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MERRICKVILLE - Innkeepers Dawn and Mike Zaversenuke like to think outside of the box.
As owners of the 1840 Guest House B&B, they've blended two accommodation styles with great success. Their lodgings have the quaint communal area of a traditional B&B but when it comes to the rooms they are more of a boutique guest house. Their modern rooms all have private ensuites along with super comfy beds, terry cloth robes, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, wall-mounted SmartTVs, Satellite TV, Netflix and Sportsnet.
"We offer the best of both worlds," says Mike. The "retired" couple believes travellers have specific priorities when choosing accommodations and at the top of the list is cleanliness and having your own private ensuite. In their Guest House, visitors have the option of relaxing in their own room or joining other guests in the common area and balcony overlooking the Rideau Canal Waterway.
In just 3 years, their gross yearly revenue has increased by 300%. Last summer they had an occupancy rate of more than 90%. They've achieved a rare 9.6 ranking from Booking.com and a 5-star Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor. Ontario By Bike has classified their business as "bicycle friendly."
The front of the property is a restored one-room stone school house circa 1829 and is home to Ahimsa Naturopathic owned by Katie Weststrate. Guests of the B&B have attended exercise and yoga classes offered there so it is a good match.
Guests from around the world have been so impressed they've sent the Zaversenukes thank you cards with promises to be back.
The guestbook is filled with positive comments.
An Ontario couple called it a "beautiful, restful haven." Another said "this inn is the total package." An international traveller wrote "Wonderful stay! The shower was one of the best I've experienced on my trip in Canada which includes the Fairmont Hotels. Comfy bed and wonderful hosts. What more could I ask for?"
"We have a lot of repeat customers and guests from around the world," says Dawn. "One couple booked a day and ended up staying almost a week." The couple feels their interesting decor, with
its mix of antiques, Dawn's own quilted wall hanging, historic items and maps, is an important part of the experience.
There is a great deal of time spent on making sure their guests have all of the information they need to enjoy Merrickville, its history, shops, restaurants and local and regional attractions.
Room costs are lower than some of the competition. The couple says, by providing a continental breakfast (cereal, fruit and muffins) and not a hot breakfast, "we give the cost savings back to our guests."
Restaurants are within walking distance and guests also have access throughout their stay to a fridge, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, unlimited free tea, coffee, bottled water, orange juice, yogurt and energy bars.
Take a virtual tour and learn more about the 1840 Guest House B&B at 223 Main Street West, Merrickville, by visiting their
website,
email or call 613-269-3025.
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