Our History
The Ayrshire Hotel
Canada’s Oldest Flatiron
This summer, dynamic husband-and-wife team comprising of local archaeologist and former Professor Teal Parkinson and Fire Captain Eric Parkinson are realizing their family dream of opening The Ayrshire Hotel in Canadian legacy building, The Dalby.
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This iconic, 1865-founded masterpiece has had a storied history as one of Elora’s first hotels, hosting council and society meetings, banquets, and even court sessions for the early villagers. It also ran Elora’s early stagecoach operation, has housed doctors’ offices, and long provided the base for a popular, local watering hole.
The Ayrshire name itself also has strong historical meaning for the town, personal meaning for its family owners and their two young children, and the link between them all. Both the founder of Elora, William Gilkison and hotel co-founder Eric’s grandmother grew up in Ayrshire, Scotland. Honouring this history, threads of Scottish-inspiration are also woven through the hotel concept from its branding to its interior décor, which also features maintains much of the original stone and metal work of this beautiful building.
The Ayrshire House
Beautiful historic craftsmanship with modern amenities and comforts
Just a 30 second drive or 3 minute stroll from The Ayrshire Hotel sits The Ayrshire House, another deeply rooted building in the history of Elora - as well as Teal and Eric's original, much-beloved 6 room guesthouse.
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The historic building that houses The Ayrshire House has sat nestled within the village of Elora since 1891. Built for Dr William Robertson (whose daughter would go on to marry Sir Frederick Banting in 1924), the estate has played a storied role in the history of Elora across the years. Elegantly shifting throughout the decades, today this beautiful heritage-designated estate gracefully blends beautiful historic craftsmanship with modern amenities and comforts to create a charming tribute to a bygone era.
Each guestroom is gorgeously appointed and features clean lines, light airy spaces and luxurious Modern Victorian decor. Each uniquely bespoke suite is adorned with luxurious finishes and hand-picked furnishings, and feature modern bathrooms, indulgent amenities, premium bedding, Nespresso espresso/coffee machines, mini fridges, fireplaces and private terraces in several room options, as well as smart TVs and complimentary wireless internet.
Anchored in timeless elegance, The Ayrshire House offers an upscale and modern guest experience where you can relax, unwind and enjoy all that Elora has to offer in total comfort.
