Windermere Manor, London, ON

Built in 1925 by John Smallman, The Windermere Manor is a faithful architectural reflection of Tudor, England and a fitting tribute to John's father Thomas, a founding member of The Imperial Oil Company.The Smallman family had a passion for breeding and racing horses. Down the path between the hotel and Manor House, there are remnants of an old stone bridge that was once part of a horse run that wound through the property. The original farm was a horse farm and cash crops were also grown.Although slightly altered, the Manor's interior retains the feeling of a by-gone era of warmth and luxury. The baronial splendor of the Grand Hall, with it's lofty ceilings, hand-hewn beams, oak balcony and welcoming wood-burning stone fireplace all echo a by-gone era of pageantry and privilege. The hotel is built atop of what was once the large in-ground swimming pool.