Black Walnut Manor

By Nina Popovic On June 10, 2011

Along Niagara’s famous wine routes, you'll find a number of impressive B&Bs scattered across the various regions (Niagara-on-the-lake, Vineland, Beamsville). This particular weekend I was pleased to stay in one of Twenty Valley’s premier Inns – the Black Walnut Manor in Vineland.

Most inns would like to consider themselves as a traveller’s “home away from home”; an easy correlation for any family running a small business out of their own home. The quiet, serene setting, the communal feel and the cottage frame of mind are an easy sell to urbanites looking to escape. Black Walnut Manor achieves this effortlessly. The proprietors, Carole and Michael Gurgol’s, attention to detail are flawlessly executed, leaving no home comforts behind yet whisking you away far away from the stress of big city living.

The Inn boasts 4 spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms, cable TV and luxurious linens. I had the fortune to stay in the LOFT room, in the former attic. It’s vaulted ceilings, and nooks and crannies made me feel like I was in a comfortable yet modern chalet. The property is also home to a large pool with an accompanying lounge area. Pool towels are provided, so all one needs is the swim gear.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a delectable local wine and cheese platter as an afternoon snack. Later on, turndown service is embellished with some tasty dark chocolate. While in the mornings, coffee, tea and fruits alongside the morning paper are left outside of the room door at 8 am. This allows for guests to be awake and refreshed when going downstairs at 9:30 am for breakfast. Breakfast is a two course dining experience along with fruits, tarts and a main.

What I found most wonderful, was the sundries kit of Most Forgotten Items contained in a box in the bathroom. So many times you forget your make-up remover, toothpaste or toothbrush, when leaving the house and then have to search for a convenience store nearby. Also, mnost hotels now-a-days aren’t eager to offer any freebies. Black Walnut Manor is aware of this, creating this sundries kit and leaving it in the bathroom for the “just in case” scenario. Almost motherly in its approach, if you ask me.

If you are looking for a serene and luxurious but comfortable retreat in the Twenty Valley, look no further than Black Walnut Manor.

{yoogallery src=[../_content/2011/niagara/blackwalnutmanor] width=[100] height=[100]}

Black Walnut Manor
4255 Victoria Avenue, Vineland Station
1-905-562-8675
www.blackwalnutmanor.com