Merrill House is a boutique inn in a Gothic Revival house on Main Street East in Picton, a short walk from the harbour and the town's shops and cafes. It was built in 1878 and restored with original details, and its rooms and suites each have their own character, from classic rooms to romantic and luxury suites that sleep two to four guests. Rooms have a coffee or tea maker, robes, a hair dryer and a smart TV, and the property has free Wi-Fi, free self parking, air conditioning, a terrace and garden, a fitness room, concierge service and luggage storage. The inn has a restaurant, afternoon tea, private wine tastings and a small barrel sauna that the concierge can heat. It is a four star property and one of the more polished stays in the county.
Location and getting around
Merrill House is at 343 Main Street East in Picton, a short walk from the harbour, the Regent Theatre and the shops and cafes of Main Street. The harbour is a few minutes on foot, the Regent Theatre about five minutes and Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area about sixteen. Belleville station is about 33 minutes by car and Kingston's Norman Rogers Airport about 65 minutes. Free self parking is included, though a car is still the easiest way to reach wineries and beaches.
The rooms and the feel
This is a Gothic Revival house, built in 1878 as a home for Judge Edwards Merrill and restored with original features such as the front staircase and wood-burning fireplaces. The inn has around a dozen rooms and suites with their own themes, many tied to regional history, and the decor mixes modern art, antiques and curiosities.
There are twelve room types, from classic rooms to romantic and luxury suites, mostly with garden views and sleeping two to four guests. Rooms have a coffee or tea maker, robes, a hair dryer and a smart TV, and the property offers a terrace and garden, a fitness room, concierge services, luggage storage and two meeting rooms. Pets are not allowed apart from service animals.
Food, wine and wellness
The house has a restaurant on the lower level that uses local ingredients and has its own wine focus, afternoon tea, private wine tastings, private yoga and a small barrel sauna that the concierge can heat. Dining hours and wine bar days are limited, so check before you go, and note that breakfast generally needs a reservation and may not be included in every rate or season.
Who it suits and what to know: choose Merrill House for a romantic weekend, a wine trip or a special occasion, and if you like a walkable stay in the largest town with a historic building and thoughtful design. It is not the cheapest base, and it is not for guests who want a pet-friendly stay or a pool. Check-in is from 3 pm until 8 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. Book early for summer and autumn weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Fitness equipment
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Luggage storage
Good questions
Where is Merrill House?+
At 343 Main Street East in Picton, a short walk from the harbour and Main Street.
Is parking free?+
Yes, free self parking is included.
Are pets allowed?+
No. Only service animals are allowed, so check the policy before you travel with a pet.
