Merrill House

Merrill House has been a landmark in Prince Edward County since 1878, built by Edwards Merrill, a lawyer and civic leader born in 1842. Edwards came from a family deeply involved in Canada's early legal and political scene—his father was a judge and a close friend of Sir John A. MacDonald.

Passionate about reform, Edwards supported humane treatment for juveniles and opposed capital punishment. The home, a stunning Gothic Revival residence of red brick, quickly became a local icon. Edwards even built a smaller replica overlooking Picton harbor before selling the original to the McKenzie family. Over the years, the house saw several owners and served as a country inn from 1982.

In 2018, the property was acquired by Jordan Martin de Rosales, whose global hospitality experience and love for art, history, and wine guided a careful restoration. Today, Merrill House combines its rich heritage with thoughtful design and welcomes guests to experience its history, elegance, and charm.

Merrill House is a Gothic Revival building from the late 19th century, with a red brick exterior, steep gables, and detailed trim that reflect the architectural style of its time. The structure itself sets a strong historical base, which continues into the interiors.

Inside, the house is arranged as a series of individually designed rooms and shared spaces. The 14 rooms and suites do not follow a single theme. Instead, they bring together antiques, artwork, and objects collected from different places and periods. Some rooms retain original elements like parquet flooring and fireplaces, while others introduce more distinct design ideas, including patterned wallpapers and themed interiors.

Common areas such as the drawing room, parlor, conservatory, and wine cellar extend this approach. Furniture, art, and decorative pieces are layered rather than matched. The design does not aim for consistency, but rather a mix of influences that reflect both the building's history and the evolving vision behind its interiors.

Dining at Merrill House centers around Brasserie Alexandria, a setting where French brasserie classics and exceptional wine come together in richly styled rooms and a rare cellar collection. Though the restuarant no longer offers regular service after the partial retirement of its head chef, it still hosts private dinners and special ticketed events that bring classic dishes like tartare, escargot, steak frites, crème brûlée to the table paired with wines from one of Canada's most awarded cellars.

The wine program here is a standout feature, with a Wine Spectator "Best Award of Excellence" and a deep selection of Prince Edward County and Old World bottles chosen to enhance every course. For guests staying on site, a complimentary gourmet breakfast with house-baked pastries and freshly prepared juice is offered, and other plated breakfast options are available seasonally. The dining experience at Merrill House feels like a celebration of rich flavors and thoughtful pairings set within intimate, art-filled spaces.

Merrill House offers a uniquely personal setting for weddings, where every detail can feel thoughtfully curated. The entire house and gardens can be booked exclusively, with 14 bedrooms accommodating up to 38 guests, making it ideal for a weekend celebration with family and friends. Ceremonies can take place in the garden, under the conservatory portico, or inside the conservatory, while dinners are hosted indoors or in a tented marquee for up to 40 seated guests.

The drawing room and parlour provide perfect spaces for welcome drinks or rehearsal dinners, and the cellar and conservatory bar become lively spots for dancing and late-night celebrations. Classically trained chefs craft European-inspired menus, and the wine director curates pairings to complement each course. Whether outdoors surrounded by flowers, or indoors in art-filled rooms, Merrill House creates a warm and memorable setting for your special day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Merrill House, the experience leans into slow, thoughtful living with spaces designed for both relaxation and discovery. A standout feature is the barrel sauna, offering a quiet and restorative escape that feels especially grounding after a day of exploring. For a more immersive experience, guests can arrange yoga and meditation sessions in advance, with options like Hatha, Yin, gentle, restorative, hot stone, and yoga Nidra guided by the Serendipity Yoga team.

Wine lovers can make the most of the PEC Wine Tasting Passport, which includes tastings at 12 wineries across Prince Edward County, along with added benefits, making it an easy way to explore the region's wine scene. The on-site shop extends the experience beyond your stay. Through Hydrangea House, the Boutique, and the Cellar, guests can browse a curated mix of wines, antiques, and design pieces that reflect the house's aesthetic. There's also a cellar membership for those who want to stay connected to its wine program.

Step outside, and Prince Edward County opens up at an easy pace. Vineyard visits are a natural highlight here, with several wineries just a short drive away. You can also spend time at Sandbanks Provincial Park, known for its sandy beach and offering the world's biggest sand dune system and a freshwater sand bar, or visit Lake on the Mountain for scenic views. In Picton, a short walk from the house, you'll find Regent Theater, local galleries, boutique shops, and the harbor, adding to the town's charm.

Merrill House works just as well for gatherings beyond weddings, whether it's a corporate retreat or a more personal celebration. For work-focused gatherings, there are multiple meeting and dining spaces that can be adapted depending on the group's needs. The setup includes practical essentials like smart televisions, flip charts, screens and projectors, Bluetooth speakers, notepads, and refreshments. Private celebrations, from milestone birthdays to intimate gatherings, take on a more personal feel here. With exclusive use of spaces, curated dining, and the option to extend the celebration across a full stay, the experience feels less like a typical venue and more like a personal retreat.

Merrill House takes a practical approach to sustainability, focusing on meaningful changes across the property. Single-use plastic toiletries have been replaced with refillable dispensers, windows have been upgraded to double-glazed versions for better insulation, and a modern energy system helps manage heating, cooling, and ventilation more efficiently. There's also a steady effort to reduce food waste and improve recycling. The hotel also maintains its own kitchen garden in Cressy, which designed and cared for by a team of chef and gardeners. The property also contributes to local arts through groups like Festival Players and The Regent Theatre, while also backing wider initiatives including UNHCR and Rainbow Railroad. The focus stays simple, supporting efforts that protect the environment, encourage art, and contribute to social wellbeing.