Carriage House Suites

Jennifer Cooper was raised in nearby Belgrave and when she was looking to relocate back to Huron County after 25 years in Alberta, she knew she was looking for a property with character. She was delighted to find that one of the most historic buildings in Blyth was for sale and she jumped at the chance to own a piece of history. The property consisted of the former railway station of the Grand Trunk Railway that remains on its original site.

 

The station was built in 1875, rebuilt after a fire in the early part of the 20th century and then decommissioned in the 1940s after the railway ended its passenger service between Clinton and Wingham. The station eventually became a home and various owners have renovated the building with additions and outbuildings that are very sympathetic to the original architecture.

 

A bricklayer who owned the property in the 1980s built a garage that was first used as a storage shed and stained glass studio and was later converted to guest suites.

 

Cooper moved in during the fall of 2020 and spent the first few months refurbishing the two suites, and has been operating the site as an Airbnb rental since the summer of 2021.

 

The suites are a popular stop for cyclists on the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail, as there is a dedicated bike storage unit that is available to both units. Each suite has a queen-sized bed, and comes equipped with a barbeque, dishes, microwave fridge and coffee maker. Guests have their own private outdoor table and chairs, and access to shared green space with a firepit. Cooper has a small garden and encourages guests to help themselves to lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes.

 

Cooper discovered a copy of  the original 1875 railway schedule when cleaning out a house that belonged to an uncle. She added copies of the schedule and old photos of the property in the suites to help guests connect to the history of the property. She is excited to maintain a connection with the past by repurposing a heritage property so that it remains a part of the community.

 

Find the location on Facebook by searching Carriage House Suites or look it up on www.airbnb.ca