Heart of Burlington B & B

Last week we had a site visit of a new bed and breakfast in downtown Burlington.  Owners Flora Dooley and Joe Stevens just announced to family, friends and neighbours that they have turned their historic 1910 Edwardian home into a B&B. 

The downtown location of this B&B will make it very popular for visitors who like to walk to all the downtown attractions, shops, restaurants and shops.  When we arrived at

532 Hurd Avenue,

we were pleased to see that there was off street parking – something not always available in the core but a must have for B&B’s.  The lot is situated on the corner with a new garage fronting Caroline St.  The wide front porch was a welcome respite from a rainy March day and the owners told us they were looking forward to soon getting the wicker furniture so their guests could enjoy the outdoors.

The front part of the house and the entire second floor has been reserved entirely for guests.  On the main floor, just off the entranceway is a formal dining room with antique furniture, where guests will be served a delicious breakfast.  The table was beautifully set in anticipation of their first guests.  Joe and Flora offer full, continental or vegetarian fare and a menu will be provided upon check-in to choose from.  They also provide gluten free options.  If the home-made goodies they served us are any indication, guests are in for a treat!

Connected to the dining room is the living room with a fireplace, lots of natural light shining through stained glass windows and pleasantly decorated in blues, whites and yellows.  Guests can enjoy their morning coffee and read the selection of books about Burlington in this quiet setting.

Upstairs the theme is focused on Newfoundland, where Flora hails from.  Pictures of lighthouses line the walls of the staircase and hallway, many taken by Joe.  There are two bedrooms on this level, both with ceiling fans, cable TV/VHS and access to a private bathroom across the hall.  The Heart’s Content room has a double antique bed and dressing table.  A queen bed with a cozy window seat is in the Heart’s Delight room.  Having stayed with friends in their home in Heart’s Delight, the décor and photos in this room brought back happy memories.  Both bathrooms have been completely updated, one with an original claw foot tub and hand held shower.  All rooms are air conditioned, well appointed and designed with care and it feels like you are staying in a historic inn.

Joe, a self-professed DYI guy has done all the restoration and painting and Flora the decorating.  The result is a warm and inviting atmosphere, which will make guests feel right at home.  They have done a lot of research, and planning to ensure that visitors will have a memorable stay. 

Tourism Burlington helps tourism businesses market themselves and we meet twice a year with B&B’s so they can network, do joint marketing and sample each other’s hospitality.  For more information on setting up a B&B in Burlington visit our website or call us at 905 634-5594.