Unveiling The Secret Garden Inn — a notable historic haven in Kingston
Located in the heart of Kingston’s historic Sydenham Ward, The Secret Garden Inn boasts a rich history dating back to 1888.
Originally built by leather merchant and furrier John McKay, the home, then known as Argyle Place, exudes the charm and elegance of the Queen Anne Victorian style. With its whimsical turret gazing upon the elegant spire of Sydenham Street United Church, where the McKay family were regular attendees, the house has long been a local landmark.
Argyle Place was a beloved family home for the McKays, where Sundays were spent lounging on the porch, and memorable events such as their daughter Helen’s wedding were celebrated with grandeur. Though Kingston’s growth led to the sale of much of the original acreage, remnants like the original stone wall still whisper tales of the past.
For four generations, the McKay family called this place home until the 1940s. Subsequently, it became the residence of other notable Kingston families—the McCulloughs, the Hessians, and the Taylors—before being transformed into a bed and breakfast in 1996.
Jason O’Brien acquired the property in 2020—at the onset of the pandemic—and has skillfully renovated it to blend modern amenities with its historic charm. Instead of opening to visitors that year, the B&B underwent extensive renovations, including the demolition and redesign of eight bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, and an abundance of interior and exterior projects and design scope.
Jason grew up in the area, on a small farm, and had the opportunity to go to high school in Sydenham Ward. His former school is now Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, and it has always been a much-loved neighbourhood.
He graduated from Queen’s, moved overseas for 20-plus years, and travelled throughout 70 countries.
“I have spent most of my career in the sporting industry, working with athletes, so I have an appreciation for diverse cultures, hospitality, and dining. Each time I returned to Kingston for family visits and holidays, I was always inspired and knew that one day I would be back – there is so much potential here,” Jason says. “In late 2019, when I started to look for a property that would enable me to travel between Kingston and my work in New York City, I stumbled upon The Secret Garden Inn, which was on the market. It was an extremely quick process, and within 48 hours, the deal was done and thus began the journey and commitment.”
Visitors to The Secret Garden Inn are treated to a journey through time. The inn’s splendid architecture, featuring stained glass windows, antique fireplaces, and elegant archways, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. It’s a rare find in today’s world, and as such craftsmanship is increasingly scarce.
Beyond the quaint exterior lies a culinary adventure. Whether guests seek refuge in its cozy confines, crave an unforgettable dining escapade, or simply wish to sample Kingston's culinary delights, The Secret Garden Inn extends an invitation to indulge in a symphony of flavours.
“The objective has always been to create an experience for guests. Whether travelling for business or leisure, the commitment is to provide a slightly curated feel through history blended with luxury,” Jason says. “Most of the canopy beds we were able to refinish, and other pieces reupholstered locally. All rooms have Casper mattresses, secure high-speed internet, televisions, lighting, linens, and grand bathrooms, which were a priority for each room.”
Between November 2019 and March 2020, Jason said he had time to do a lot of research and was fortunate to meet family and friends who grew up or spent time in the home. These interactions and sharing of old photos were helpful in the plan to bring the home back to its original stateliness while incorporating contemporary personality and amenities.
“My mother has a great passion and vision for this period design, and she spent countless kilometres stretching east, west, and north to various antique dealers and scouting for furniture and hardware from the era,” he says.
Within the inn’s walls, a dedicated culinary team meticulously crafts each dish with passion and precision. From the tantalizing menu paired with exquisite wine selections to the refined elegance of afternoon tea in the library, a plethora of dining options awaits discerning palates.
The “guest experience” is at the team’s forefront.
“Being a boutique inn, we are afforded the time to invest more care and attention to everyone who walks through our doors, every plate that is served, and every beverage presented,” Jason explains. “By leveraging technology, we try to kick this experience off from the time a guest makes a reservation, and provide thoughtful and relevant communication between the time of booking and arrival to answer as many questions and reduce friction — many of our guests are staying at a boutique inn for the first time. We understand this is very different from staying at a big box hotel.”
Jason says they take pride in their food and beverage program, which allows guests to enjoy imported wines from France and Italy that they cannot purchase at the LCBO or SAQ.
“Our seasonal craft cocktails are enhanced with the fresh herbs that are grown year-round in our garden and greenhouse. Kingston boasts a great selection of restaurants and it is important that we provide something unique,” he says. “Afternoon tea, in its traditional form with a few of our twists, as well as a five-course fondue menu, provide our guests with a deliciously different dining option.”
At The Secret Garden Inn, culinary excellence transcends mere promise — it is an immersive experience to be relished, shared, and cherished. Guests can join in on this delectable voyage and discover why the inn is not just a bed and breakfast, but a culinary sanctuary like no other.
The porch remains a tranquil oasis, offering a romantic swing, comfy rockers, the soothing sounds of wind chimes, and a burbling waterfall leading to a pond.
