This 19th century church in Kington, Ont. is now a luxury hotel
Thinking about taking a holiday? You can now spend a night in a 19th century church in downtown Kingston.
The Smith Hotel, a 10-bedroom luxury hotel, is inside is a church that was built in 1864.
“We wanted to create a space where people felt like they were at home but a sort of elevated space,” said designer Tara Magee, of the look of the hotel.
Each of the 10 rooms has 17-foot ceilings and a kitchen, complete with a fridge. A walk upstairs will take you to your sleeping sanctum, the bedroom in a loft. The limestone from the outside walls was brought inside to showcase the heritage of the building.
“In true Kingston style, we have the limestone which is featured here all over the place,” says Magee.
The 158-year-old building’s main area has been turned into a co-work space called ‘The Sanctuary.’ Those who stay at the hotel are allowed access. Inside, you’ll find many of the original features of the church.
“There’s also the stained glass (that’s original), although some of the originals were replaced because the church took it. We kept as much of the original that we could,” she explains. “We also have the architectural details, and some of the light fixtures are original as well.”
Building in a church more than a century old isn’t without it’s challenges, and the ten rooms are located in what used to be the basement.
Magee says the goal was to bring a bright, open feel to the space.
“This space is suitable for short-term stays, and long-term stays,” she explains.
The BPE Group of Companies acquired the former church in 2012, two years after it was decommissioned.
An average stay can cost more than $400 a night, but within its gothic-style tower and stone walls, the question is, could any other visitors also be lurking inside?
“I haven’t heard of any ghosts,” assures Magee. “No complaints yet from anyone.”
So knowing you won’t have to pray to be the only occupant in a room at night, the hotel is now open and at your service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.