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Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

Food and drink
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, books, music library
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
  • Lincoln & Welland Regimental Museum
    7 min walk
  • Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill
    1 min walk
  • Niagara Falls Station
    27 min drive
  • Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)
    56 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Old Town Historic District stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this Old Town Historic District vacation home, you'll find Niagara River Gorge and Museum of the Paranormal. Royal George Theatre and Lake Ontario are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club - 16 min walk
  • Jackson-Triggs Winery - 16 min walk
  • Fort Mississauga - 16 min walk
  • Shaw Festival Theatre - 2 min drive
  • Peller Estates Winery - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • St. Catharines Station - 21 min drive
  • Niagara Falls, NY (IAG-Niagara Falls Intl.) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Two Sisters Vineyards - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Irish Harp Pub - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Peller Estates Winery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cannery Restaurant - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Secret Garden Cottage is a charming, licensed short-term rental home situated in Historic Old Town of NOTL. Your stay will lift your spirits with all the comforts of home. Beautiful in any season, enjoy having the house to yourself, as well as the gifts that this unique area has to offer. A 10-minute walk from the main (Queen) street, you can walk or cycle to the many high-quality wineries, outstanding restaurants, charming shops in town, and highly-acclaimed Shaw Festival productions. Or cozy up with all of the comforts of home, enjoying a glass of local wine on the back deck or in the Garden Room, while gazing out over the stunning Secret Garden.

This home is the perfect size for a "couples’ weekend", and it is large enough to accommodate up to 7 guests. Inside there are games, puzzles, books, and Amazon Prime TV, all helpful with keeping children and adults engaged! Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen (spices, oils, sugar, flour...it has it all!), use the big BBQ in the backyard, or dine out at one of the amazing local restaurants.

Need a work space? No problem! Your office can be in the Music Room.

The Secret Garden is the absolute gem of this property and, as was the case for all of my previous guests, you can enjoy it while sitting in the Garden Room, on the back deck, or in any of the 3 tiers of the garden.

Located at the back of the garden, the shed contains 2 bicycles, saving you having to rent elsewhere! Use them to experience wine-tasting, outstanding farm-to-table meals, and the wonderful trails in the wine areas, and alongside Lake Ontario.

It is situated right next door to the famous Willow Cakes and Pastries shop, and within walking distance to so many restaurants, wineries and other attractions. The walk to the main street (Queen St.) is 12 minutes.

It's just a 15-minute drive to the Outlet Collection at Niagara, and 30 minutes to Niagara Falls.

MAIN FLOOR:

The Secret Garden is a hidden gem, and the beautifully landscaped property can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the home, with spacious front and back porches.

The GARDEN ROOM is the most special place of the home. Cozy up with a good book, a mug of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine, and you will be in your own little oasis. There is also an electric fireplace for cooler days.

The KITCHEN features all the appliances you will need, has so many glasses, dishes, pots, pans and more, and the pantry is well-stocked with baking and cooking supplies. The adjoining DINING ROOM has an expandable table with 6 chairs. (2 additional ones are stored in the basement.)

Need an office to work at your home away from home? There is a desk in the MUSIC ROOM. It also has an upright Kawai piano, should you need to rehearse some music or just want to have a sing-along with your family or friends. That room also has a double sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)

The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick.

There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.

UPSTAIRS:

TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds are on the upper floor, and THE PRIMARY BEDROOM also contains a love seat that can be set up as a twin sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS SOFA BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)

The UPSTAIRS SPACIOUS BATHROOM with combined tub/shower, toilet and sink with plenty of counter space, also has Pharmacopia and Beautycounter toiletries provided and, of course, plush towels for your use.

Enjoy the floral and musical themes throughout the cottage, and be sure to have a glass of wine (provided by your host!) on the deck overlooking the extensive and stunning Secret Garden, or in the Garden Room with a beautiful view!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

1) 7 is the maximum number of guests that the Secret Garden can comfortably accommodate. There is an additional charge of $50 per sofa bed per stay, so that the sofa beds can be prepared in advance of your arrival, with cozy bedding, extra-thick mattress covers, and enough pillows and towels provided for all guests, and then dismantled after your departure.

2) The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake now requires me to charge 3% MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) beginning in 2024, and 4% in 2025. I have built that into the fee per night, including the HST on the MAT.

3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023

4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795

Property manager

Tara

Languages

English, Italian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee grinder
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Shampoo

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • In the city center
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Bicycle on site
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Recycling
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • Unit size: 1500 sq ft (139 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Children 3 and older are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 061-2023

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Burgundi G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Trip Niagara on the Lake
We had a great stay at the Secret Garden Cottage. The host was super friendly and quick to reply to messages. The house itself was cozy and very clean. We really enjoyed our morning coffee time in the Garden Room. The view to the backyard was so nice! We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

evelyn m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Tara was wonderful. Her home is so beautiful. I can’t wait to visit again,
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodi S.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Piece of Paradise in Wine Country
What an incredible cottage Tara has here! It’s far roomier than the pictures show, and the backyard is exceptionally beautiful! It felt just like the movie the Secret Garden - hence the name, obviously. Tara was so responsive to any questions we had, and ensured this cottage was perfectly equipped and prepared for all guests’s needs. The location was great as well - central to everything we wanted to see. A short walk to some fabulous shops and restaurants, a quick 5-10 bike ride to some renowned wineries, and a short 20-min drive to the falls. We all agreed we will absolutely be back. Thanks for being such a wonderful host, Tara! Cheers.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie B., Akron Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Garden Paradise
Everything about this place was wonderful. Tara had thought of every possible convenience. The cottage was clean and the gardens were lovely. Close to the shopping district and bike trails.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ideal setting in NOTL
Exceptionally clean and comfortable with a back yard that will inspire you. Bicycles were are wonderful surprise!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

