Take a step back in time: Welcome to The Montrose Inn in Belleville

The Montrose Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast and tea room offers a captivating journey back to a bygone era. This historic gem, located in Quinte West, with its antebellum architecture and timeless elegance, is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that immerses guests in the rich history.

As you approach the Montrose Inn, you’ll be struck by its stunning facade. The intricate woodwork, grand gables, and inviting covered verandah evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting visitors to a time when craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount. Its grand crown mouldings, solid oak panelling, impressive staircase, fixtures, and workings have been updated with modern amenities and decor that celebrates the era while being fresh and inviting. This meticulously preserved inn, was originally built in 1916 by Robert J. Graham – a former mayor of the city.

The Graham summer home, an architectural jewel, was designed by Toronto architect Eustace Bird (1870-1950) in late 1915, the house is reminiscent of grand southern estates, majestically overlooking the Bay of Quinte. Innkeepers Suzette and Roger McIlmoyle have been here since 2015.

“When I first found the Montrose Inn on the internet, while doing a search for inns for sale in Ontario, the house reminded me of Tara from Gone with the Wind, and I thought of the elegant staircase that Scarlet walked down in her famous curtain dress, and fell in love with the idea of having this as our family home,” Suzette says. “It took a little bit of convincing to get my husband, Roger, to agree to go visit it, but once he did and we made arrangements to see it, we fell in love.” 

Maintaining historical integrity while providing modern amenities and comforts for guests, they are doing what has worked well over the past 100 years.

“First and foremost, we considered the fact that even after more than 100 years, the house is still in really good condition. Why rip out and change what has been working well for over a century? Secondly, from the moment we moved in, we thought of the house as our home rather than a business. So, I went about my way decorating it in the colours and styles that reflect our lifestyle, personalities and family needs. I think of the comforts of our guests primarily because it is our home rather than a commercial property with cookie-cutter décor,” Suzette says.            

The innkeepers say their favourite spot in the Inn is the view of the Bay of Quinte.

“We enjoy sitting on the verandah in the morning for coffee and as soon as it is warm enough, we eat our family meals outside as well. All of our guests, overnight or for tea, sit on the lower verandah for meals, but only our overnight guests have access to the semi-private second-storey verandah. Each room has its own area with lovely and comfortable furniture to sit and enjoy the view of the bay and our property,” they explain.

The home and its furnishings are a collection of antique and vintage items, and the couple live their lives similarly to the owners of the past.  

“I guess the biggest factor is that we do not have any televisions in any of our guest rooms, and that is mostly because we do not believe in having a television in our bedroom either,” Suzette notes. “I think that people find it refreshing to have the burden of electronics removed, and also, because we are in the country, there is no light pollution, so you are able to look at the beautiful starry sky at night and fall asleep in the peaceful dark. Plus, there’s always the joy of a light show on the lawns by fireflies in July; you don’t see that very often in the big city!”

The innkeepers say they often receive positive feedback on how comfortable and welcoming the Montrose Inn feels and how great the breakfasts are. They receive many positive reviews every year. 

Let's spill the tea

Suzette says this season, they will offer Cream Tea (scones with cream and preserves) on Fridays and Sundays, by reservation, and a full, four-course Afternoon Tea on the last Sunday of each month.  

“For Christmas, we will be offering the Afternoon Tea on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 17 to Dec.15. Our overnight guests are more than welcome to make a reservation for one of our teas on a Friday, prior to check-in and enjoy the atmosphere of the Inn. Additionally, you can reserve one of our teas without having to be an overnight guest.”

Also, they have an antique/vintage store on the property and have a host of items, including some new, and some from local artists, available. The store is open on the weekends or by appointment. The antique store was a big project that started last year, and they are at the point of putting the final touches on it, but other than that they are improving their gardens and the property overall.  

Speaking of artifacts, there are a few of the Inn’s original owner’s family; one is a painting of the house from the 1940s, that was painted as a gift to Mr. Graham. The other is a full-sized Turkish rug that was gifted to them by a family member, along with a photo of her mother standing on the rug in the parlour on her wedding day.  

“It was a lovely gesture and is a great addition to our home,” Suzette says.

Additionally, one of the family members has written a book about the family, their ancestors, and this property in its peak of operation.

Just for fun, “Roger has put in a little driving range for his own use, but of course he would be absolutely ecstatic if an overnight guest wanted to pop a few balls into the net while staying with us,” Suzette says.

Local Attractions

While visiting the Montrose Inn, there is a plethora of local wineries and breweries in Quinte West and Prince Edward County to try.
The Lake on the Mountain is always a great spot with the choice of the Inn - Lake of the Mountain, or the Miller House for dining.  

Carson’s Garden & Market is the most wonderful experience for those who love to garden.  A dip in the lake at Sandbanks or North Beach is perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day.  

Interesting History

The Graham family, originally from near Kelso, Scotland, immigrated to Canada shortly after the War of 1812. Robert James Graham’s grandfather, James Graham (1784-1867), married Nancy Ostrum, a United Empire Loyalist, and their marriage led to the birth of Robert James Ketcham Graham in 1831.

Robert James Ketcham Graham (1831-1889) married Eliza Ann Roblin, and their son, Robert James Graham, continued the family legacy by marrying Grace Almira Roblin. Robert James Graham served as mayor of Belleville from 1901 to 1903 and was a prominent figure in the community. He was a pioneer member of the Bay of Quinte Country Club, an active member of the Rotary Club and the Moira Masonic Lodge No. 11, and a devoted congregant of John Street United Church. His commitment to education is commemorated at Albert College, where one of the buildings stands as a memorial to him. Additionally, he gifted Belleville the site of the present Memorial Park and played a key role in the construction of the war memorial there.

The 6.5-acre estate, which once housed the Montrose Dairy, is a testament to the Graham family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Although the barn foundations remain, the original barn burned down around 1971. The estate’s farmhouse and driving shed, dating back to the 1870s or earlier, have been converted into a duplex, now home to the extended family of Roger and Suzette. During the construction of Montrose, Robert J. Graham resided in this farmhouse, which had been converted to a duplex prior to 1916.

Robert J. Graham’s younger brother, William Richard Graham (1875-1958), benefited from Robert’s support, completing his education and becoming a professor at Guelph University. William’s dedication to the poultry department led to the dedication of Graham Hall in his honour. His formula for chick starter rations also contributed to the development of pablum by scientists at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Robert J. Graham’s fortune grew significantly due to his importation of food dehydration equipment from Germany in 1914. Initially intended to produce dry rations for the RCMP and trappers, the demand for dry rations during the First World War prompted a shift in his business plans. In 1917, a manufacturing plant was built in Belleville specifically for dehydrated vegetables and apples, featuring sharp freezing rooms and egg storage facilities.

Today, The Montrose Inn features seven bedrooms, four of which have been converted into B&B guest rooms. The front rooms were originally the bedrooms of Robert and Grace Graham, with their shared bathroom now part of the Bernice Suite, and their children’s bedrooms. The staff quarters, located at the rear of the house, reflect the estate’s grand history. The house still retains its original intercom system, handsets, custom-built ice boxes, butler’s bells, custom cabinetry, and a non-functional dumb-waiter. The servants’ quarters include the non-functioning but restored electrical panel and a staircase leading to the attic and widow’s walk. The attic showcases relics of the original gravity-fed water system, including a cistern for the water closets. The house is heated by antique water radiators and boasts five original fireplaces, four of which have been converted to gas and the last for decorative purposes only.

The Montrose Inn stands as a living museum, preserving the elegance and grandeur of the early 20th century while offering modern comforts to its guests. The combination of historical charm, luxurious accommodations, and warm hospitality creates an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory long after you leave the Montrose Inn.