Entire home

Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock

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Interior
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Chaffey’s Lock Elgin, ON
  • Indian Lake
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Rideau Canal
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Jones Falls Defensible Lockmaster's House
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Alexandria Bay, NY (AXB-Maxson Airfield)
    ‪70 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1

1 King Bed

2

1 Queen Bed

3

1 Queen Bed

4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Main floor

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock

Newly renovated House originally built in the 1800’s by the town Miller. Frenbrae has all of the charm with the must have upgrades. It features two completely renovated bathrooms and a beautifully renovated kitchen. The Dinning Room over looks the Locks and the table can seat 10 comfortably and has a Wine Fridge. The Dinning Room still has the original windows from the wrap around porch. Fernbrae was once owned by the Opinicon Inn at that time it was used as a B&B. The three bedrooms upstairs are spacious with a seating area, to curl up and read or just relax. The Main floor bedroom has a King Bed.
‘Fernbrae’ is a beautifully restored Centurion (Circa 1895) Nestled in a unique location in the tiny community of ‘Chaffey’s Lock’, part of the Unesco World Heritage - Rideau Canal. You constantly hear the beautiful sound of waterfalls as they are right in front of the property. The southern doors of the lock lead you directly to Opinicon lake and through to Sand lake and on as far as Kingston. The north doors take you on a short journey up the Canal and to Clear lake and beyond as far as Ottawa!
The Catarqui Trail; a multi use trail, runs through Chaffey’s Lock. One could literally walk, cycle, ski, snowmobile for hours as the trail goes for more than 100 miles!
It’s easy to lose yourself in the in the peaceful serenity of the Rideau Canal but shopping and dining etc are near by. You can walk to the Opinicon Inn, featuring two restaurants and an Ice Cream shop.
The Rideau Lakes Town of Westport, and village of Newboro are just a short drive away and offer several restaurants and ,unique to the area, stores to pass an afternoon or two. Westport even has a beautifully scenic winery that, as well as world class wine offers delicious wood fired Pizza right in the winery!
Cyclist, Motorcycle enthusiasts, sports car owners will love the winding twisty paved road that is the Opinicon road.
Boat rentals, canal tours, fantastic fishing are just some of the features of this area. But if just sitting back and enjoying the serenity of rushing water and peaceful surroundings is your thing then you could not pick a better place than Fernbrae ~Welcome~

Property manager

Kimberly Watling
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Rideau Lakes

Located in Rideau Lakes, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Bayview Yacht Harbour and Len's Cove Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rideau Canal and Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Kilborn's on the Rideau and Westport Community Arena are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Chaffey’s Lock Elgin, ON

What's nearby

  • Indian Lake - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Kilborn's on the Rideau - 16 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Rideau Canal - 17 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Jones Falls Defensible Lockmaster's House - 23 min drive - 23.6 km
  • Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery - 26 min drive - 26.6 km

Getting around

  • Gananoque Station - 37 min drive
  • Kingston, ON (YGK-Norman Rogers) - 70 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stage Coach Inn - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Savoury and Sweet - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Stage Coach Inn - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Kelly R J - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Nana B's Bakery - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fernbrae Retreat at Chaffey’s Lock located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Rideau Canal and Indian Lake. Kilborn's on the Rideau and Big Rideau Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

betty b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gathering of Old Friends

This is our second summer stay at Fernbrae, but we have been sharing annual holidays for over four decades. Fernbrae is not only central for our travels, but it offers the perfect mix of private accommodations and resort amenities along the historic Rideau Canal. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little piece of heaven

We had a nice little getaway with my elderly parents and sister’s family. The downstairs bedroom was perfect for our needs. We thoroughly enjoyed the cottage as it was nestled in it’s own little piece of heaven. Thanks for the lovely setting for making some family memories.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint little house

We spent 3 nights at Fernbrae, traveling the Rideau during the day. The home is old but lovely, and decorated with care. We were pleased with both the location and the accommodation.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A retreat, indeed!

My husband and I stayed at the Fernbrae Retreat for a last minute fishing trip! He was hesitant because it didn’t have a dock but we managed to rent a slip at Browns Marina and we had the best of both worlds! Kim and Bill were perfect hosts! Communication was prompt and clear. The cottage was a dream! Everything we could ever want or need was there. The location was perfect! We loved to sit by the fire at night listening to the sound of the rushing water nearby! And the neighbors were lovely and incredibly welcoming! We felt right at home! We will be back! Thank you Kim and Bill for a fantastic getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Rideau Lakes at its best!

