The Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County reimagines a 19th-century foundry and tired bed-and-breakfast into a vibrant 11-room inn that blends heritage with contemporary design. Through layered additions, eclectic interiors, curated art, and a strong sense of place, the Devonshire creates a rural retreat that feels both authentic to the community and refreshingly modern, offering guests a cultural and design-forward experience on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Project Info
Project Name: Drake Devonshire Inn
Location: Prince Edward, Canada
Architects: ERA Architects
Landscape Architects: Joel Loblaw
Designers: Plus tongtong
Contractors: BLT Construction
Other: Coolaide Design Field Office
Client: Drake Hotel Properties
In the small historic town of Wellington, Prince Edward County, an unassuming 19th-century foundry and bed-and-breakfast has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination. Spearheaded by Drake Hotel founder Jeff Stober and designed by Toronto-based studio +tongtong under the direction of John Tong, the Drake Devonshire Inn is a reimagined 11-room and two-suite property perched along a creek with sweeping views of Lake Ontario.
Much like its urban counterpart, the Drake Hotel in Toronto, the Devonshire balances local vernacular with a bold, contemporary sensibility. Its design narrative draws from a patchwork of influences: the British country inn, the casual retreats of the Hamptons, Ontario farmhouses and cottages, even the playful spirit of summer camps. The result is an architectural and interior composition that feels both rooted and refreshingly eclectic.
A reimagined 19th-century foundry perched on Lake Ontario’s shoreline
Source: Nikolas Koenig
Reviving the Foundry
Working with ERA Architects, specialists in heritage conservation, Tong carefully dismantled later additions to the original c. 1880 foundry, then reinterpreted them as part of a layered new identity. The inn now features a barn-like pavilion, a Douglas Fir dining hall, and a striking glass-walled events space. Outdoor amenities include a bar anchored by a masonry chimney, a double-sided fireplace, and tiered cedar bleachers cascading to the lakefront. The interplay of open and private seating areas frames views of the water, turning the building into a continuous journey of discovery.
A warm, communal space where rustic structure meets contemporary hospitality
Source: Nikolas Koenig
Sweeping natural vistas anchor the inn’s sense of place
Source: Nikolas Koenig
Interiors with Personality
Inside, the Drake Devonshire embodies the brand’s idiosyncratic personality. Bright patterned tiles sit comfortably alongside vintage fabrics, locally sourced antiques, and custom-made furnishings. With input from Carlo Colacci, the Drake’s in-house stylist, each space is curated with “made not bought” authenticity - refurbished finds, hand-turned lamps, and virgin wool blankets contribute to a sense of crafted intimacy. Meanwhile, site-specific contemporary art curated by Mia Nielsen transforms both interiors and grounds into an evolving cultural experience.
Eclectic mix of vintage finds, bold textiles, and bespoke furnishings curated by the Drake design team
Source: Nikolas Koenig
Each guestroom doubles as a canvas, blending design, craft, and curated art
Source: Nikolas Koenig
One of many site-specific works curated to surprise and engage guests
Source: Nikolas Koenig
Bright tiles, patterned fabrics, and playful contrasts give character to communal areas
Source: Nikolas Koenig
A Local and Global Dialogue
As John Tong explains, “Drawing on the local culture is key to creating an authentic experience for visitors from abroad while also bringing something new and relevant to the local community.” This dual mission reflects the Drake brand’s ethos: serving locals while also attracting global travelers. For Jeff Stober, the project was equally about place-making and hospitality: “We’ve worked really hard to incorporate classic Drake elements - cultural, artistic, design - and service-focused - and we think our customers will agree it’s been well worth the wait.”
A retreat that celebrates local culture while redefining rural hospitality
Source: Nikolas Koenig
A Sophisticated Rural Escape
The Drake Devonshire is more than a country inn; it is a cultural hub where heritage architecture, contemporary design, and playful artistry converge. By blending the historic fabric of Wellington with international flair, the project exemplifies how hospitality can simultaneously celebrate local identity and expand it, creating a place that feels both timeless and unmistakably of its moment.
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