The Secret Garden Inn Kingston: My Personal Review

During my November 2012 visit to Kingston, Ontario, I had the pleasure of staying at The Secret Garden Inn, a charming bed and breakfast tucked away on historic Sydenham Street. With its Victorian architecture, antique furnishings, inviting guest rooms and peaceful garden, the inn offered a memorable place to stay while exploring this historic Canadian city.

Located just a few blocks from Kingston’s waterfront and downtown attractions, The Secret Garden Inn combined the character of an older home with the comforts I appreciated as a guest. In this review, I look back on my stay, including the historic interiors, the Theresa Room and the breakfast that started my morning.

The History of The Secret Garden Inn

The Secret Garden Inn occupies a Queen Anne Victorian-style residence built in 1888 for John McKay, a merchant associated with the leather and fur trade. The house reflects the craftsmanship and architectural details of a bygone era, with distinctive features that give the property much of its character.

Over the years, the residence passed through several hands before becoming a bed and breakfast. When John and Maryanne Baker acquired the property in 1996, they undertook restoration work to prepare the historic home for guests.

The inn’s architectural details, including its tower, stained-glass features and original woodwork, help preserve the feeling of stepping into another time. For visitors who appreciate historic homes and accommodations with individual character, these details are part of the appeal.

A Warm Welcome and Historic Charm

When I arrived for my November 2012 stay, Kathy Davidson greeted me. From the moment I entered, I was taken by the home’s welcoming atmosphere and the care evident in its traditional furnishings.

The residence featured seven guest rooms, along with comfortable common areas where guests could sit and relax. Rather than feeling like a conventional hotel, the inn had the personality of a historic home, with distinctive rooms and decorative details throughout.

Relaxing in the Guest Parlour

One of the most memorable spaces was the guest parlour. A turret window created a lovely spot to sit and take in the surroundings, while antique furnishings added to the room’s old-world charm.

The parlour featured 1830s fainting couches, traditional chairs arranged around an original fireplace, and an 1850s upright piano. A library offered another quiet place to spend some time.

I also appreciated the smaller touches that made the common areas feel inviting. During my stay, guests could enjoy fresh coffee, tea and homemade cookies in the afternoon. The stained-glass details and staircase added further character to the historic interior.

The Theresa Room

For my stay, I was accommodated in the Theresa Room, which was decorated in warm shades of gold, rust, cream and cranberry. The colour scheme complemented the traditional furnishings and created a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

The room featured a carved king-size poster bed and a matching armoire. An original fireplace had been converted to gas, adding another attractive feature to the room.

Two chairs were positioned in the turret area, overlooking the garden and koi pond. It was a particularly appealing spot to sit quietly and enjoy the view.

The combination of antique furnishings, warm colours and distinctive architectural features made the Theresa Room memorable. It felt individual and full of character rather than like a standard hotel room.

The Ensuite Bathroom

The Theresa Room also had a four-piece ensuite bathroom. During my visit, the bathroom included a rain-style shower, providing a practical modern convenience alongside the historic character of the accommodation.

For travellers considering a stay at a historic bed and breakfast, having a private bathroom is an important detail. Room layouts and amenities can change over time, so I recommend confirming the current facilities directly with the inn before booking.

Breakfast at The Secret Garden Inn

After a restful night’s sleep, I looked forward to breakfast in the inn’s oak-panelled dining room.

The meal during my stay included cranberry muffins, eggs in a cloud, fresh fruit, orange juice, Earl Grey tea and freshly brewed coffee. It was a pleasant way to begin the day before heading out to explore Kingston.

One detail worth mentioning is that breakfast was served at a set sitting time during my visit. Although the meal was enjoyable, a fixed breakfast schedule may not suit every traveller, particularly those hoping to get an early start or who prefer a more flexible morning.

Breakfast arrangements can change, so guests should check the current schedule and inclusions when making a reservation.

Exploring Kingston from Sydenham Street

The Secret Garden Inn’s location was another appealing feature. Situated on Sydenham Street in Kingston’s historic downtown area, the property was within walking distance of many central attractions.

Kingston is known for its waterfront, historic architecture, museums, shops and restaurants. Staying in the downtown area provides an opportunity to explore the city on foot and discover its historic streets and local attractions.

The inn’s garden and koi pond also offered a quieter setting to enjoy away from the busier downtown streets.

Looking Back on My Stay

My November 2012 stay at The Secret Garden Inn was memorable for its historic surroundings, distinctive furnishings and welcoming atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the Theresa Room, the turret windows overlooking the garden and the traditional breakfast served in the dining room.

The inn may appeal to travellers who enjoy historic properties, antique furnishings and the more personal atmosphere of a bed and breakfast. As with any accommodation, individual preferences matter. Guests who prefer contemporary hotel interiors, flexible breakfast hours or specific modern amenities should confirm the details before booking.

Although this review reflects my experience in 2012, it remains a record of a distinctive Kingston property and the stay I enjoyed there.

Exploring Kingston’s Restaurant Scene

One of the pleasures of visiting Kingston is discovering its diverse dining scene, from casual cafés to restaurants serving memorable meals. If you’re planning a visit to the city, take a look at my guide to Kingston, Ontario restaurants, where I share a selection of dining spots to consider while exploring this historic waterfront city.

Planning a Stay at The Secret Garden Inn

If you are planning a visit to Kingston and would like to learn more about The Secret Garden Inn, visit the inn’s official website for current room information, amenities, rates and reservation details:

 

Review note: This article describes my personal stay in November 2012. Ownership, services, room features, rates and breakfast arrangements may have changed since then. Please contact the inn directly to confirm current information before booking.