Maple & Rose: where history and luxury meet

Walk in the door at 205 Mill Street in Merrickville and prepare to fall in love.

There’s something about Maple & Rose. Maybe it’s the fact that there’s room to gather here. Maybe it’s that no detail is spared to give guests an elevated stay. Maybe it’s the bright and welcoming old-world charm that is embodied in the 180-year-old home with modern design updates. The flowers in every room. The arrival gifts. The bathing salts and soaps. The stocked coffee bar. The luxury bedding. No matter what, stepping into Maple & Rose is like coming home – but way better.

Indeed, it’s come full circle for General Manager, Kate Folk. She grew up in Merrickville admiring this home. That wistful adulation stuck with her and has helped her family breathe new life into the well-loved 3,585-sq foot landmark – a project Folk and her family took on jointly in her late stepfather’s memory.

But what they didn’t expect, was the historic magic to be found when doing so. Built in the mid-1840s, the house was acquired shortly afterwards by early foundry man, William Magee. This Queen Anne style Victorian is now restored boasting thoughtful finishes and a perfect location steps from the Rideau River, and the magical village of Merrickville. The luxurious whole home rental sleeps 16 people and is still finding new fans almost 200 years later. “We went all out to craft a luxury accommodation experience,” Folk said.

The house is revealing some secrets along the way. For example, Folk said a pencilled signature was discovered last year on the back of a staircase which was determined to belong to William Thorpe, who helped add the third storey of the house back in 1890. It’s the little tidbits like that which help weave together the story of the house to make it take on a life of its own.

Folk said each of the seven bedrooms has its own full ensuite bathroom, creating the perfect getaway location for groups travelling to Merrickville together. That means three floors of accommodation, from family suites to rosy personal quarters, to a three-season sunroom.

Numerous striking design elements are present at Maple & Rose: a cozy turret, a wrap-around veranda rumoured to have been built so music could be played in the circular corner portion, and even a gothic stained glass window in the upstairs bathroom. No matter what the aspect, it’s clear that the house has been genuinely cared for in its authenticity for generations.

Folk is keen to carry that forward, herself brimming with love for Merrickville and its heritage – but especially for this home. She talks of spending hours in the local library poring over books and records to uncover tidbits of information about the house and of special visits from a former resident who recalled sitting on a window-seat bench in the Charlotte Room when she was a little girl. It all adds up to an ever-evolving story surrounding the house, one to which Folk feels connected as the newest owner.   

“We really respect the history of the home, its architecture and stories,” she said, noting that she has heard from many former inhabitants, and marvels at their memories.

Also behind the restoration and furnishing of the house is Greg and Kim Forsyth of Merrickville’s Design Your Life. While Greg was the general contractor, Kim handled the interior design.  “Greg turned her into a thing of beauty and really made her shine,” said Folk, noting Greg and Kim worked together to create something special at Maple & Rose.

Folk’s unabashed positive feelings toward her hometown are contagious and have opened the door for community connections on everything from Pickle & Myrrh caramels placed strategically around the house to stunning original chandeliers that were brought back to life by Michael Gray at Gather Brewery & Glassworks just down the street. These thoughtful collaborations, added to partnerships with local chefs and sommeliers, take the experience over the top. Indulge in local coffee from The Village Bean, breathe in calm with the custom candles from Wick Witch Apothecary. Look around the house to spy local art from Mary Loos Originals and fresh murals painted by Emma Allen Design Studio.

It’s those little surprises and attention to detail in restoration and renovation that make Maple & Rose even sweeter. Folk notes that it has been a joy to uncover the home’s natural beauty. She said they have put a lot of attention into the décor and making it fit with the house, preserving the heritage feel while also updating as needed.

The home is rented in its entirety, which means it’s ideal for business groups, wedding parties, family reunions, and more. With a gorgeous and well-appointed kitchen, guests have the option of cooking in the dreamy space. Groups often opt to have chefs come in to prepare the meals, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy more time with their favourite people. The kitchen makes way into an open-concept dining room and entryway, perfect for sharing meals and memorable moments around the table.

An intriguing tunnel walkway takes visitors to a cottage-style sunroom on the back of the home where curling up with a beverage and a book seems almost a given. Another striking and functional space is the meeting and gathering outbuilding – a 1,200 square foot conference room complete with bar, extra-long beautiful wooden meeting table, comfy couches and large screens for sharing.

From hosting wedding parties to bachelorette crews, corporate retreats to weekend getaways, book clubs to photographers: Maple & Rose’s luxury amenities, concierge services, and add-ons help guests make the most of your stay.

Intrigued? The team at Maple & Rose loves to give potential guests personalized tours of the home! Not only will you learn fascinating history about the home and its former residents, but you’ll also experience the elevated accommodation and luxury that comes with a stay here.

Find out more at mapleandrosemerrickville.ca or by following along on Facebook and Instagram @mapleandrose.merrickville. Better yet, round up a bunch of friends and stay the night!