Stratford, Ontario, is one of Canada’s top theatre destinations. The annual Stratford Festival, which runs from spring through fall, presents classical and contemporary plays on several stages throughout the season.
Two hours west of Toronto, this small town also has a surprisingly large number of top-notch restaurants. The local Stratford Chef School is a training ground for serious chefs, many of whom end up working in or launching their own restaurants around town.
Many of Stratford’s Victorian-style homes have been converted into bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and whether you’re in town for theatre, food, or just a weekend getaway, Birmingham Manor B&B is a good choice. And breakfast comes with dessert!
Here’s the scoop:
A B&B for Theatre Lovers
Owners Elena Pastura and Dom Tassielli clearly love theatre, and they’re tapped into the local arts and culture scene. They can tell you about plays they’ve seen, dining spots they recommend, and things to do around town.
They’ve furnished their 1904 brick Victorian home, which is within walking distance of the town center, with theatre memorabilia. Antique masks and a portrait of William Shakespeare decorate the warm, red walls of the guest parlor.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
Upstairs, they’ve outfitted their four guest rooms in a Victorian style that’s in keeping with the rest of the house. Rooms have canopy or sleigh beds, vintage mirrors, and other antique pieces.
Three of the rooms have small but modern en suite baths. The fourth has a private bath down the hall (bathrobes are provided); it’s the original bath with dark woodwork and a claw foot tub.
Elena and Dom welcome guests with little treats like chocolate-dipped raspberries, and if you’re an early riser, you can help yourself to morning coffee and tea in the dining room. The house has a big wraparound porch where you’re welcome to relax as well.
A Three-Course Breakfast
At Birmingham Manor, you should wake up hungry.
Elena and Dom start your day with a three-course sit-down breakfast. You might begin with fruit or yogurt, followed by a hot dish like baked eggs with spinach or Dutch apple pancakes.
You’ll finish with something sweet, perhaps a slice of chocolate quinoa cake.
And in our book, any day that starts with dessert (and ends with theatre) is a very good day.
Rates
Double room rates at Birmingham Manor are CAD$185-195 per night during the Stratford Festival season (May-October), including breakfast, wi-fi, and parking. Off-season rates (November-April) are $165/night.
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Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Birmingham Manor B&B and Stratford Tourism arranged my stay for review purposes.
