Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake
House in Niagara-on-the-Lake
7 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
The Secret Garden Cottage is a charming, licensed short-term rental home situated in Historic Old Town of NOTL. Your stay will lift your spirits with all the comforts of home. Beautiful in any season, enjoy having the house to yourself, as well as the gifts that this unique area has to offer. A 10-minute walk from the main (Queen) street, you can walk or cycle to the many high-quality wineries, outstanding restaurants, charming shops in town, and highly-acclaimed Shaw Festival productions. Or cozy up with all of the comforts of home, enjoying a glass of local wine on the back deck or in the Garden Room, while gazing out over the stunning Secret Garden.
This home is the perfect size for a "couples’ weekend", and it is large enough to accommodate up to 7 guests. Inside there are games, puzzles, books, and Amazon Prime TV, all helpful with keeping children and adults engaged! Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen (spices, oils, sugar, flour...it has it all!), use the big BBQ in the backyard, or dine out at one of the amazing local restaurants.
Need a work space? No problem! Your office can be in the Music Room.
The Secret Garden is the absolute gem of this property and, as was the case for all of my previous guests, you can enjoy it while sitting in the Garden Room, on the back deck, or in any of the 3 tiers of the garden.
Located at the back of the garden, the shed contains 2 bicycles, saving you having to rent elsewhere! Use them to experience wine-tasting, outstanding farm-to-table meals, and the wonderful trails in the wine areas, and alongside Lake Ontario.
It is situated right next door to the famous Willow Cakes and Pastries shop, and within walking distance to so many restaurants, wineries and other attractions. The walk to the main street (Queen St.) is 12 minutes.
It's just a 15-minute drive to the Outlet Collection at Niagara, and 30 minutes to Niagara Falls.
MAIN FLOOR:
The Secret Garden is a hidden gem, and the beautifully landscaped property can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the home, with spacious front and back porches.
The GARDEN ROOM is the most special place of the home. Cozy up with a good book, a mug of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine, and you will be in your own little oasis. There is also an electric fireplace for cooler days.
The KITCHEN features all the appliances you will need, has so many glasses, dishes, pots, pans and more, and the pantry is well-stocked with baking and cooking supplies. The adjoining DINING ROOM has an expandable table with 6 chairs. (2 additional ones are stored in the basement.)
Need an office to work at your home away from home? There is a desk in the MUSIC ROOM. It also has an upright Kawai piano, should you need to rehearse some music or just want to have a sing-along with your family or friends. That room also has a double sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick.
There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.
UPSTAIRS:
TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds are on the upper floor, and THE PRIMARY BEDROOM also contains a love seat that can be set up as a twin sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS SOFA BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The UPSTAIRS SPACIOUS BATHROOM with combined tub/shower, toilet and sink with plenty of counter space, also has Pharmacopia and Beautycounter toiletries provided and, of course, plush towels for your use.
Enjoy the floral and musical themes throughout the cottage, and be sure to have a glass of wine (provided by your host!) on the deck overlooking the extensive and stunning Secret Garden, or in the Garden Room with a beautiful view!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
1) 7 is the maximum number of guests that the Secret Garden can comfortably accommodate. There is an additional charge of $50 per sofa bed per stay, so that the sofa beds can be prepared in advance of your arrival, with cozy bedding, extra-thick mattress covers, and enough pillows and towels provided for all guests, and then dismantled after your departure.
2) The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake now requires me to charge 3% MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) beginning in 2024, and 4% in 2025. I have built that into the fee per night, including the HST on the MAT.
3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023
4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795
This home is the perfect size for a "couples’ weekend", and it is large enough to accommodate up to 7 guests. Inside there are games, puzzles, books, and Amazon Prime TV, all helpful with keeping children and adults engaged! Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen (spices, oils, sugar, flour...it has it all!), use the big BBQ in the backyard, or dine out at one of the amazing local restaurants.
Need a work space? No problem! Your office can be in the Music Room.
The Secret Garden is the absolute gem of this property and, as was the case for all of my previous guests, you can enjoy it while sitting in the Garden Room, on the back deck, or in any of the 3 tiers of the garden.
