Monday July 21, 2014

A Note About Our History:

 

THE WINDERMERE MANOR

 

Built in 1925 by John Smallman, The Windermere Manor is a faithful architectural reflection of Tudor, England and a fitting tribute to John’s father Thomas, a founding member of The Imperial Oil Company.

The Smallman family had a passion for breeding and racing horses. Down the path between the hotel and Manor House there are remnants of an old stone bridge that was once part of a horse run that wound through the property. The original farm was a horse farm and cash crops were also grown.

Although slightly altered, the Manor’s interior retains the feeling of a by-gone era of warmth and luxury. The baronial splendor of the Grand Hall, with its lofty ceilings, hand-hewn beams, oak balcony and welcoming wood-burning stone fireplace all echo a by-gone era of pageantry and privilege. The hotel is built atop of what was once the large in-ground swimming pool.

After extensive renovations on the existing Manor House, The Windermere Manor opened it’s doors in 1991 as a component of the University of Western Ontario’s Research Development Park offering meeting/conference facilities food and beverage, and hotel accommodations. Windermere Manor is a hotel, restaurant, banquet hall, and conference facility– all with a resort-like atmosphere.

More recently, additions and renovations have allowed for meeting space and a guest room wing that were designed to gracefully blend with the original structure and convey a sense of period continuity. These annexes provide today's guests with all of the comforts and conveniences of a modern hotel and meeting facility.