Ontario estate just moved a 200-year-old house and transformed into hotel

The Claramount estate, one of the most recognizable waterfront landmarks in Ontario's celebrated Prince Edward County, has reopened as Claramount Club following an extensive restoration that began in 2019.

The yellow Georgian Colonial mansion in the town of Picton, built in 1904 for Clara and Edward M. Young, has shifted identities many times over the last century. It has served as a private residence, a guesthouse for post-war travellers, and later the Claramount Inn & Spa, but Claramount Club marks its most significant restoration to date.

The project extended well beyond the main house and involved relocating and restoring two older buildings that were on the brink of demolition: the 1830s Taylor House, once home to county surgeon Dr. Earl Taylor, and the property's former carriage house. Both now sit on the Claramount grounds.

"Preserving the Taylor House was a labour of love. From the moment we moved the structure to its new setting, our goal was to honour its 1830s origins while thoughtfully adapting it for modern travellers," Niall McCotter, General Manager of Claramount Club, tells blogTO.

Claramount Club lobby. Photo courtesy of Gillian Jackson via Claramount Club. 

"The most important part of the restoration was maintaining the soul of the home, its original brickwork, proportions, and heritage charm, while ensuring it feels inviting, comfortable, and functional for guests today."

The Taylor House's existing architecture offered a strong foundation for the design team. "The original interior millwork, including the oversized baseboards, deep window trims, and the beautiful arched openings, drew instant design inspiration. Seeing these details in their raw, aged state made the history of the Taylor House feel incredibly present," McCotter says.

But the house did have to be plucked from its original spot on the street to sit on the grounds of Claramount Club, and moving the structure was, of course, a delicate situation.

Heritage Suite living room. Photo courtesy of Gillian Jackson via Claramount Club. 

"Moving and restoring a nearly 200-year-old building was both thrilling and terrifying in equal measure. Watching a full brick house being lifted off its original foundation is not something you ever get used to, especially when you know every brick has been in place since the 1830s. The team moved it incredibly slowly, inch by inch, and remarkably, not a single brick was damaged,” McCotter recalls.

Once relocated, the building needed to be rotated to face Bridge St., aligning it with neighbouring homes. "Seeing it gently spin into its new position was one of those moments where you hold your breath, and then exhale with huge relief." 

The restored property now includes several types of lodging: five suites in the Claramount mansion, twelve new lakeside rooms, the four-bedroom Taylor House, and the updated carriage house containing three separate guest rooms. A 500-foot boardwalk links the estate directly to downtown Picton.

Heritage Suite guest room. Photo courtesy of Gillian Jackson via Claramount Club. 

Speaking to the atmosphere the team hopes to create, McCotter says they aim to evoke a "sense of connection to the history of the place, to the craftsmanship that has endured for nearly two centuries, and the atmosphere of comfort and belonging" that the team has worked to cultivate.

The building boasts a permanent collection of artwork, including a two-storey mural by artist Crissy Poitras along its main staircase. Two smaller galleries will host rotating Canadian art exhibitions, with additional cultural programming planned for the coming year.

The Foundry, an on-site dining space, offers guests a setting that reflects the estate's history while providing a casual, laid back dining experience.

The Foundry. Photo courtesy of Gillian Jackson via Claramount Club. 

Guests can now book stays at the property, with prices ranging from $296 to $1,749 per night, depending on the room. A standard room in the Main House includes a king bed, tea and coffee maker, mini bar, and air conditioning. Dogs are welcome, and bookings can be made through the Claramount Club's official website.

The reopening comes at a time when Prince Edward County is receiving national attention. Condé Nast Traveler recently named the region one of its 2026 Best Places to Go.

Claramount Club is located at 40 Clara Dr. in Picton, Ont.