If you’re looking for a completely unique experience, The Prince Edward County Church is the perfect place to plan your next getaway. If this superb and magical Airbnb isn’t on your list, add it immediately! Only a two and a half-hour drive from Toronto, the property is situated in Ameliasburgh, one of the main towns in Prince Edward County and the closest to Belleville.
Originally built in 1888, The Massassagua United Church was converted into a unique Airbnb after renovations in 2019. Located on 2.3 acres, the backyard has tons of open space and gorgeous trees which back out onto the water. It’s only about a fifteen-minute drive to all that makes Prince Edward County so great: the wineries, restaurants, beaches, snowshoeing, and so much more. The interior of the renovated church is very well thought out, spacious, modern and beautiful: every detail fits to perfection. It keeps its old-world charm while featuring modern amenities. It’s also HUGE, and the space allows for much larger groups while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The fireplace and large bright windows really make the spacious place feel cozy while giving it all a warm unique glow.
The massive communal area has incredibly high ceilings, lots of seating, a big TV over the fireplace with free Netflix + PrimeTV, large bright windows, an amazing fireplace, and a huge wooden dining table, fit for a royal feast.
Sit back by the crackling fireplace and warm up after a day of adventures, and choose from the many board games, such as Cards Against Humanity and Trivial Pursuit. There’s also central heating, so you don’t have to worry about being cold.
This is the view from one of the three bedrooms. You will be stunned by the decor of the church. The host, Adam Turner, is extremely easy to communicate with and even had personal touches waiting for me, such as a welcoming sign (see below) and a bottle of local wine! The property, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeps eight guests.
I felt immediately at home and loved the guide book that Adam provided, listing all the activities and restaurants in the area. It also contains a little bit of history on the church, with photos, which I thought was a great idea.
Both bathrooms are bright, spacious, and feature a shower with shampoo and conditioner. Towels, soap and a blow dryer are provided as well.
I loved the way the red brick exterior was kept during the renovations, creating a rustic feel in the most modern part of the home.
The open concept kitchen is super inviting at all times of the day, whether you want a cup of coffee in the morning or to sit down for dinner after sunset. It’s modern and convenient with all the basic amenities, like olive oil and salt/pepper.
Enjoy some Baileys and coffee with sunset, or a glass of the wine you just picked up from one of the local wineries.
This mirror is just one of the many incredible pieces that truly make this church unique. All the bedrooms are large, comfy, and extremely clean.
This was my first time visiting Prince Edward County during the winter, and I found it difficult to find a lot of things to do this time of year. The area is known for its plentiful wineries, breweries, restaurants, and beaches, but it does get sleepier in the colder months. Don’t worry, there is still plenty to do! Follow this guide to make the most of the frozen temperatures in The County.
The interior is bright and cheerful, with tons of colourful details as if inside a pinball machine. Their menu consists of modern comfort food with a twist. It’s a great place for kids, too. My recommendations are the Mediterranean Dream Toast and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. You won’t be disappointed!
After a delicious lunch, we decided to check out Sandbanks in the snow. Make sure to head to Dunes Beach for exceptionally amazing views.
Expect to walk a bit, especially if you plan on climbing to the top of the dunes. It is excellent for digestion and exercise!
The sand dunes have been a popular attraction since the early 1800s. They were formed by glaciers 12,500 years ago and stretch across Lake Ontario. On beautiful and sunny days, the white sand and bright blue water can almost be mistaken for the Caribbean.
I didn’t check out as many wineries as I would’ve liked to but these are the ones that I went to or were highly recommended to me: Sugarbush Vineyards, Grange of Prince Edward County, Traynor Family Vineyard, Rosehall Run, and Sandbanks Winery. Make sure to call ahead and book an appointment, especially if it is not a weekend.
Rent snowshoes at Sugarbush Vineyards and walk through their woodsy 2.5 km trail, located on their property. After you’re done, sample some wine or sip on hot chocolate.
Take a drive through the town of Belleville and pass by some of their historic architecture. There are some delicious options for lunch if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Midtown Brewing Co. is a great place to stop for food or a pint of local beer. I loved the atmosphere and the staff were super helpful.
Grab a bite to eat and order a flight. I recommend the veggie burger (or regular burger) for lunch. There is also a ton of cool merch you should check out, like hats, hoodies, tees, and more instore.
Head over to Wellington Public Beach to see the intense waves crash against the icy beach. It’s such an incredible sight to see this time of year.
If you’re looking for something a bit more extreme, try tobogganing at Delhi Park or Macauley Mountain Conservation Area. Another place I really wanted to see in winter was Little Bluff Conservation Area which has natural towering limestone cliffs and gorgeous ice formations.
MORE INFORMATION:
www.theprinceedwardcountychurch.com
Wifi: Yes
Electricity: Yes
What is supplied:
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
- Ground coffee (Starbucks)
- Plastic bags
- Tea kettle (and tea)
- Toilet Paper
- Mugs
- All kitchen utensils
- Dish soap (+ sponge)
- Cutting board
- Wine glasses
- Spatula
- Salt & Pepper (and lots of spices)
- Cooking Oil
- Bed Linens
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Soap
- Body towels and face towels
- TV (+ Netflix & PrimeTV)
- Telescope
- Board games (Cards Against Humanity, Trivial Pursuit, Puzzles, Checkers, Scrabble, Code Names & more)
- SONOS speakers
- Soda Stream
Cooking
- Toaster
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Microwave
What To Bring:
- Containers (if you want to bring food home)
- Snow boots
- Winter cleats (if you plan on going on lots of icy walks)
- Toiletries
- Cozy pants
- Warm sweaters
- Lots of layers
- Socks (always pack extra)
- Undergarments
- Water bottle
- Hand sanitizer (always good to have)
- Camera + equipment
- Pajama pants + shirts
- Chargers (and whatever other cables you might need)
- Wine (shouldn’t be hard to find in this area)
Highlights In The Area:
- Bay of Quinte
- Belleville
- Lake on the Mountain
- Sandbanks Provincial Park (Dunes Beach)
- Picton
- Bloomfield
- Wellington
Restaurants Nearby:
- Farmer’s Daughter
- The Lark
- Linguine’s Italian Restaurant
- Burger Revolution
- Chilangos Mexican Restaurant
- Crepe Escape
- Midtown Brewing Company
- Nineteen Restaurant + Patio
- East & Main Bistro
- Blumen Garden Bistro
- The Drake Devonshire
- Bloomfield Public House
Disclaimer: All information and prices are accurate as of the time of the posting. All opinions expressed are completely my own. This post is not sponsored.
*All images are copyrighted by Julia Melcher (@adventureontario) or credited to their owners. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable
I haven’t been able to make my way over to Prince Edward County! Looks like you had so much fun. The Airbnb looks STUNNING!