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
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.