Just outside Cambridge, Ontario, Cruickston Park is a place where history, nature, and rustic charm come together. This 200-year-old estate was nearly lost to time before Jan Chaplin and her family stepped in.

When they purchased the property in 1995, it was rundown and barely recognizable as the beautiful home it once was. Over the last 30 years, the Chaplins have brought it back to life, turning it into a stunning retreat that's now open to the public.

Jan and her late husband, Mark, discovered the estate by accident. They were out driving their baby daughter, trying to calm her to sleep—something many parents can relate to—when they stumbled upon the property.

The Stone Cottage, a stunning 4,000-square-foot home from the 1800s, has a rich history and plenty of charm. Originally designed by New York architect Detlef Lienau, it once housed generations of the Wilks family. Today, it welcomes up to six guests, offering ensuite bedrooms, a private living room, and a fully equipped kitchen for a cozy and historic stay. Photo submitted by Cruickston Park.

Jan, who grew up in the area, couldn't believe she'd never seen it before. Cruickston Park's long history includes the Trappers' Cabin, which dates back to 1792 and is the oldest building in the Waterloo region. Back then, it was just a small shelter built by a family squatting on the land.

 

 

 

 

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At the time, the estate was owned by the University of Guelph and being used for research, but it was clear that it had seen better days. Knowing the property might be sold and its history lost, Jan and Mark wrote to the university, laying out their vision for its future.

The couple wanted to restore all of the buildings, including Trapper's Cabin, the Stone Cottage, and the Manor which is now their family home, and preserve the property's natural surroundings.

The estate's garden may be quieter this time of year, but during the growing season, it flourishes with organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all nurtured for the family's enjoyment and shared with guests for a true farm-to-table experience. Photo by Erin Horrocks-Pope.

They succeeded in purchasing roughly 1,000 acres - keeping 160 acres and selling the rest to a conservation authority to ensure the land would remain a peaceful space for nature and the community.

Restoring the estate has been a labour of love for the Chaplins. They've focused on sustainability, creating an organic-certified farm right on the property. Guests can enjoy fresh eggs, garden vegetables, milk, and cheese from their water buffalo. There are also alpacas, goats, and horses that add to the farm's charm.

The farm's majestic water buffalo roam peacefully across the fields, adding to the serene charm of the estate. Guests can enjoy watching these gentle animals as they graze or relax by the pond, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the property. Photo by Erin Horrocks-Pope.

Brechin Chaplin, the youngest of Jan and Mark's three daughters, grew up watching her parents bring the estate back to life. She now manages the property's events and rentals. "Authenticity takes time," she says. "Since I was born, all I've known is bringing these buildings back to life."

Those who stay at Cruickston Park can explore the estate's trails, paddle down the Grand River, or take a farm tour to meet the animals. Just down the road from Cruickston Park is Galt, one of those small towns that feels like it's straight out of a storybook. 

This serene sitting area in one of the rental properties offers the perfect space to unwind and reconnect. Surrounded by calming design and natural beauty, it's an ideal spot to find peace, slow down, and embrace the quiet of the estate. Photo submitted by Cruickston Park.

With its historic stone buildings, cute little shops, and cafes along the Grand River, it's the kind of place where you'll want to take your time exploring. Perfect for grabbing a cozy coffee, browsing local boutiques, or just soaking in the views by the water, Galt adds another touch of charm to a stay at Cruickston Park.

The exterior of Trapper's Cabin offers a glimpse into the past, making you wonder what life must have been like for Nathaniel Dodge and his family roughly 230 years ago. Surrounded by nothing but forest, they lived in this remote cabin, a stark contrast to the peaceful, open landscape you see today. Photo by Erin Horrocks-Pope.

The Trappers' Cabin has been transformed by the Chaplins into a cozy getaway, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past while enjoying modern comforts. "Our vision is to help others restore that connection to their natural selves," Brechin explains.

The loft in Trapper's Cabin offers a cozy and moody retreat, tucked away in the oldest building in the Waterloo region, built in 1792 by trader Nathaniel Dodge. With its rustic charm and rich history, it’s a unique space that brings the past to life. Photo submitted by Cruickston Park.

Cruickston Park is also becoming a destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and other events. The property has even been featured in films like RED with Bruce Willis and TV shows like Murdoch Mysteries.

 

The sitting room in The Stables, designed by eldest daughter and interior designer Hinson Chaplin, offers a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Photo by Erin Horrocks-Pope.

With plans to add a sauna and cold plunge for even more relaxation, Cruickston Park is more than just a restored estate—it's a little slice of peace and simplicity in Southern Ontario.