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During my two recent visits to the Bruce Peninsula, I wanted to stay at a place secluded from the crowds and prices of Tobermory and surround myself with nature. After scouring Instagram and clicking around on the hashtag #explorethebruce, I came across a photo of a quaint and cozy cabin that I instantly fell in love with. I loved it so much, that I ended up booking it for both of my trips to The Bruce.
Welcome to the The Recess Inn.
Read more: What To See & Do While Visiting Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
Located in the small town of Mar, Ontario, The Recess Inn is a charming bunk house built post WWII in 1947. This 4 season cabin is tucked into the woods and nestled along the shores of Berford Lake, down a tree lined lane way that feels like you’re wrapped up in the arms of nature. The moment you turn onto the lane way from the country dirt road, any stress you’ve had before your arrival will just melt away.
The Recess Inn cabin is owned by Audrey & Pete, who are the most gracious, loving and incredibly hospitable couple I’ve ever met. The moment I first arrived to the cabin, I was greeted by Audrey, who had the most inviting smile and gave me a hug. Pete and Audrey truly make you feel like family when you are staying at the Recess Inn. They live on the property as well, but you’ll still have ample privacy during your visit. They allow you to use their beautiful dock to chill and relax on with a morning cup of coffee, or an evening beer, which is the ideal place to unwind after a day hiking and exploring The Bruce.
The amount of detail and love that went into rebuilding and renovating this 1947 post WWII cabin into what it is today, is just outstanding. Audrey and Pete have thought of everything while building this little lakeside hidden gem in South Bruce Peninsula. The outdoor sauna is the ultimate staycation spa day. Complete with cedar interior, hot rocks and a bucket of water, grab your favourite essential oils to throw on the hot rocks, sit back, close your eyes and focus on your breathing to get you in a completely relaxed mood. If you’re brave enough, take a chilly dip in the lake to regenerate your body afterwards, or better yet, in the winter time, jump into the snow and make your best snow angel.
Repeat as needed, as they say.
As soon as you walk into the interior of the Recess Inn, you are in complete awe of the coziness, stunning interior, modern amenities and the high ceiling. The wooden feature wall, made with reclaimed wood, brings the warm colours from the outdoors to the indoors. There are two beautiful bedrooms (one on the main floor and one as a loft), fully stocked kitchen, an espresso maker and french press, so you can literally rise and grind. The cabin also has a gas fireplace, which I absolutely loved using after spending a cool day on the water and hiking and a TV and DVD player, so you can throw on your favourite movie, kick your feet up and cozy up on the couch wrapped in a blanket.
There is no WiFi at Recess Inn, but that makes the getaway from the everyday all the sweeter. There are many board games for those stormy summer nights, or blustery winter days. A few days secluded at Recess Inn, surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, transports you into relaxation mode to help re-energize your mind body and soul.
For all you early birds out there, mornings at Recess Inn are something very special. There is an outdoor fire pit surrounded by trees and the sound of waves lapping against the shores of Berford Lake. Make yourself a steaming cup of coffee, bundle up and enjoy the incredible views of a magnificent sunrise over the water as the sounds of loons fill the air as they glide across the calm water.
It’s the tiny details that make the Recess Inn go from a cabin in the woods, to a home away from home. I didn’t want to leave. I’m so glad I got the chance to stay at the Recess Inn and to enjoy my little staycation in this gorgeous region of Ontario, which is truly Yours to Discover, as our Provincial motto states.
Want To Book A Stay? Check out the Recess Inn on Instagram and send Audrey & Pete a DM to get a full list of rates and available dates.
My stay was not paid for. All opinions and photos are my own and were not created in any agreement of a positive review.
