Elmhirst's Resort, Keene
Located at County Road #2
RR #1
Keene
Ontario
Canada
K0L2G0
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In the year 1818, King George IV of England granted to Phillip James Elmhirst, a lieutenant of the Royal Navy, one thousand acres of Crown Land on the north shore of Rice Lake, as a reward for his efforts against Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar. Emigrating from his Lincolnshire, England farm Phillip landed at Port Hope in 1819 and established his new home to the north of our present location.
Frank Elmhirst, the grandfather of present owner Peter Elmhirst, acquired a new piece of property, originally known as "Walker Farm", on the edge of Rice Lake in 1906. This land, totalling 340 acres with a full mile of scenic shoreline, is the site of the present day resort. With its panoramic view of the lake and its many islands, the location was, and is a perfect site for a year-round vacation destination.
After graduating from Ryerson's Hotel and Resort Administration program in 1965, Peter returned to devote his attention to the business, which he soon purchased from his father. In 1968 the resort opened year round providing four seasons of activity for guests.
In 1981, the Hearthside Room was opened, to provide service to both guests and local area residents. The design of the main building, which houses our recreational facility, conference centre, office and dining area takes full advantage of the spectacular view of Rice Lake. Deluxe new cottages and updated services have been added over the years and now the resort caters to vacationers, conference delegates, weekenders and fishermen from North America and Europe.
There are currently four generations of the Elmhirst family on the property: Arthur, his son Peter, his son Greg and his son Henry. The family tradition continues.