Prince Edward County doesn’t need PR to pique interest.

Gorgeous vineyards, charming villages, farm-to-fork food, and pastoral scenery are just some of the many draws of this popular Ontario destination. I first visited six years ago and have been going regularly ever since (it’s an easy two-hour drive from Toronto and about four hours from Montreal). 

On my first trip, I had a dreamy stay at Merrill House in Picton. Built as a family home in 1878 by magistrate Edwards Merrill, it's a Victorian delight with Gothic Revival spires, gables, and gingerbread trim that’s painted the colour of sugar icing. I think it is the prettiest property in Picton (and that’s saying something) and possibly all of Ontario. I recently returned and can attest that it has continued to grow from strength to strength. 

The owners, couple Jordan Martin de Rosales and Evert Rosales Gómez de Martin, are hands-on in creating and evolving the Merrill House aesthetic. Jordan, a native of Belleville, Ont., is a passionate collector with an impressive background in global luxury hospitality. Evert is an acclaimed artist with surrealist sensibilities (if you book a room this summer, you can take in his latest art exhibition, "Echoes in Colour," which is on display at Merrill House). Together, they have created an experiential boutique hotel that feels like the best bohemian house party.

Before Merrill House opened in 2019, it underwent a massive restoration under Jordan's keen eye, netting 14 individually designed rooms, six of which are suites. Jordan oversaw the big things (renovating all the bathrooms, replacing old windows, reviving the original hardwood floors, and installing AC) before layering in a multitude of bespoke designs. He even plundered his private collection of curios to fashion a global-styled country house with a healthy dose of provenance.

"I've added many antique 19th-century maps of the different countries Evert and I have lived in," says Jordan. Renderings of Finland, Venezuela, Canada, Zimbabwe, the US, and the UK share the space with rare lithographs, abstract paintings, House of Hackney velvet pillows, bespoke Fine and Dandy wallpaper—even a stuffed peacock. It's a treasure trove of meticulous and magpie tastes.

During this visit, I checked into The Victorian Suite, a characterful space that is the only one to retain its vintage wallpaper during the restoration. The comfortably cool room, impervious to a raging heatwave, was thoughtfully stocked with fresh flowers and a hand-written welcome note, as well as complimentary treats like chocolate chip cookies and sparkling water. 

There's a mini speaker, TV, Nespresso machine, a curated selection of books, and a bathroom equipped with a Dyson hairdryer and locally made bespoke toiletries. In other words, it's perfect. 

If guests wish to stay put, they can indulge in a cocktail at the newly opened Bar Atlas, a light-filled conservatory that pours cocktails from around the globe. The menu is actually an illustrated map designed by Evert (it's a mini work of art), and you can't go wrong with a patriotic Canadian Collins. Drinks rate high here, as the Wine Spectator-awarded Merrill House has the biggest selection of County wines in the world and the greatest offering of Old-World wines between Toronto and Montreal. 

Dinner is served in the newly opened Brasserie Alexandria, an intimate space with honeyed lighting and a graphic mural wall depicting the Egyptian creation myths. It's heady stuff and an inspired backdrop to a well-considered menu that checks the crowd-pleasing boxes with everything from burgers (made with local beef or seared red lentil patties) and vegan risotto, to white wine-braised boneless rabbit Dijonnaise with bacon and buttered noodles. The hand-cut fries are excellent—crisp and golden with just the right amount of salt—and save room for the pistachio ice-cream profiteroles drizzled in chocolate sauce. 

Breakfasts are included in your stay and are so abundant—fresh juices, coffee, toasts, eggs, bacon, beans, lemony ricotta pancakes, cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit salads, pastries—that the emboldened out there could shamelessly indulge and be held over until dinner.

Even with everything that's on offer in The County, it's fair to say that the charms of Merrill House might tempt you to take it slow and spend your first day just chilling at the hotel. I'm told this is a common occurrence and one that brings joy to the owners. Jordan says, "I want Merrill House to make people feel like they are guests at someone's home, which is a world unto itself for them to explore and enjoy."

Recommended

This Minimalist Hotel In Toronto Celebrates Everything Canadian-Made

By: Sara Romano

Just down the street from Union Station—Toronto’s recently renovated, vibrant transit hub—a new boutique hotel invites its guests to unwind in style. 

Read More

Recommended

Monsieur Jean is a Jewel of a Hotel in Old Quebec City

By: Christy Wright

A former office building is reimagined as a hôtel particulier that brims with colourful personality, contemporary art, and cool comfort.

Read More