Artistic Loft in a Historic Gothic Stone Church

This private, bright, unique and spacious studio loft is custom designed and built into a 1900 historic Gothic Stone Church. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Perth or Smiths Falls, it is a perfect setting for authentic travelers and cultural explorers. Experience a beautiful region known for its lakes, rivers, parks & farms. Take art lessons, canoe, kayak, cross country ski, hike, bike or simply relax & take in panoramic views and experience the best of Lanark County's country way of life. The space This listing's terms, conditions and fees are non-negotiable. Serious inquiries only please. It is highly recommended that you review the details of the Listing and House Rules before you book to stay at our home as our guests and that our environment is a good fit for your needs and expectations. The Studio Loft is a creative studio in an authentic historic church . It is also a family homestead and not a commercial establishment or a Bed and Breakfast. Welcome to Perth and Lanark County and experience it like a 'Local'. Visit "Ontario's Prettiest Little Town" located one hour South of Ottawa. You can stay at this quaint, one-of-a-kind studio loft built into a historic stone church steeple and enjoy stylish space surrounded by art, architecture, history and nature created by people who are passionate about what makes this church homestead and region so special. This self check-in private studio loft is perfectly suited as a retreat for families, friends and those away from home for work. PLEASE NOTE: This property is a strictly smoke-free environment. The Loft is very spacious featuring 3 bedrooms: First bedroom has a Queen bed with vaulted and open ceiling with soaring beams. Second bedroom has a Queen bed with en-suite access and features curved walls as it is built into the Nave of the original architecture. Third bedroom is actually in the original Bell Tower and it has a Single bed with ladder steps, which lead up to an additional single bed. A fold out cot is available upon request. In addition, we have a gallery with artwork throughout the open-concept studio. The space has a living room, dining room & kitchen, a bathroom, wood pellet stove and plenty of closet spaces. The top floor of a four-storey bell tower features a quiet room with a spectacular view perfect for reading, meditation or yoga. Throughout the loft, enjoy stained glass, an art gallery, soaring vaulted ceiling with original beams and from the bell tower, a bird's eye view of the Tay Basin as it comes to meet the Rideau Lake. The en suite bedroom built into the Nave feature curved walls. A South garden facing floor to ceiling window and deck looks out to our 'Star Gazing Platform' and brings the outdoors in. Ask us about our in Studio art lessons for yourself and your group. Close to Murphy's Point Provincial Park, Cross Canada Trail and the Rideau Lakes. 10 minutes drive into Perth and Smiths Falls, home to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can book art lessons at the Church: Learn the ancient art of Chinese Ink Painting or Stained Glass Art and bring home finished artworks. Inquire about booking a creative learning experience for yourself or for your group at the Church. Lessons are 3 hours long, include a light lunch and connect and enrich participants to culture, history and the essence of creativity besides hands on learning fun. Below, are some highlights from Hosts Janice and Garry: Hosts since the '80's, we understand and appreciate what makes our community special and we enjoy assisting those away from home or new to local culture and environment, to enjoy and experience themselves like a local . Established since 2002, the Studio Loft known as Artmakers Studio was custom designed and built into the 1900 historic stone Church known as St. James. The Studio is a place where ideas are made, art created and creativity shared. It is also a place of welcome, learning, rest, relaxation and mindfulness. You can visit the Beveridge Lock Station Trails, a designated UNESCO heritage site located 3 km. from the Church. Lanark County is known for its country flavours. From maple syrup to craft beer, handcrafted chocolate and local farmers' market, there is something special for everyone. Located just around the corner is the Port Elmsley Drive in Theatre, a local favorite. Watch movies under the stars and visit the retro canteen. The Perth Farmers' Market is a hub of local wholesome goodness. Open every Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May to October at the Glass Palace beside the Tay River Basin. Great baked goods, soups, drinks, BBQ, organic meat/vegetables/fruits, flowers and just about everything wonderful from local producers and growers. A great place to spend a perfect Saturday morning and bring amazing ingredients back to the Church Homestead to enjoy during your stay. Another place we love is Jim's Snack Shack in Rideau Ferry where one can savor the best Fish and Chips on the planet. Don't let the wee 'Shack' fool you. The flavours from what Jim cooks is delicious and his portions are 'Lumber Jack' sized. Jim is friendly, generous and we highly recommend and appreciate what he does so well. Guests may be able to borrow our canoe, kayaks, paddle board, bicycles, cross country skis, or Provincial Park Pass upon availability. Advance notice and safety deposit is required. A small service fee is required. Ask us for details. We are located near trails, beaches and lakes. The groomed trails at Murphy's Point Provincial Park are superb. Help yourselves to some courtesy welcome snacks and/or breakfast items in the Studio. There are brochures and maps available. Best of all, we can refer and recommend the best of our community, terrific places to eat, shop, explore and to have fun. Linens, towels, general kitchen ware are provided for your convenience. With warmest welcome to our Church home, a country way of life and a brilliant unique creative space. Janice, Garry and Family Guest access The entire studio loft upstairs of a historic stone church, separate entrance and separate parking. Please note that the backyard is private. Please text us if you'd like to enjoy our yard and it'll be our pleasure to give you a tour. Just ask us in advance. Do not use the spiral fire escape staircase. It is for emergency use only. Thank you. Other things to note The Studio is suitable for adults. Children must be supervised at all times in and around the property due to art, modern open railing staircases, ladder stairs and ponds. The location is a rural setting. Windows have screens but please make sure to close open doors to keep the insects out and to maintain indoor temperature. The main floor of the Church is a separate Listing and has an 'Accessible Entrance', can accommodate up to 7 guests and is suitable for children and seniors. The entire Church can accommodate up to 14 guests. Ask us for availability. A Studio Loft Information Book is available with guide to nearby places to visit, shop, eat and explore. Original art and handmade crafts throughout the studio and gallery are available for sale. Please refer to the Information Book for details, pricing and payment. Contact us if you require special gift wrapping or assistance. Common sense and respect is appreciated. Please do not take or remove anything from the property without permission and report anything damaged. Come and see us if you have any questions or if you need anything is best practice. PLEASE NOTE: This is a strict smoke free environment which means absolutely no smoking is tolerated anywhere near, in or on the property including sidewalks. Important Safety Note: Children are not permitted to stay in the Tower Room with ladder stairs. Young children must be supervised at all times. Please do not open the doors for young children to the 'Star Gazing Platform'. Ensure everyone who come with you is a registered guest. Due to liability issues, do not invite non-booked guests on the property at any time. If you would like to have a friend visit, please ask us in advance so that we can register them for you. We are very experienced Hosts and have acted as Host Family since 1982. We enjoy sharing local culture, geography, foods, languages, and specialties with people who are new to the region. Combining a sense of welcome and being ambassadors in sharing what makes our community special is our objective to hosting.