This tropical Ontario Airbnb feels like a slice of the Caribbean
The subzero temperatures in Ontario have many people dreaming of a warm, tropical vacation. But what if you didn't need to leave the province? This tropical-themed Airbnb in Ontario could be the getaway you need.
Grindstone Creek Farm in Burlington, Ont. offers a sliver of warmth inside a 500-square-foot geodesic dome greenhouse, situated between two pastures home to the farm's many friendly animals.
"We bought the dome at the beginning of the pandemic to use it as a greenhouse. We loved the space but didn't enjoy using it to grow food," Amber Warren, owner of Grindstone Creek Farm, tells blogTO.
That's when a new idea was sparked.
Because farming restricts the Warren family from travelling, they decided to turn the dome into a living space where they could enjoy a well-deserved break from the Canadian cold.
Touted as a "one-of-a-kind" stay by the owner, the dome is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a pull-out couch, a dining and living area, and a kitchenette. A private three-piece bathroom is the newest addition to the property, located steps away from the dome, down a private path.
Warren has decorated the dome with tropical plants to really channel island vibes. There's even an indoor pond with fish and turtles.
"When the sun is up, the dome is bright because the walls are all translucent. When the sun is out, especially during peak hours, and even when it is -30 [degrees] out, the dome heats up! It can be 30 degrees in the dome even during a polar vortex if there is sun," Warren says.
To offset any overheating, the dome is outfitted with several high-power fans, solar exhaust fans, and an air conditioning unit. Still, it never gets cold at night — after all, when does that ever really happen on a tropical vacation?
Warren explains that the dome maintains a comfortable temperature thanks to the thermal mass from the pond inside, a geothermal heat system running through the garden beds, as well as additional space heaters and a heat pump.
She notes that the dome feels much larger inside than it appears from the outside.
"It's surprising how good a night's sleep you get inside," she says.
Alongside a warm getaway, the farm offers a touch of animal therapy. Visitors can interact with the farm's many animals, including goats, highland cows, horses, sheep, poultry, and pigs.
As the dome is designed for couples and solo travellers, with a maximum of four people at a time. Guests can book their stay directly through Airbnb.
Amber Warren
