll be sharing my favourite TV show at FTLOB's The Best Movie I've Ever Seen 

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Warning: True Blood is amazing, but it's HBO (lots of sexy stuff), so take it with a grain of salt.

Stratford House Tour

Stratford, Ontario

Not just another Ontario farm town, this community is chock-full of beautiful old Victorian homes.

 Along every street, lay architectural gems.

 Including this famous Stratford home, the "Stratford White House".

The White House is pretty imposing compared to it's neighbours, who are, in general, very stately themselves.

I absolutely love this house on the corner. I think I just really like their red front door.

This home always reminds me of an old Italian villa.

A Wuthering Heights home, because it's so dark and imposing... but in a good way.

And last but not least... Rundles Morris House, the minimalist vacation home of Stratford.

Also attached is Rundles Restaurant.

Stratford is home to the Shakespearean Festival Theatre of Canada, Justin Bieber, and beautiful homes.

Visit for the theatre, stay for the architecture.