Some of Jason’s favourite architectural details include several original stained glass windows and a newel post from 1888.
“The finial at the top of the building was carefully restored and jokingly became our Stanley Cup of 2020 as there was no hockey being played,” Jason says. “One-hundred and thirty years of Kingston winters and summers necessitated some lipstick, and the finial was carefully restored and finished in 22.5-carat gold leaf.”
Today, The Secret Garden Inn attracts guests from around the globe, drawn by its charming ambiance and elegant style. It stands as a testament to history, luxury, and timeless elegance, making every visit a restful and delightful retreat.
What sets The Secret Garden Inn apart from the rest?
“We have a stunning canvas as a starting point. Our location is validated by a perfect 100 walk-score. The access to historic homes, parks, Queen’s University, hospitals, and the Royal Military College provides a unique setting,” Jason explains.
“I am proud of our talented guest services team who are trained and thrive on doing a little bit of everything. We host many foreign guests and the multiple languages spoken by our talented team are welcoming to our guests from abroad. We are proud of our local heritage.”
As part of the personalization, each room has been named to celebrate parts of Kingston’s folklore and history. Be it McKay, named after the original owner of the home (the original master bedroom), to a room named in honour of Alfred Bader, military history in Martello, to Molly Brant, each room shares a little bit of the history of Kingston, and guests can better familiarize themselves with our special historical significance.
Guests appreciate the fresh, local feel, “whether it is our breakfast menu items, fresh ground coffee/French press at breakfast to our wonderful loose leaf tea selection from Cha-Cha Teas, our soaps and lotions are a custom scent from Thousand Island Soap Company, our oils, and vinegars that accent some of our craft cocktails, our cake stands that we present our afternoon tea menu are a collaboration between local blacksmith, Stefan Duerst, and Mark Lemieux at Black Dog Pottery.”
Merging Victorian-era furnishings and decor with modern luxury and comfort helps define the boutique inn as fresh, local, and unique.
And what is it about the spectacular curb appeal, which is a huge focus year-round?
“My mother is the landscape designer, and now a local celebrity from snow melt through October frost. The neighbourhood knows ‘Gabby’ and they get her counsel on gardening tips and her worldview. From our first spring and summer, she set out to transform all the gardens and created an outdoor dining/living/respite environment. Her vision and understanding of the cyclical perennials and pops of annuals make it arguably one of the finest gardens in the city,” Jason explains.
This award-winning garden, designed and installed in 2004, earned the Canada Blooms Mayor’s Award in 2010, further enhancing the inn’s enchanting allure.
“I would say that our gardens and inn might be one of the most frequently photographed properties in the region. Students, tourists, and most frequently people from the neighbourhood aim with cameras.” Jason says they are active in the community through philanthropy and have donated thousands of dollars in sponsorship to support sports, arts, health and welfare, and other important causes locally and regionally. “We strive to make our property inclusive and allow our community residents to see inside. We have participated in Open Doors, Kingston, and other community events. Foundation to any community is law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare, he adds.
“One of our first community-based offerings upon taking ownership in the first days of the pandemic was to reach out to Kingston Police as well as our local hospitals. Our offer — free accommodations, hot shower, and breakfast to those who were concerned about returning home post-shift to potentially health-compromised loved ones.”
Jason says they have provided campaigns for teachers and nurses all to say thank you and build community spirit. Staycations were popular during the pandemic and are still prevalent in their reservations, particularly in the slower winter months. “One of my fondest memories was two youngsters approximately seven and nine years old dragging their mom and dad’s suitcase just a few hundred meters from where they lived so that Mom and Dad could spend a night away on a very proximate staycation destination. Grandma and Grandpa were thrilled to be taking care of their little ones.”
Jason says he hopes their guests leave feeling rejuvenated and nourished emotionally and physically from a gastronomic perspective.
“Kingston, for many, is still a first-time visit,” he says. “Working with others in the restaurant and boutique hotels, it is our common goal to continue to improve our offerings, and experiences and attract guests who are looking to stay an extra night or two or three to see even more of all Kingston has to offer.”
Jason recommends - see and do...
If a visit to The Secret Garden Inn is on your agenda and you’re in the city for a few days, there is lots to see and do. Jason recommends the following walkable attractions to guests:
· Agnes Etherington Art Center
“This summer, we anticipate the opening of Bellevue House will help educate and share the influence of Sir John A. Macdonald, and the S.S. Keewatin will be a popular destination. The haunted walks are popular. We play host to many cyclists who use our property as a recovery stop for cycling tours, and a lot of hikers and paddlers at Frontenac Park,” he says.
“Our waterfront location, scenery, and recreation are very popular. Our guests can experience a unique sunset sail and enjoy delicious charcuterie, and beverages through the inn.”
The Secret Garden Inn is located at 73 Sydenham St., Kingston, ON K7L 3H3. Email info@thesecretgardeninn.com for information, or call 613.548.1081.