Located at the back of the garden, the shed contains 2 bicycles, saving you having to rent elsewhere! Use them to experience wine-tasting, outstanding farm-to-table meals, and the wonderful trails in the wine areas, and alongside Lake Ontario.
It is situated right next door to the famous Willow Cakes and Pastries shop, and within walking distance to so many restaurants, wineries and other attractions. The walk to the main street (Queen St.) is 12 minutes.
It's just a 15-minute drive to the Outlet Collection at Niagara, and 30 minutes to Niagara Falls.
MAIN FLOOR:
The Secret Garden is a hidden gem, and the beautifully landscaped property can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the home, with spacious front and back porches.
The GARDEN ROOM is the most special place of the home. Cozy up with a good book, a mug of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine, and you will be in your own little oasis. There is also an electric fireplace for cooler days.
The KITCHEN features all the appliances you will need, has so many glasses, dishes, pots, pans and more, and the pantry is well-stocked with baking and cooking supplies. The adjoining DINING ROOM has an expandable table with 6 chairs. (2 additional ones are stored in the basement.)
Need an office to work at your home away from home? There is a desk in the MUSIC ROOM. It also has an upright Kawai piano, should you need to rehearse some music or just want to have a sing-along with your family or friends. That room also has a double sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick.
There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.
UPSTAIRS:
TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds are on the upper floor, and THE PRIMARY BEDROOM also contains a love seat that can be set up as a twin sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS SOFA BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)
The UPSTAIRS SPACIOUS BATHROOM with combined tub/shower, toilet and sink with plenty of counter space, also has Pharmacopia and Beautycounter toiletries provided and, of course, plush towels for your use.
Enjoy the floral and musical themes throughout the cottage, and be sure to have a glass of wine (provided by your host!) on the deck overlooking the extensive and stunning Secret Garden, or in the Garden Room with a beautiful view!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
1) 7 is the maximum number of guests that the Secret Garden can comfortably accommodate. There is an additional charge of $50 per sofa bed per stay, so that the sofa beds can be prepared in advance of your arrival, with cozy bedding, extra-thick mattress covers, and enough pillows and towels provided for all guests, and then dismantled after your departure.
2) The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake now requires me to charge 3% MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) beginning in 2024, and 4% in 2025. I have built that into the fee per night, including the HST on the MAT.
3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023
4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Niagara-on-the-Lake
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
5.0 / 5.0
Everything about this place was wonderful. Tara had thought of every possible convenience. The cottage was clean and the gardens were lovely. Close to the shopping district and bike trails.
5.0 / 5.0
Exceptionally clean and comfortable with a back yard that will inspire you. Bicycles were are wonderful surprise!
5.0 / 5.0
Great place in fabulous location to Vineyards and downtown Niagara on the Lake! Gardens spectacular! Will be going back!
5.0 / 5.0
This house was perfect for my family of 6 vacation! I was concerned it might be a little tight for us but we had plenty of space at this beautiful home!
5.0 / 5.0
We really enjoyed our time at the secret garden cottage. The garden in back was amazing and very private. Mornings in the back room overlooking the garden, and evenings on the back deck were our daily routine. There are several restaurants and a great bakery that are easily within walking distance. And being able to walk or bike to NOTL and the the paved trail system is a major plus. We will definitely be booking this place again in the near future.
5.0 / 5.0
From start to finish, we had a perfect stay at The Secret Garden Cottage. Serenely decorated and quaintly designed, the cottage, with charming sun room and remarkable garden, perfectly complemented our visit to Niagara on the Lake. The cottage is close enough to walk to shopping and dining on Queen Street and well placed to visit area wineries and attractions. The small market and excellent bakery next door were an extra treat. Best of all, Tara is a wonderful host!
5.0 / 5.0
Great stay! House was great, very clean, lots of kitchen supplies, close to downtown. Lots of room for two couples. Highly recommend!
5.0 / 5.0
This 2as our second visit to the Secret Garden Cottage and we couldn't be happier. The house is perfect for a getaway and close to all the restaurants, shopping and sights in Niagara on the Lake.
