Welcome to Lakewinds! Step onto the verandah of this elegant Victorian manor and return to the tranquility of the 1880's. A special and unique experience awaits you at Lakewinds, a recently restored Victorian manor with fabulous gardens, offering the best of bed and breakfast experiences. Our Lakewinds commitment is to your total satisfaction and enjoyment during your visit with us. Our philosophy of service is comfort and hospitality of the highest order, provided in a warm and friendly style. We offer free WiFi, free parking and of course, our delicious breakfasts are also complimentary.

We are delighted that our guests seem to really enjoy Lakewinds and we are proud that so many guests come back year after year. For your convenience, we also offer Gift Certificates. Give us a call at our toll-free number (1-866-338-1888) and we will email or mail one to you right away.

Situated on a quiet acre of extensive flower gardens and mature trees, Lakewinds offers you unparalleled views of the golf course beside the lake. A short walk away is the centre of the old town where you will find the theatres, wonderful shops, and restaurants to suit every palate.

Beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake is rich in history and home to the ever popular Shaw Festival theatre from April through November. If you are a theatre buff, we offer a blog of season announcements, comments and reviews from ourselves and our guests for the latest Shaw productions. Tours and tastings are offered at many estate wineries so all can appreciate the area's deserved reputation for fine wines. Golf, tennis, and miles of walking and biking trails await the active visitor. Just a short drive along an incredibly scenic road along the Niagara River is one of the natural wonders of the world, the extraordinary Niagara Falls. Other area attractions include Casino Niagara, the Butterfly Conservatory, and historic Fort George.

Our Lakewinds commitment is to your total satisfaction and enjoyment during your visit with us. When you arrive, you find ample, free, off-street parking behind the manor. All guest rooms have ensuite bathrooms and are individually temperature controlled. Common areas are elegantly appointed with an eclectic mix of antiques and other period furniture and free WiFi is available throughout the Manor. Our grand dining room and living room with log burning fireplace are especially inviting in the fall and winter. Play billiards in the games room or cards in the solarium. Treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor pool or seek out a rocking chair on the verandah and let the "lakewinds" soothe you. Sumptuous breakfasts, using herbs and produce from the garden, are served in the grand dining room or you may have a continental breakfast delivered to your room. Of course, breakfasts are complimentary.

Lakewinds has been filmed for TV and used as a setting in a major Hollywood movie. We've been featured in the NY Times, Getaways for Gourmets, the Discerning Traveler and in several magazines and guides. We were even chosen as the cover article in the classy Canadian House and Home magazine. But it's the comments from our guests we cherish the most: "You are the jewel of Niagara! You are all graciousness" ... "We have stayed at many inns and rarely encountered such friendly, elegant, studied perfection". Whether you stay a few days or many, we will provide knowledgeable advice and personal service to maximize the time you spend with us.

Historical Background

The house was started in 1880-81 and became the summer home for Mr. Gustav Fleischmann, a wealthy distiller from Buffalo N.Y. and member of the famous Fleischmann's yeast family. Originally named "Clarette" (in tribute to his two oldest daughters, Clara and Thornetta), the house stood on the entire 4-acre block with gardens and stables at the rear. Staff cottages and a guesthouse can still be found on properties adjacent to the original manor. In 1912, Clarette was purchased by Conrad Wettlauffer, a Buffalo physician, who carried out extensive alterations. The home has glorious views of North America's oldest golf course, where play started in 1875. Even then people wanted to build a home on a golf course!

Over 100 years later, Jane had a dream that changed both our lives and the destiny of this manor. Jane recalls: "I saw myself in the home in which I would grow old! In this dream I saw my eldest daughter as a young mother, children in tow, walking up a garden path lined with peonies with myself and Steve standing on a large white verandah, welcoming them." The search was on! Several months later, while cycling through Niagara-on-the-Lake, the then empty house was discovered and the conversion to Lakewinds began.

