The Drake Devonshire Inn opened in the spring of 2014 in the Prince Edward County town of Wellington, Ontario. The site was originally developed as the Wellington Foundry between the 1850s and 1920s, and has now found new use as a small boutique inn with 13 rooms and an intimate dining area.
The effective reuse of a heritage building, especially in a rural setting, involves more than just the structure itself. Beyond the goal to refurbish and enlarge the century-old Devonshire Inn complex was a desire to integrate it into the landscape and local community. The new additions have been designed to complement the existing foundry’s scale, roof slopes and dormers. The existing foundry has been preserved in the new construction, providing both hotel suites and lounge space. Much of the interior has been salvaged, including intricate doorway trims, fireplace mantels, balustrades and stained glass transoms.
Integrating an urban boutique hotel into the local community is a key factor of the Drake’s appeal. Art installations based on local craft-based traditions and opportunities to showcase local artists and musicians is part of that process. In addition to permanent and rotating exhibits, the Drake frequently hosts artist talks, performances and other cultural events. The kitchen predominantly features farm- and lake-to-table cuisine and a selection of Prince Edward County wines.