Debra and George Mackie have been avid B & B enthusiasts for over forty years, travelling all across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes as well as New York and Pennsylvania.
They have experienced the good, the great and the not-so-good of B & B's, all the while believing that one day they might own their own and be one of the greats.
This dream became a reality in the spring of 2017 when they had the privilege of being the new owners of Hughson Hall, Boutique Bed and Breakfast. Debra, a landscape and garden designer and George, a Human Resources and Labour Relations executive found Hughson Hall quietly listed for sale and upon first look knew that this would be their next life's adventure. They both grew up in Kitchener and raised their family of three boys in Roseville, ON. Their boys are all successful in their careers and families.
Our Home
Our Victorian Italianate home was originally built in 1875 as the farm house for a 75 acre farm. The staircase itself is a sight to behold. The red carpet is complimented by the red serge of the historical Canadian Mountie prints. The large upper landing separates the two wings comfortably. Located down the hall is the butler's pantry which is always stocked with complimentary beverages, snacks, microwave, fridge and tourism brochures.
A Brief History of Hughson Hall
The home was built by Joseph Sharman in 1875. Joseph was the son of Stratford's first blacksmith. It was designed by architect Alexander Hepburn who also designed Stratford's landmark Huron Street Bridge. The original construction cost of the home was $4,000.00. Over the years the house has had many owners including the grandson of the architect, who was also a former mayor of Stratford. The house was designated a Heritage Home in 1984.
The house was featured in the Warner Brothers’ movie “One Foot in Heaven”, which was nominated for best picture in 1941. The house also graced the cover of Country Home magazine in 1986. More recently, the home was part of the local Designer Showcase tour at which time it received its current facelift.
The home was converted into a B&B in April 2008. Debra and George Mackie purchased it in the spring of 2017 and look forward to continuing the standard of hospitality established by the original owners.