Starting in early 1994, Lakewinds underwent extensive restorations. Great care was taken to enhance all that could be preserved. Original curved glass windows and mouldings remain. Antiques and other period furniture are blended to create a wonderful year round living environment. In fact, every surface in the house, inside and out, was restored.

Lakewinds, which now sits on over an acre of land, opened for guests on July 15, 1994. Our philosophy of service is comfort and hospitality of the highest order, provided in a warm and friendly style.

Lakewinds is licensed by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, is Service Excellence Certified and is a member of:

Stay Niagara-on-the-Lake
B&B Concierge of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce

Lakewinds is always highly rated on Trip Advisor, with virtually all excellent guest reviews. We are the top ranked Niagara-on-the-Lake Country Inn.

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We are delighted to have been featured in The Paintbox Garden, a blog of beautiful photographs from many gardens.

A great B&B should offer a great experience, it should not simply be just a bed and breakfast with great surroundings and food. We believe story-telling and humour are a great part of a happy life. We try and make this a perfect place for any special occasion such as honeymoons, babymoons, girlfriend getaways or, of course, a romantic escape.

We do our best to live up to our commitment and philosophy. We are fortunate to have many favourable comments written about us. Some of them follow here.

"You have created a warm, aesthetic & extremely comfy B&B - the best we've experienced in 26 years of coming to NOTL. Thank you." Florence and Bill, Ontario

"In combined musical careers of over 20 years, covering travel experiences and hotels of every sort all over the world, we have never had such a restful stay in such completely beautiful surroundings. Thank you for your warm hospitality and for allowing others to experience this slice of heaven!! P.S. Breakfast was extraordinary!!" Kerry and Melody, Ontario

"It is in this place
That we start to trace
All the days of our lives together
As man and wife
We will remember
This beautiful B&B
As we proceed happily
Ever after... "
Jennifer & Jason, Massachusetts

"In the trees whispering outside our windows
In the wind chimes tinkling beside the pool
In the gathering darkness as we sat on the porch
In the gracious conversation and delicious breakfasts
In the sounds of Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms,
We found the serenity that we sought
And left savouring the peace of our uncluttered minds."
Mary & Bernie, Alberta

The Persistant Lover

In a pond hidden
by hostas
a throaty frog
har-umph har-umphs
disturbing
my effort to read
The Da Vinci Code in
the apple-green garden of Lakewinds
my summer Eden
in Ontario

His syllables are
as carefully orchestrated
as the notes of
a Cole Porter lovesong

Day after day
grunts his haunting
mating call
though no mate ever answers

Why such a perky
patient fellow?
I think I've guessed
his secret

He knows he's just
one kiss away from royalty

by Jean Chimsky, Cincinnati, OH

We wanted to make sure you knew how much we enjoyed our stay with you at the Lakewinds this past week. Your hospitality was out of this world, and continued to exceed our expectations. The manor and the grounds are stunning and elegant, yet comfortable and welcoming. You delivered everything promised and much much more. The only surprises were good ones like complimentary bicycles for lend, and treats left for us at night. We appreciate the attention to detail and hard work it must take to provide such a wonderful place for people to unwind. We will recommend you highly to anyone traveling to Niagara-on-the-Lake and look forward to returning ourselves. Thank you again, and all the best!
Chris & Leigh, Ontario

We had a perfect weekend at The Lakewinds. We appreciated how accommodating both of you were as hosts, and what a first class facility you have.
The Lakewinds has everything for us; our room had Victorian charm with all the modern amenities; your breakfast was delicious and your personal touch was evident in many ways, (even the local theatre reviews were in the entrance!). We loved the fact that The Lakewinds had a resort "quiet" and was still only a 5 minute walk to the restaurants, shops and theatre.
That was our first visit to NOTL and when we return, we will definitely hope to stay again at the Lakewinds.
Mary & Brooke, Ontario

