Elmhirst's Resort - On A Lake

“Nice secluded lake resort in Kawarthas”

Elmhirst's is a venerable old cottage resort, updated for the 21st century. There are many cottages, of various sizes and shapes, almost all with views of, and access to, Rice Lake. The cottages are comfortable and not too rustic, but not the height of luxury either. (The wind fairly whistled thoug… lisää

Elmhirst's is a venerable old cottage resort, updated for the 21st century. There are many cottages, of various sizes and shapes, almost all with views of, and access to, Rice Lake. The cottages are comfortable and not too rustic, but not the height of luxury either. (The wind fairly whistled though our back door in Cottage 5.) There's a full kitchen, and most things you would need for an extended stay. It's just a short walk to the main building where you can find the reception, restaurant, pub, swimming pool, gym, as well as conference facilities. There are trails around the property, as well as further afield along the lakeshore or through the woods. If you have kids, there is a playground, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, and of course the lake. We were there in the off-season, so it was nice and peaceful, but I can imagine it gets pretty busy in the summer and fall. The food is actually pretty good, with a better choice for vegetarians than most rural lodges; there are several veggie choices both in the restaurant and in the pub. If you're into sustainability, Elmhirst's is trying its best. The cottages use efficient electric heat pumps, and the main building has solar panels on its roof. It taps its own maple syrup, produces its own honey, makes its own cider, and grows what food ingredients it can, including eggs and meat. The resort website has a nice little video showing how guests can help its recycling and composting efforts. If you have an electric car, I couldn't see an outside socket on the cottage for trickle charging, but there are two free Level 2 chargers in the main parking lot (just ask for a key in reception to get it working). Great!

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“Girls weekend”

Great food. Roast beef dinner was delicious and so filling. Staff is accommodating. Wine tasting is so much fun and informative. Cottage was clean and spacious. Sauna and hot tub hit the spot. We were able to go snow shoeing and walking around .

“Sunday Buffet not as good as it used to be.”

This review is about the Sunday Buffet which is about $40. per adult. Attended there on Mother's Day 2024 with a group of 5. The staff are awesome and of course the seating and view are perfect. Younger piano guy but the same non-intrusive background music. I am sorry to say the food has gone downh… lisää

This review is about the Sunday Buffet which is about $40. per adult. Attended there on Mother's Day 2024 with a group of 5. The staff are awesome and of course the seating and view are perfect. Younger piano guy but the same non-intrusive background music. I am sorry to say the food has gone downhill. There used to be about 4 full size layer cakes you could slice your own and now it looks like a Mandarin dessert table. Tiny tarts, One inch pieces of fudge or Nanaimo bar, ONE INCH!!. A bunch of danishes. No chocolate dipped stawberries. No Bread Pudding. I could go on but if you knew what was there before Covid you will now see a severe downsizing. Only one chef cutting Beef portions, nobody making crepes anymore. Eggs Benny were delicious as were the sausages and bacon. So, prices up but selection down. I won't be going back anymore but for other diners this may still be the best Sunday Brunch in the Keene area. Downgrading by me from Excellent in 2020 to Average in 2024.

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