We had a family reunion to celebrate my parents’ 70th anniversary. Fernbrae was perfect! The location: Nice walking (e.g., the Cataraqui Trail, very close by) for my sisters and I, while my parents enjoyed strolling down to watch activity at the locks. We had their anniversary dinner at the Opinicon Hotel across the locks - thumbs up there, it’s been fixed up beautifully. The house: nicely furnished, the kitchen very well equipped, beautiful patio area. Fit our needs to a tee! Kim was a pleasure to deal with, and she and Bill nicely stopped by to introduce themselves and congratulate my parents. This one is 5 stars all round!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

betty b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fernbrae Escape

Hello Kim and Bill, We had a wonderful stay at Fernbrae! Just unpacking now and realized that we brought home the guest book. Will send that back in the mail ASAP!. Huge thanks, Betty and all.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jammie S., Blandon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful escape

Beautiful property, stocked with all essentials. Friendly hosts. Would've loved all bedrooms to be air conditioned. Was a very warm week. Hand rails on back steps would've been great too. Still a wonderful home!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Gem

A unique little historic oasis.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda W., Williston, Vt. USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

delightful cottage

loved the decor, and all the finishing touches. had everything we needed for a relaxing stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Had a great time with friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, Management, and furnishings outstanding

Kim and Bill Watling made us feel welcome and helped to make our stay comfortable all around.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jose W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

This was by far our favourite property. It was clean, very well decorated and fully equipped with all that we needed. Kim was an exceptional host. The location was amazing with the sound of the rapids and quiet walks. Definitely would come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Birthday

Thank you Kimberly and Bill for sharing your lovely cottage with us, all 4 of us over 60’s found it warm and inviting. Felt very much like home! Lots to see and do, but just sitting on the porch and watching the world go buy was the best!! We WILL be back!🤗🤗
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great way to redo the Opinicon!

Wonderfully restored historic house on Chaffey's Lock. Just off the water spill over and heard the rushing water in the back ground when sitting outside. Host thought of just about everything a guest would want or need. Cozy cottage with great well supplied kitchen and really nice dining area for our home cooked dinners. Would heartily recommend -- especially to those many Opinicon veterans who have been fenced out.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tobi P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

50th birthday get together

Wonderful place, relaxing
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway!

Everything was lovely .Can’t wait to return 😊
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Nice

Lovely location. Lots to see and do, or beautiful to just stay put and relax. Sun and shade. Quirky little cottage from 1895, but renovated, clean, comfortable accommodation. Lots of comfortable seating inside and out. Lots of parking. Only one single (bath) towel per person for four nights not so great. Bed linens very nice. Let us bring our firepit which was much appreciated as they do not offer one. Bonfires a must at the cottage. Weather was kind of weird so the pilot light for the fireplace, was not on yet, it was quite cool 10-14 degrees but they came and started it for us. Window air conditioner was good when needed as it also hit 28 degrees! Induction stove a learning curve, not much direction. Lovely resort style restaurant just a short pleasant walk away. Very enjoyable all around. Lovely hosts to work with from booking, to payment, to questions, to arrival and departure. Thank you for a great weekend.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dennis v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Gezellig huis midden in de natuur

Rijkelijk ingericht huis met alle voorzieningen. Prettige indeling, mooie slaapkamers, recent gerestaureerd, comfortabel en very nice hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Kimberly Watling

Host profile image
Recently retired and working harder then ever. We share our lives with three adult children, two dogs and a Grandchild.

Why they chose this property

Fernbrae is a beautiful old cottage with lots to offer. Newly renovated with the charm of yesteryear. She’s easy to fall for, we did. I hope you do too.

What makes this property unique

Fernbrae Cottage overlooks “Chaffey’s Lock” which is situated on the Rideau Canal system. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Site of Canada.
It connects Ottawa to the St. Lawrence River near Kingston ON. The Rideau is 202 kilometres long. It is one of the oldest continuously operated canals in North America. Out of the 47 Locks on the canal, 24 are still hand operated. Lock 37 “Chaffey’s Lock” is one of theses.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests