In celebration of the first day of Spring, my cousin Jess and I took a trip out to Niagara on the Lake and enjoyed tea for two at the historic Prince of Wales hotel.
A couple weeks later, we are still waiting for Spring to arrive.
As I sit here writing this, I can see the red tips of my Peonie plants pushing their way up through the dirt.
Soon.
Signs of Spring were all over town.
The inside of the hotel is ornate and luxurious. Having afternoon tea here is a special treat.
Proper high tea is served. Complete with tea sandwiches, little pastries and the most delcious Jasmin-insfused raisin scones with clotted cream and Raspberry jam, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
On our way home, we drove about looking at all of the qauint little cottages and grand historic homes around town. I wanted to share with you one of my favourites.
This is the Clench House.
It's considered one of the most significant early 19th century homes in town, built by Ralfe Clench, a farmer, judge and political figure in Upper Canada. Currently it's under significant reconstruction and restoration.
Isn't it beautiful?
To the left of the home is a creek the runs alongside the house.
There are so many beautiful little parts to this home. Small buildings outside, additions, a greenhouse, a carriage house and what probably used to be servant's cottages.
This is the back of the house. The carriage house is attached to the main house with a glass house.
I mean really, how perfect!
We stumbled across a stand selling Pussy Willows on our way home. Perfectly Spring.
Have a lovely Saturday.
Sounds like a wonderful day! I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of hours in Niagara on the Lake when I visited Toronto a couple of years ago... it was February and snowy (of course). I'd love to come back and see the area in the summer since it was a beautiful little town!
ReplyDelete~Chris
that house is really beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteFascinating photos. Ralfe Clench was born not far from where I am typing this, in Schenectady, NY. His father, Robert, operated one of the most popular taverns in town, and is said to have been a drum major in the British Army during the Seven Year's War, in Braddock's regiment, where he met and became friends with young George Washington. Robert Clench was a founding member of the first Masonic Lodge in Schenectady, St. George's. The lodge met in a room at the tavern until Clench was accused of being a Tory, at which point he appears to have suggested the Lodge (whose leaders were ardent patriots) meet elsewhere. Robert Clench and the Committee of Safety eventually reconciled, and local history has it that Washington dined at the tavern on one of his three visits to Schenectady. Sadly, the tavern burned in the fire of 1819, although the Masons erected a commemorative plaque nearby.
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