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By Sanam Islam

Photo: Irene Miller

Built in 1870, the Stewart House Inn combines old-world elegance with modern-day comforts. Surrounded by century-old black walnut and pine trees, the inn is on an acre of woodlands overlooking the Avon River parklands, yet is just two blocks from downtown Stratford. Owners Marc Armstrong and his wife Lynn Logie aim to create a high-end, five-star experience for guests, who have included veteran Stratford Shakespeare Festival thespian Christopher Plummer. Each day starts with a homemade gourmet, locally sourced breakfast and in-room silver coffee or tea service and ends with a personalized note and evening treat like cookies or fresh fruit.

The most requested of the seven rooms at the inn is the largest, the Regency Room, which has a king-sized canopy bed and a sitting area with a chaise-lounge, sofa and wingback chairs. The en-suite bathroom has a double sunken soaker tub, a mahogany sink chest and a crystal chandelier. Another popular choice is the cottage-like Garden Suite, which has a private entrance, its own parking spot and direct access to a private patio by the heated outdoor saltwater pool that all guests share. Those who want quiet should opt for the Carolina Room, at the back of the inn, whose decor captures the charm of the 18th- and 19th-century American South with its queen-sized four-poster rice bed, a Tiffany-style ceiling fan and a sitting area by the fireplace.

While there is no restaurant at Stewart House Inn, the in-house chef creates customized menus for private dinners with advanced booking. And you can try your hand at cooking lobster bisque or apple fritters in small cooking classes offered at off-peak times.

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