YOUR PLACE IS THE BEST!!!
Helen & Jack, New York

We greatly enjoyed spening our honeymoon at your well-established bed and breakfast. Tour hospitality was generous, your breakfasts fabulous and the overall atmosphere superb! We hope you have many more successful years.
Matthew and Laura, Massachusetts

Thanks very much for your hospitality this weekend. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our stay at your Manor. I have to tell you, my girlfriend is a big fan of B&B's and has stayed at many in Europe. I in turn, have only stayed at B&B's about 3 times in my life. Although each of those experiences have been good, the part of B&B's that always felt a little strange, was the idea that it was somewhat of an "intrusion" on the family. I realize that it may sound silly to say that, since the family offering the B&B is obviously willing to have that kind of "intrusion". But just the same, it is something I felt. Your manor, on the other hand, is nothing like that. It's certainly the largest B&B that I've stayed in. In fact, it's probably unfair to call it a B&B - and I realize that you don't. Your setup is perfect. There's a lot of space for guests separate from the hosts - there is no real sharing of space and that's quite clear from the start. You advertised a sumptuous breakfast - and that it was! The decor is outstanding and I know my girlfriend appreciated the modern facility you have created, while maintaining the antique elements as well. There is absolutely nothing misleading about what you advertise on your website - in fact, it's probably better than you describe.
After being out of the country for almost a year now, your Manor provided a very pleasant return to Canada. We look forward to spending more weekends at your place.
Rob, Oakville

Thank you for opening your home to us. It is so beautiful and so warm. We walked the grounds, cycled on the bike paths and walked downtown. We really enjoyed our stay and the breakfasts were to die for.
You were accommodating to anyone who suggested something different. It was great to meet you both and also to meet and chat with the other guests who were there.
Our room was "Heaven" and it was certainly that as we celebrated 29 years of marriage and we have you both to thank for the memories. I know it is a lot of work, but there is a lot of care and passion that goes into the way you treat your guests.
Cliff and Deb, Ontario

I have to admit that our time at Lakewinds was heavenly. I would recommend your haven of peace to anyone. My family and I really enjoyed the different areas in your house where we could enjoy being together without even feeling the presence of other guests, the proximity to the theaters, the little treats in the lobby (which we loved having after our evening play), the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful vegetable and flower garden, and the swimming pool. But above all, your company was delightful.
Estelle and family, Washington, DC

Just wanted to tell you again how much we enjoy our stay with you. As you may have gathered, the bonds of friendship that the four of us share just become more precious with each passing year. The Lakewinds setting - the beautiful house, the warm hospitality, the outstanding breakfasts, the lovely little touches (we all miss the sherry and almonds!), the views of the lake, the charming town - is the perfect backdrop for us to catch up with one another, share all the things good friends share, laugh, talk, and, of course, knit. Thank you for making our stay with you so memorable.
Looking forward to next year,
Anne, Carolyn, Ingrid and Sarah

My husband and I would like to thank you both, and your staff for such a delightful stay at your beautiful home this week. The wonderful accommodations and delicious breakfasts were absolutely outstanding. The exquisite dishes you served each morning was a delight that we can honestly say surpassed any establishment we have stayed at during our world travels, via either land touring or cruising.
Your home was a treat indeed. We did not expect quite the extent of the "run of the house" when our reservations were made this past spring. The billiard and tv room along with your beautiful garden & pool area was a treat. And to be able to enjoy the comfort of your front verandah was another space a group of friends could find comfortable chairs aplenty.
I could go on and on, but I must tell you we were very pleased with our bedroom. Bed was fabulous, I did not wake with a sore back once, usually I wake bent over. I can now say we obviously need a new mattress.
I know I have not mentioned everything you offered, all the little surprises you left for us each evening, or treats upon our departure. But the two days and nights we spent on Lakewinds will be a treasured memory and give some dear friends plenty to laugh and talk about this coming winter.
We would like to come back again and certainly hope we will be able to find accommodations at your delightful home. Many, many thanks.
Pam & Morris