5.0 / 5.0
Pefect spot for a girls weekend away, or a family when you want to have more room than a hotel offers. Our girls weekend away was special in this quaint cottage, The sun room in back was so peaceful and relaxing for morning coffee or afternoon drinks. Everything you need is there and Tara could not have been more helpful. Totally recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
One of the better home rentals we have stayed in and we have stayed in quite a few. Hostess was responsive and generally wonderful. Thank you for sharing your lovely little cottage!
5.0 / 5.0
Exceptional choice for a weekend getaway. Feels like home with lovely gardens and a well appointed spotless space! Tara is also fantastic at communication and leaving all the necessary information you need for the house and the surrounding area. The bikes are a perfect extra for the winery tours.
5.0 / 5.0
This property was everything and more than we expected! Easy to find, centrally located, clean, comfortable, cute, thoughtful amenities. Will stay here again when we have the opportunity to!
5.0 / 5.0
This place was everything we needed as a party of 4. It was very clean and well stocked. Beds and pillows were both very comfy. The garden was also beautiful!
5.0 / 5.0
We had a 2 night stay at the Secret Garden Cottage. It is beautiful inside and out. Has everything you could possibly need. Great location. I hope we can go back one day. Thanks Tara, you’re a wonderful host.
5.0 / 5.0
My mom, aunt, and I had a wonderful stay 3 night at the Secret Garden Cottage! It rained quite a bit during our trip, but the beautiful views of the gardens from the sunroom allowed us to still enjoy the yard…we had coffee together here every morning! Tara was very responsive and kind whenever we reached out with questions and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It was our first time visiting Canada and we had the best time! We also took advantage of the restaurant and winery suggestions Tara provided via email. We enjoyed lunches at Bistro Six One, The Farmhouse Cafe at Caroline’s Cellar and dinners at Ruffino’s and Niagara’s Finest Thai. Having the bakery and Avondale food store right next door was very convenient. We absolutely loved the all of the gorgeous flowers blooming around town and it was nice to return “home” to such a comfortable cottage with the same feel. Thank you, Tara! We’d definitely return!
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely place. Great location and home -- cozy, clean and convenient. The gardens are wonderful.
5.0 / 5.0
The Secret Garden Cottage is just that. The house is serene and easy to relax in. It is clean and well stocked and you feel at home. The gardens are a magical surprise. You won't believe you are in a residential neighborhood once you see the gardens. We hope to stay here again in the future.
5.0 / 5.0
The cottage is exactly as pictured, and very well taken care of! Tara is accessible and communicative and kind, and the personal touches throughout the home (including paintings by family, I believe) make it clear this is a special, loved place and not just a rental unit. Any issues that came up were addressed speedily and the beds are very comfortable, with lots of down bedding. Lots of books and activities for all ages (we had kids ages 1-7 and 3 adults), and the nearby Queen street has tons of cute shops, restaurants, and a nice playground. The only surprising thing was that the cottage is right next to a large convenience store (which is great!), but amazingly it still feels so private thanks to the thoughtful fencing and landscaping. We look forward to hopefully coming back sometime in warmer weather (though the garden room was also beautiful in the spring rain!)
5.0 / 5.0
The Secret Garden Cottage is perfect for a cozy, relaxing stay. Tara was awesome in responding immediately, offering great restaurant and winery suggestions and thinking of every last detail. The cottage is comfortable, cozy and very clean which made for a perfect stay. There are thoughtful details everywhere - a well stocked kitchen, soft sheets, fluffy towels, great books, etc. Just next door are a fantastic restaurant and bakery. We will be back soon!
5.0 / 5.0
Excellent location and accommodations - loved starting our day in the sunroom with coffee and having happy hour in the garden. Couldn’t have been better.
5.0 / 5.0
Nice solarium looking on to a beautiful garden. patio was great . Kitchen well stock with everything you need. Steps away from a very good bakery. Home was spotless and very well decorated. The beds were really comfortable. We got a nice bottle of wine from Tara, which was really appreciated. Tara was an amazing host and very easy to communicate with.
