First Look: The Dover George Boutique Hotel

A five-year labour of love has transformed a 150-year-old residence into The Dover George, a contemporary accommodation on the north shore of Ontario’s Lake Erie.

Owners Hélène Larochelle and Michael Nimchuk painstakingly executed their vision, with Nimchuk acting as general contractor for the project, which was done during the pandemic. The Dover George is a traditional red-brick dwelling, and guests are welcomed into a sitting room featuring a stunning white, caramel-leather chairs, and a library with a vintage telephone.

The mix of modern and vintage decor creates a sophisticated design scheme throughout the hotel, ranging from pony-skin rugs to the communal dining table.

With four suites each sleeping two, guests enjoy amenities such as Frette linens, a Dyson hair dryer, coffee-and-tea station, heated floors, and smartphone enabled locks.

Larochelle and Nimchuk worked with fellow local business Cottage North Soapworks to develop a custom scent with citrus and herbal notes as well as offering locally sourced toiletries. Suite bathrooms have a pop of colour via custom turquoise-concrete sinks, along with oversized showers with matte-brass fixtures and white tiles.

Suite 1 showcases a black-and-white palette, with a king bed and a dressing-table area surrounded by a striking houndstooth pattern. Suite 2 has a queen bed with a glamorous floral headboard, and Suite 3 also includes a queen bed, plus a cozy seating area and a two-sided fireplace.

Suite 4 is the penthouse, with almost 1,000 square feet and featuring a cathedral ceiling, skylights, Juliet balcony, king bed, multiple seating areas, and an immense spa wet room with large shower head and stand-alone bathtub. A pair of vintage chairs transformed from lipstick-red crushed velvet to a soft cream face the iconic free-standing Malm fireplace. All accommodation includes a gourmet continental breakfast.

Larochelle and Nimchuk added many thoughtful details sparked by their own travels, such as size-inclusive towels and robes, loose tea, and high-quality pour-over coffee, providing coffee accessories from Fellow, beans from Detour Coffee Roasters, and detailed instructions to make the perfect cup.

As well as offering accommodation, The Dover George also celebrates “Ontario’s Garden” by doing double duty as a culinary event centre. Keep an eye on the hotel’s culinary events schedule, offering pop-up dinners, cocktail evenings, product launches, and blind-tasting menus.