The Gorgeous Glenerin By Rebecca Dumais
O
nce inside the front lobby of the historic Glenerin Inn and Spa, it feels like a locale in Williamsburg, Virginia, or perhaps Quebec City. Yet, the property is close by in Mississauga’s picturesque Sawmill Valley Creek.
Thirty wellappointed guest rooms and suites provide as many modern comforts as one would wish for on a getaway.” 84 | November • December 2023
Set on two acres of estate grounds, the Tudor-style stone mansion and adjacent carriage house was built in 1927 as a private 30-room summer residence for the Evans family. Classified as a heritage home, the interior features grand stone fireplaces, exposed ceiling beams, 1940s stained glass and oversized paned windows. The property has had several lives before becoming a luxury destination for weddings and getaways. In the 1940s it served as a school and had an apiary run by John Sproule. Under the ownership of Robert Simpson Company, it became a rest home for employees recovering from serious illnesses.
It’s that glamorous 20s-era essence which captured the imaginations of interior designer Jackie Glass and General Manager Brian Pope. “I immediately felt the vibes of The Great Gatsby,” says Glass. Glass researched the era to determine how much of Art Deco style would work in the space. At deco finishes include glossy finishes on the floor and furniture, feminine colours (pink) marble, mirror, gold, palm trees in big pots etc. “It was that fact that allowed me to develop the design concept of a very gentle homage to Art Deco because it had more of an English style feel with all of the natural stone and beam work detailing.” As a heritage building, all changes had to pass through the historical society. The windows were replaced entirely. Original elements such as the support structural beams in the lobby and in the Credit Valley room are original. Having had a personal residence in a heritage area in Oakville, glass was already familiar with the guidelines. “(We) knew that if we were bestsidemagazine.com