JIM H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden Cottage
Great place in fabulous location to Vineyards and downtown Niagara on the Lake! Gardens spectacular! Will be going back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home for a family vacation!
This house was perfect for my family of 6 vacation! I was concerned it might be a little tight for us but we had plenty of space at this beautiful home!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

warren m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring 2024
We really enjoyed our time at the secret garden cottage. The garden in back was amazing and very private. Mornings in the back room overlooking the garden, and evenings on the back deck were our daily routine. There are several restaurants and a great bakery that are easily within walking distance. And being able to walk or bike to NOTL and the the paved trail system is a major plus. We will definitely be booking this place again in the near future.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Special Stay at the Secret Garden Cottage
From start to finish, we had a perfect stay at The Secret Garden Cottage. Serenely decorated and quaintly designed, the cottage, with charming sun room and remarkable garden, perfectly complemented our visit to Niagara on the Lake. The cottage is close enough to walk to shopping and dining on Queen Street and well placed to visit area wineries and attractions. The small market and excellent bakery next door were an extra treat. Best of all, Tara is a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secret Garden Cottage
Great stay! House was great, very clean, lots of kitchen supplies, close to downtown. Lots of room for two couples. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A great weekend in NOTL
This 2as our second visit to the Secret Garden Cottage and we couldn't be happier. The house is perfect for a getaway and close to all the restaurants, shopping and sights in Niagara on the Lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pefect spot for a girls weekend away, or a family when you want to have more room than a hotel offers. Our girls weekend away was special in this quaint cottage, The sun room in back was so peaceful and relaxing for morning coffee or afternoon drinks. Everything you need is there and Tara could not have been more helpful. Totally recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Cottage!
One of the better home rentals we have stayed in and we have stayed in quite a few. Hostess was responsive and generally wonderful. Thank you for sharing your lovely little cottage!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional choice for a weekend getaway. Feels like home with lovely gardens and a well appointed spotless space! Tara is also fantastic at communication and leaving all the necessary information you need for the house and the surrounding area. The bikes are a perfect extra for the winery tours.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelli A.

Liked: Cleanliness
So wonderful!
This property was everything and more than we expected! Easy to find, centrally located, clean, comfortable, cute, thoughtful amenities. Will stay here again when we have the opportunity to!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly what we needed!
This place was everything we needed as a party of 4. It was very clean and well stocked. Beds and pillows were both very comfy. The garden was also beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay in this beautiful cottage
We had a 2 night stay at the Secret Garden Cottage. It is beautiful inside and out. Has everything you could possibly need. Great location. I hope we can go back one day. Thanks Tara, you’re a wonderful host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Girls Trip
My mom, aunt, and I had a wonderful stay 3 night at the Secret Garden Cottage! It rained quite a bit during our trip, but the beautiful views of the gardens from the sunroom allowed us to still enjoy the yard…we had coffee together here every morning! Tara was very responsive and kind whenever we reached out with questions and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It was our first time visiting Canada and we had the best time! We also took advantage of the restaurant and winery suggestions Tara provided via email. We enjoyed lunches at Bistro Six One, The Farmhouse Cafe at Caroline’s Cellar and dinners at Ruffino’s and Niagara’s Finest Thai. Having the bakery and Avondale food store right next door was very convenient. We absolutely loved the all of the gorgeous flowers blooming around town and it was nice to return “home” to such a comfortable cottage with the same feel. Thank you, Tara! We’d definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secret Garden
Lovely place. Great location and home -- cozy, clean and convenient. The gardens are wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful weekend getaway
The Secret Garden Cottage is just that. The house is serene and easy to relax in. It is clean and well stocked and you feel at home. The gardens are a magical surprise. You won't believe you are in a residential neighborhood once you see the gardens. We hope to stay here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna R., Chantilly

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely and well managed
The cottage is exactly as pictured, and very well taken care of! Tara is accessible and communicative and kind, and the personal touches throughout the home (including paintings by family, I believe) make it clear this is a special, loved place and not just a rental unit. Any issues that came up were addressed speedily and the beds are very comfortable, with lots of down bedding. Lots of books and activities for all ages (we had kids ages 1-7 and 3 adults), and the nearby Queen street has tons of cute shops, restaurants, and a nice playground. The only surprising thing was that the cottage is right next to a large convenience store (which is great!), but amazingly it still feels so private thanks to the thoughtful fencing and landscaping. We look forward to hopefully coming back sometime in warmer weather (though the garden room was also beautiful in the spring rain!)
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect cozy cottage
The Secret Garden Cottage is perfect for a cozy, relaxing stay. Tara was awesome in responding immediately, offering great restaurant and winery suggestions and thinking of every last detail. The cottage is comfortable, cozy and very clean which made for a perfect stay. There are thoughtful details everywhere - a well stocked kitchen, soft sheets, fluffy towels, great books, etc. Just next door are a fantastic restaurant and bakery. We will be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Would stay here again
Excellent location and accommodations - loved starting our day in the sunroom with coffee and having happy hour in the garden. Couldn’t have been better.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Manon r., Kingston

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and impeccable, the perfect gateway cottage
Nice solarium looking on to a beautiful garden. patio was great . Kitchen well stock with everything you need. Steps away from a very good bakery. Home was spotless and very well decorated. The beds were really comfortable. We got a nice bottle of wine from Tara, which was really appreciated. Tara was an amazing host and very easy to communicate with.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Naomi Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience!
I would highly recommend booking this property! The garden is simply stunning, and the home itself is clean, well-kept, and tastefully decorated. The owner is very friendly, and quick to reply to correspondence. Overall, we had a wonderful experience there, and would definitely go back :)
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022