Introducing: The Sheldon Manor

A Luxury Vacation Rental, Built in 1865

Well, hello there! Is it too late to say Happy New Year? We’re nearly five months into 2024 and this is my first blog post of the year. Today I’m pleased to share what’s been occupying my time and keeping me from authoring blog posts. My parents, Michael, and I took possession of a heritage home overlooking Big Rideau Lake in November and have spent the past few months making it our own.

Allow me to formally introduce my latest venture, The Sheldon Manor. This home is a bastion of Canadian history and represents the rich agricultural heritage of the region – we are proud to be its stewards. Officially called, “The Horace Sheldon House”, the home is recognized for its heritage values by the local township. It was constructed in 1865 by Horace Sheldon with sandstone quarried from the surrounding farmland and serves as a reminder of Portland’s early agricultural and economic history.

Over the past few months, we have taken pains to update interior elements of the home that felt inconsistent with its architecture and furnish it faithfully, with an added touch of whimsy. We are now thrilled to be able to enjoy its many splendours and, when we’re not, share its glory with others.

You can book a stay at The Sheldon Manor directly through our website and steep yourself in its luxury and refinement, with modern amenities designed to optimize your fun. The home is situated on a 4.5-acre plot overlooking Big Rideau Lake and features a heated swimming pool, hot tub, gazebo, and vineyard.

Indoors, you can cozy up with a book in the sunroom, prepare a feast in the chef’s kitchen, watch a movie on rainy days on the 75″ TV in the living room, enjoy spirited conversation in the den, and break bread with friends and family in the formal dining room. Upstairs, you’ll discover four bedrooms, the primary suite overlooking the pool and vineyard is appointed with a king bed and sitting area. There is a queen bedroom, a room with two twin beds dipped in different shades of blue, and a pretty in pink bedroom with two bunk beds.

In all, the home accommodates 12 guests when you include the queen Murphy bed in the den. We fell in love with it at first sight and hope you will too.

We’ve done our best to make the home a destination in and of itself by outfitting the den with a desk alongsid books and board games, incorporating a games table into the living room, and providing yard games like corn hole, croquet, and badminton. For fitness fanatics, we’ve established a home gym with spin bike, bench, yoga mats, and free weights.

To enhance your stay, we’re proud to partner with preferred vendors from the Ottawa area to provide curated experiences including wine pairings, private chef dinners, cocktails classes, and more. We’ll be onboarding new partners over time to ensure there’s something for everyone – from arts and crafts, to wellness experiences like yoga and massage, to outdoor adventure.

In addition to the delights on offer on the property, we have deeded access to Big Rideau Lake with a small beach and boat launch. The lake has great fishing for any aspiring anglers. The home is also nestled between quaint towns like Westport, Delta, and Perth.

Westport is a short 10-minute drive from The Sheldon Manor and Westport Brewing Co, Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery, and River House Winery make great destinations for summertime refreshment. Foley Mountain Conservation Area is a nature-lover’s paradise, with its amazing lookout perched above the village, trails with remarkable wildlife, and even a beach.

Head over to our website at: thesheldonmanor.com to learn more about the property, view the full gallery, and book your stay!