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Morrisburg near Upper Canada Village Ontario bed and breakfast:
One of the best bed and breakfasts in Morrisburg near Upper Canada Village Ontario
recommended by Janette Higgins.
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Eastern Ontario including Ottawa
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Russell Manor Bed and Breakfast
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Michael Burton and
Ron Currie
36 First Street
Box 219
Morrisburg, ON
Canada, K0C 1X0
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| Phone: 613 543 3871 |
| Toll Free:866 401 7472 |
| Surprises to the upside at a beautifully restored B&B home with down-to-earth friendly hosts |
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Morrisburg near Upper Canada Village, Ontario map
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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.
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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 one I recommend. Janette Higgins
Surprises to the upside abound at Morrisburg’s Russell Manor Bed and Breakfast. The first surprise, though, has to do with Morrisburg – a lovely small town arrayed along the St Lawrence River with Victorian homes, quiet neighbourhoods and a notable collection of churches. I was particularly entranced by the buttressed Anglican Church (very medieval) that’s just across the road from Russell Manor Bed and Breakfast.
As for hosts Ron Currie and Michael Burton I felt I’d arrived at the home of old friends. When they heard that I’d picked up takeout at Kingston’s Pan Chancho Restaurant (I knew that along this section of the St Lawrence there’s a dearth of the kind of restaurant I prefer) Ron set me up in the private courtyard to enjoy my repast complete with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay, one of his home made desserts and soft jazz in the background. Remember, I was travelling under a pseudonym so to them I was just another guest. Later, when I took a peek at the guest book, I realized that their hallmark is an intuitive, thoughtful response to their guests’ needs.
Then there’s the décor – it’s a knockout; my room was in neutrals including the tobacco-coloured Dupioni silk curtains that puddle extravagantly onto the floor. I had an ensuite bath with large glass-doored shower stall. In fact, all have en suite bathrooms. The double-bedded Studio is the smallest. The others are actually 2-room suites; the St. James Suite and the Riverview Suite, latter of which comes complete with a 2-person bathtub. All rooms have satellite TVs with DVD.
There are several common rooms which range in decor from quiet elegance to a tad more exuberant; in one animal prints, ornate antiques and various collections dazzle the eyes. It’s not surprising to learn that Michael is an interior decorator though both have had a major hand in the restoration of this architecturally important Morrisburg landmark. When they bought it a few years ago it was a group home with linoleum, lowered ceilings and exit signs. To see it now is to have a deep appreciation for all the work they’ve done.
By the time I went to sleep, Russell Manor had already scored big time. Breakfast next morning was the last test. I sat down to a delicious fresh fruit salad with a mystery zing. Then along with coffee and juice came Ron’s homemade double ginger scones served with crème fraiche. I could taste real butter in the fluffy scones and also learned they included heavy cream. The main course was an asparagus, pancetta frittata with Italian parmesan accompanied by Ron’s homemade chunky tomato-basil salsa. No surprise; breakfast was a hit with me as well. While there are plenty of excuses to come (nearby Upper Canada Village; a stopover on your way to/from Ottawa, Toronto Kingston or Montreal) you hardly need a reason other than for one terrific getaway.
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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Russell Manor Bed and Breakfast, Morrisburg near Upper Canada Village, Ontario
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| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://russellmanorbb.com |
| Best to call: |
10 AM to 10 PM |
| Languages: |
English |
| Season: |
All Year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S or D $105-150 (plus 5% PST) |
Currency converter
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| Cards: |
Cash /Cheque/traveller's cheque/VISA/MC |
| Restrictions: |
Children 12 and older welcome; smoking on verandah or in courtyard only; no guest pets |
| Facilities: |
4 rooms all with en suite bathrooms; 3 with queen beds and 1 with double; Two are actually 2-room suites (the Riverview and the St. James); Riverview has a 2-person bathtub; all rooms have satellite TV and DVD; 2nd floor self-serve guest refreshment area; central air, wireless internet access; |
| Parking: |
Off street |
| Breakfast: |
Full |
| In Residence: |
Ralph, the black standard poodle |
| Location: |
Morrisburg is on the St. Lawrence River half an hour south of Ottawa; 1 hour east of Kingston or 1 hour west of Montreal. |
| Directions: |
From Hwy 401 take exit number 750 into Morrisburg. Drive south into village and when you near the river look for First Street. Turn right to B&B |
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