Hello From Ottawa The Wakefield Mill Inn Spa
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Ottawa: The Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa
Experience the Charm of Wakefield
During my visit to the charming village of Wakefield, I enjoyed a unique journey aboard the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train and an exquisite lunch at the historic Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa. Ali, the maitre d', greeted several passengers who planned to spend the weekend at this renowned country retreat. My time was more limited, with just an hour and a half to explore one of Wakefield’s most historically rich sites.
A Journey Through History
The roots of the Inn stretch back to 1838, when Scottish immigrant William Fairbairn established a stone mill to process local grains for farmers in the Gatineau and La Pêche river valleys. After selling to James MacLaren, the operation expanded to include a sawmill, woolen mill, and general store.
In 1910, a fire devastated the complex. While a flour mill was rebuilt, the woolen mill ceased operations. The flour mill continued until 1939, eventually converting to a grist mill for livestock feed until its closure in 1980. The Gatineau Historical Society then transformed it into a heritage museum.
In 2000, Robert Milling and Lynn Berthiaume fulfilled their dream by restoring the vacant building into today’s Inn, spa, and conference center. This demanding renovation required approvals from several agencies, including the National Capital Commission, which owns the mill's land.
Preserving History
Unique features from the original building have been preserved: heavy wooden beams in the reception area once supported grain silos, and some guest rooms (205, 206, 306, 307) occupy former silo spaces.
The dining room, once the mill’s engine room, previously housed mechanical and electrical turbines. Now, one turbine room is the Spa, and the other is a wine cellar. Old mechanical components serve as garden decorations.
The east side addition seamlessly integrates with the historic structure. Ali guided me to the dining room, featuring stone walls, an open hearth, a billiard table, and a bar. The walls display historical photos capturing the mill's rich history. Lunch was served in the 45-seat Solarium, offering breathtaking views of the MacLaren Falls.
A Culinary Delight
I enjoyed a delightful Moroccan lentil soup and a savory tomato and eggplant dish that melted in my mouth. Even on a gray day, the picturesque waterfall view was captivating. With limited time before my train's departure, I requested a quick tour of the establishment and took a brief stroll through the garden, located between the MacLaren River and the mill. A wooden deck with chairs provides an ideal spot to enjoy the falls in fair weather.
Spa and Relaxation
I briefly explored the spa facilities, equipped with the latest amenities for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Spa offers Swedish, Californian, and chair massages ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. Facial therapies employ the Reflexothermal Method, a calming and healing procedure. Two types of body therapies and various pedicures and manicures are available. Men can enjoy specialized facial treatments, massages, and back care.
One treatment room directly overlooks the falls, offering an exquisite setting for relaxation. An outdoor hot tub is available year-round for Spa and Inn guests.
Inviting Accommodations
I also viewed a couple of the Inn's rooms, elegantly decorated with light wood and stone walls, accentuating the building’s historical charm.
As much as I wished to stay overnight like the other Steam Train passengers, I had to board the train to complete my historic journey. Before leaving, Ali escorted me to a nearby hilltop cemetery, where one of Canada’s most famous Prime Ministers, Lester B. Pearson, is buried, adding another layer to the rich history surrounding the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa.
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