When the leaves begin to turn to brilliant hues of red
and gold, and the mood strikes to take a drive in the
country, the Headwater Hills area just north of Toronto
makes a perfect destination. But, be sure to pack an
overnight bag, so you won’t miss the real hidden gem
of those rolling hills: Millcroft Inn & Spa.
Nestled next to Shaw’s Creek, in the tiny village of Alton,
the historic Millcroft Inn beckons with its combination
of vintage charm and modern amenities. The inn was
purchased recently by Vintage Hotels – the group that
owns and operates the highly acclaimed Pillar & Post,
Prince of Wales and Queen’s Landing properties – and
has since undergone a gentle facelift to bring it to their
exacting standards.
As you round the bend to the front entrance of the inn,
you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as the main
building’s façade appears on its narrow lane, flags flapping
in the breeze.
The Main Mill, as it’s known, was once The
Alton Knitting Mill. The site was initially cleared
by settlers, beginning with Thomas Russell in
about 1834. In the 1840s, several mills operated
on the site, harnessing the power of the creek to
produce textiles. In 1881, Benjamin Ward built
the substantial four-storey stone mill, which has
become the Millcroft Inn.
Massive Georgia pine beams and stone from
local quarries went into the mill’s construction,
and can still be seen today. Integral to the development
of the village of Alton, the mill was operated
until 1965, when production ceased and the
contents were sold.
Today, the mill and surrounding buildings can
be enjoyed for their original charm, in an idyllic
rural setting with the luxury of fine dining and a
world class spa just steps away.
Upon check in at the Main Mill, vehicle and
bags are whisked away to my room in The Manor
so I can enjoy a stroll around the grounds. The
Mill turns out to have a lovely terrace adjacent to
the creek, with incredible views of the water that
once powered industry here.
The Inn enjoys 100 acres of riverside woodland
and meadow, providing excellent hiking, and
cross-country skiing come wintertime. The
grounds also boast manicured lawns and classic
country gardens that are often host to weddings
and outdoor events.
Championship-calibre golf and exceptional
shopping are also moments away, if you would like
to explore the surrounding area. Another retired
mill within walking distance of the inn is home to
art galleries and studios, and you’ll find a thriving
arts scene in the surrounding communities with
numerous galleries to explore.
Back at the Inn, it’s time to head over to the spa.
The spa at Millcroft Inn is a proud member of
Ontario’s Finest Spas, and features state-of-the-art
facilities and a broad range of services, available to
both overnight and day guests (the spa is a popular
spot to spend an afternoon of pampering).
The 9,000 sq. ft. spa incorporates 17 treatment
areas, including 11 private treatment rooms and
three hydrotherapy rooms. A fitness room, outdoor
terrace and healing garden, indoor and outdoor
pools, indoor whirlpool, infrared sauna, and
a fully licensed café are also part of the facility.
I relax in the Woodlands Lounge while waiting
for my appointment. Fireside seating and fruitinfused
water make this a lovely spot to settle in
and enjoy the view, pre- or post-treatment.
The spa menu covers everything from the standard
fare of manis and pedis and facials to more
exotic selections including authentic Japanese
Ofuro treatments and Swiss Shower Kurs. The
Organic Chocolate Body Wrap seemed simply too
delicious too miss, and it did not disappoint.
The heavenly, yet delicately, scented chocolate
treatment is a true indulgence leaving me completely
relaxed and my skin as soft as silk. Used
for centuries in Europe, the body wrap is one of
the oldest natural healing methods in the world.
It is one of the most effective and relaxing ways to
promote the removal of toxins from the body. The
treatment starts with a full body exfoliation, then
you are covered in an organic chocolate body paste
application and cocooned in a snug, warm body
wrap. It finishes with a relaxing head and facial
massage and a full body application of moisturizing
cream.
As day fades to evening, the Millcroft Inn also
meets the tastes of the most discerning foodies with
“four diamond” cuisine at the Inn dining room.
Chef Roberto Fracchioni is passionate about food.
Before heading into the Main Mill dining
room, I meet Chef in the herb garden for a lesson
about local food and growing your own herbs.
The herb garden sits just outside the kitchen windows
and is plucked each day to add fresh flavour
to diner’s plates.
Proud of fresh, local and homemade fare being
served to his guests, we also dig our hands into
pasta dough he’s made that afternoon for a lesson
in making handmade pasta. Truly an art form
unto itself, I know the awkward shapes turned
out in the classroom won’t make it to the table
that night.
The Inn offers weekends catering to gourmands,
where you can sample local fare as well as learn the
tricks of the trade from Chef Fracchioni himself.
After a sumptuous meal – expertly matched
by the Inn’s sommelier – it’s time to take the day’s
final stroll across the gardens to my room in the
The Manor.
The Manor – once the spacious home of the
original mill owners – has 10 gracious, heritage inspired
guest rooms. Each is decorated in its own
style, and has its own unique charm. My room
this night is on the main floor of the old house
and is brimming with character. Antique furnishings
are complemented with modern comforts. A
fireplace is the focal point on one side of the room,
and a soft, lofty bed the other. The sweet surprise
of the room is discovered just off the bathroom.
An original entry door remains, and leads out to
a charming veranda complete with wicker chairs
and a lilac bush.
While much of the historic inn site remains
the same as it did so many years ago, it has been
respectfully transformed into a country retreat
with the charm and grace one would expect from
a fine, old country estate.
Vintage Style Comes to Millcroft Inn
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