Dundas (Hamilton) bed breakfast. (Dundas (Hamilton)) Ontario bed breakfasts reviewed by Janette Higgins

One of the best bed and breakfasts in Dundas (Hamilton) Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.

Toronto Area and Niagara Region

Osler House Bed and Breakfast

Gary Fincham 30 South Street West Dundas, ON Canada, L9H 4C5
Phone: 289 238 9278
Settle into luxe and be prepared for a man who loves to cook.

Review by Janette Higgins

author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide

Six editions of the book were published to critical and popular acclaim. Janette now publishes her B&B reviews and holiday reports online.

Note 1 to reader: Every Ontario bed and breakfast receives my consideration. I travel incognito, pay where I stay and write reviews of the top 5%. Here is a bed and breakfast I recommend in Dundas near Hamilton. Janette Higgins

What a pleasure to meet a man whose eyes fairly dance when he talks about cooking. The personable Gary Fincham, host of Osler House Bed and Breakfast, says he’s a ‘lifelong foodie’ and I believe him. Besides having taken gourmet cooking courses, he subscribes to Cook’s Illustrated, a magazine devoted to researching and finding the best recipes for, say, an omelette or French toast. These are the recipes Gary uses. Even his fresh fruit course goes the distance, often combining a half dozen seasonal fruits. As for his homemade fig and walnut bread, for me, it brought back memories of a favourite little bakery in Chinon, France. The formal dining room suits the occasion. Or, in warmer times, you may enjoy the more casual delight of the screened-in porch.

As for the rooms, I find that photos of bed and breakfast accommodations often give a false impression of what to expect. I’m sure you, dear reader, know what I mean. What I can tell you is that, if anything, the photos don’t quite do the rooms justice. They are spacious, calmly beautiful and feature luxe touches like heated marble bathroom floors and marble tiled walk-in showers. Two are en suite and one is a walk along the hall. It makes for the perfect getaway B&B. Dundas itself is less than an hour from either Toronto or Niagara Falls. Once here, downtown Hamilton and McMaster University are just minutes away. The area also offers some great walking/hiking trails what with the nearby escarpment/Bruce Trail and an extensive park system. Come in the spring and discover an unusually large collection of waterfalls.

Here’s how it started. Gary and his wife, Sara Burnet Smith who runs a busy physiotherapy clinic, were living in Campbellville and looking around for a heritage house to restore and then rent out. When they saw Osler House they knew they’d found their spot. Somewhere along the way though they decided to move in and run it as a bed and breakfast. After all, they were empty-nesters and Gary works from home (he’s an industrial designer) so it was a good fit. Osler House was the childhood home of Sir William Osler, often referred to as the ‘father of modern medicine’ and came with 1.5 acres surrounded by woods. (In fact it’s so hidden that we had a hard time finding it. Make sure you pay attention to the directions I’ve included.)

Now, when you arrive you’ll enter by way of the welcoming front verandah furnished in a shabby chic style with comfy, faded cushions. No Sunbrella fabric here. It’s the only place you’ll hear the noise of steady traffic beyond the trees. Inside all is elegant, gracious and FUN. And for locals wanting a special venue for an event like a wedding or business meeting don’t hesitate to check out Osler House.

Note 2 to reader: I appreciate your support of the continuation of my research by letting the hosts know you read my review of their bed and breakfast on this bbontario website. Many thanks! Janette Higgins, Travel Writer

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Osler House Bed and Breakfast, Dundas (Hamilton), Ontario

Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you!

http://www.oslerhouse.com

Best to call:

English, a bit of French

CDN $ Rates:

S or D $150-175 plus 13% HST and 3% Hamilton Destination Marketing Fee

Currency converter

Cash, VISA, Mastercard

Restrictions:

Enquire about children; smoking away from house outside only; enquire about guests' pets

Facilities:

2 rooms with king beds and en suite bathrooms (1 with soaker tub with hand-held shower; 1 with tiled shower); 1 room with private-use bathroom with tiled shower (choice of twins or queen); living room for guests and gathering room for functions; furnished open porch, window air conditioners, wireless internet

In Residence:

2 cats, Seth and Waverley. Kept in host quarters or outdoors

Dundas is adjacent to Hamilton, near McMaster University.

Directions:

From Hwy 403 in Hamilton, take exit 69. Follow Main St West until it splits into Osler Dr into Dundas. Keep right on Osler Dr. At second light turn left onto South St. After you see 24 South St drive past shrubbery, turn right into hidden drive with discreet sign. (Note: Osler House cannot be seen from street.)

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Copyright © 1988-in perpetuity Janette Higgins. All rights reserved.

Check out Janette Higgins' other site www.gardendesigncoach.com

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