Grey Gables Inn

“Nick and Isas restaurant is a hidden gem.”

While we did not stay overnight, we dined here for lunch with a family of 14. I was initially nervous that there would be issues with such a large group-but this place is a hidden gem in Pembroke. The restaurant itself is nice, comfortable, clean and pleasantly decorated.the young lady server was p… more

While we did not stay overnight, we dined here for lunch with a family of 14. I was initially nervous that there would be issues with such a large group-but this place is a hidden gem in Pembroke. The restaurant itself is nice, comfortable, clean and pleasantly decorated.the young lady server was pleasant friendly and efficient. There was not one mistake on drink orders or food orders-all were delivered to the right person and the 14 meals all came out of the kitchen hot and with little waiting. The unanimous view was that the food was very good. The fish and chips were crispy and not over or undercooked. Shepherds pie was tasty and the salad was fulsome and hearty with eggs and lots of fixins! The total cost was MORE than reasonable and the overall experience has guaranteed that we will be back!!!!

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“ONCE UPON A CHILDHOOD DREAM”

I grew up in Pembroke many years ago before moving to Toronto at sixteen. During my childhood, I would walk past a grand house and its grounds daily, daydreaming about owning it one day. Unfortunately, like many childhood dreams, that never came to fruition. However, I have recently enjoyed staying… more

I grew up in Pembroke many years ago before moving to Toronto at sixteen. During my childhood, I would walk past a grand house and its grounds daily, daydreaming about owning it one day. Unfortunately, like many childhood dreams, that never came to fruition. However, I have recently enjoyed staying there three times since it became The Grey Gables Inn. The experience was both enjoyable and fulfilling, satisfying some long-forgotten childhood dreams. The Inn is well-located in the city center, just a few blocks from where my father still lives, and within an easy walk of many beautiful surrounding streets, houses, and parks. My experience was lovely and efficient, from booking my room to arriving, staying, eating, and ultimately departing. The charming proprietors and staff went out of their way to make my visit memorable and magical. I cannot recommend this enchanting venue if you can stay there. It is, without a doubt, worth the experience. **Rooms** Although Grey Gables Inn is a small establishment, it offers several rooms of different sizes and configurations. My favourite is the Majestic, a small suite featuring a comfy king-sized bed, fireplace, television, and much space. It also includes a well-appointed bathroom and sufficient closet space. **Nearby Activities** Located in the heart of Pembroke, adjacent to a beautiful park once part of the original property, the Inn is close to everything this quaint town offers. **Safety** The Inn and the town itself are safe and secure. The owners provide guests with front door keys, which they lock after a particular hour each night. Each room is also securely locked, and the main desk is always within sight and hearing of the proprietors on the property daily. **Walkability** This is undoubtedly a highly walkable town, with lovely, quiet streets and plenty of grand homes from its Lumber Baron days in the 1800s. It is a short walk to Pansy Patch Park and the charming main street filled with cute restaurants, shops, historic Pembroke City Hall, and Heritage Murals. For access to Pembroke Mall or various tourist attractions, including the Champlain Trail Museum & Pioneer Village, Pembroke Waterfront Park & Marina, Murray L. Moore Hydro Museum, Hugli's Blueberry Ranch & Gift Store, Urban Oasis Day Spa, and others, it is best to take a car. **Food & Drinks** Grey Gables Inn offers delicious in-house dining at two venues: the more formal The Oak Door and the casual The Pantry. The beautifully appointed dining room serves weekend breakfast, Sunday tea, delicious lunches, and dinners. The Inn also hosts numerous special events, including unique and private weddings and Mother's Day. **Noteworthy Details** The Inn was originally a private grand home belonging to Edward A. Dunlop (1876-1934), a wealthy industrialist and politician, his wife Mable Dunlop (née Ferguson, 1883-1948), and their four children: Mable, Mary, Jean, and Edward Jr. (a disabled WWII war veteran and one-time M.P.P.). Construction of the house began in 1911 and ended in 1913 for $75,000, a substantial amount for the area and time. In addition to many bedrooms and bathrooms, the house featured an expansive kitchen, a beautifully appointed dining room, a music room, a glass conservatory, a greenhouse, and a wine cellar, among other amenities. The grounds included approximately half an acre of flower and vegetable gardens and two outdoor tennis courts. Mrs. Mable Dunlop enjoyed entertaining and employed several maids (both upstairs and downstairs), a cook, a chauffeur, and a gardener, among others. The family lived there for many years until Mr. Dunlop Sr. moved them to Toronto, where he assumed the role of Provincial Treasurer. He served as a Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for Renfrew North three times: from 1903 to 1908, 1911 to 1919, and 1928 to 1934. He was the provincial treasurer from 1930 to 1933.

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