Windermere House: new owner, new look

WINDERMERE, ON—Windermere House, a Muskoka landmark since 1870, is kicking off the summer season with a new name, “the new Windermere House”, a new look and new ownership.

“We’re restoring Windermere House to its former Victorian grandeur with a top-to-bottom renovation that combines tradition and charm with state-of-the-art accommodations and facilities,” said Paul Jeffery, whose family acquired the historic property in December 2007.

“The bottom line is we want to make Windermere House the preferred Muskoka destination for vacationers and cottagers, as well as for conference and wedding groups.

“We are not only renovating the facilities, we’re introducing polished casual dining with a steak and lobster menu in our Rosseau Grill and a more informal approach in our Windermere Pub ‘n Patio and PJ’s Lobby Bar. We’re also introducing Lake Rosseau’s first sushi dining at the new Wabora Sushi Cafe. And, the pièce-de-résistance is our elegant veranda which offers an unparalleled view of Lake Rosseau,” he said.

Paul Jeffery is best known as founder and past chairman of Kelsey’s International Inc., the parent company of Kelsey’s Restaurants and Montana’s Cookhouse and the Eastern Canada franchise holder for Outback Restaurants. He sold Kelsey’s International to Cara Foods in 2002 to pursue other interests.

Jeffery explains that the new Windermere House is the perfect retreat for families, business groups, wedding parties and cottagers. The resort features bright airy guest rooms, spacious conference rooms, unique breakout areas and reception facilities and access to all of the recreation activities Muskoka is noted for.

As well, the adjacent Windermere Golf and Country Club offers an enjoyable and challenging golf experience for Windermere House guests.

Open as of mid-May, the new Windermere House holds the prestigious “Four Star” rating from Canada Select, the national rating agency of the Canadian hospitality industry. Four Star ratings are assigned to “exceptional properties offering extensive or outstanding facilities and services.”