5.0 / 5.0
I would highly recommend booking this property! The garden is simply stunning, and the home itself is clean, well-kept, and tastefully decorated. The owner is very friendly, and quick to reply to correspondence. Overall, we had a wonderful experience there, and would definitely go back :)
5.0 / 5.0
We enjoyed our stay so much. Tara has all the details in this cottage! She was so lovely to deal with. Her garden oasis is beautiful!! We will definitely be back.
5.0 / 5.0
Beautifully appointed home with a backyard view fit for Better Homes and Gardens. Patio and sunroom were favourite hangouts while we were there. Excellent location for a visit to the NOTL region.
5.0 / 5.0
This property oozes with charm & serenity. I can sit in the sun room all day and stare at the garden. Everything is clean, functional and tasteful, given the age and size of the property. in my opinion, it was the perfect size for my party of three but the owner have provisions for more people. Tara was very responsive to inquiries, requests and adjustments that our trip needed along the way.
5.0 / 5.0
We loved everything about our stay here from the comfort of the beds, gorgeous garden, well-appointed kitchen and communications with Tara. The thought that went into this rental is really appreciated from paper towels, clean sponges to plenty of bath towels, it was just easy to stay here and didn't feel like I had to run out or bring a bunch of minor things. The house was so clean and comfortable, it felt like home. The location was an easy walk into town.
5.0 / 5.0
Relaxing Stay
Location is great, my family and I were able to walk into town every day. The house is cozy and was a great place for my family to stay. The landscaping is very good as well.
5.0 / 5.0
Perfect Girls Weekend Getaway.
This little house has everything you need for the perfect weekend. It is stocked with everything from your spices to a nice bottle of local wine. The gardens are wonderful and even in the end of April it is full of spring bulbs . Can’t go wrong with this one! Thanks Tara! We will be back again.
5.0 / 5.0
Great house with wonderful garden
We really enjoyed our stay at Tara’s house. It was in a great central location, was very clean and has a wonderful garden. The communication from Tara was excellent and she checked in with us to see if everything was good. We would definitely stay there again.
5.0 / 5.0
Really lovely stay
Really enjoyed staying at Tara's place. Super well laid out, and especially loved the bonus tooms for privacy when needed to take calls and do work. Felt like the really nice home of a friend in a beautiful town versus a rental. Garden is exceptional and the sun room allows you to take that in regardless of season. Highly recommend both the sushi and Thai restaurants in town, nice 15 minute walk, with all that Queen has to offer a short walk away. Highly recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
All the comforts of home!
Lovely updated “cottage” with modern appliances and tasteful and thoughtful extras not usually provided in a Vrbo rental (beautiful dishes and glass ware, cutlery, a well stocked pantry of essentials, linens, night lights in most rooms, a fireplace in the sunroom to warm us on a cool evening with our after dinner coffee, and a welcoming bottle of wine).
Tara is a gracious and thoughtful host, an eager communicator.
We hope to return during a season when we can enjoy the fullness of the gardens, although there was still much to admire in early November this year.
5.0 / 5.0
The most charming home centrally located
Our stay was lovely. Tara's home is warm and cozy. It feels like staying at a family or friend's place. It's impeccably clean and organized. Parking is easy and you can walk to the best of NOTL. The kind gesture of a personalized bottle of wine was wonderful.
5.0 / 5.0
Great property with an amazing garden in a good location
Very well appointed property but the garden is the real highlight. It extends a couple of hundred yards from the back porch of the house and provides a lush and private experience that really surprises given the hustle and bustle of near by amenities. The property is within close walking distance to a convenience store, a bakery, a restaurant and even a Tim Hortons but surprisingly they do not impact the feeling of privacy in the house or the beautiful back garden.
5.0 / 5.0
Wine and Biking
Lovely house and beautiful garden. Also enjoyed the use of bikes. Location is very central but just outside main busy downtown area. Would highly recommend. Also, Tara was a pleasure to deal with.
5.0 / 5.0
Magnifique secret garden
The property was clean, good location and very well equiped.
The garden is wonderfull
5.0 / 5.0
A wonderful stay…again
Tara offers a beautifully, well-appointed home with a garden that never ceases to amaze. Our second year visiting, and definitely not our last.
5.0 / 5.0
Loved it
Great little house. Perfect location. Beautiful and large garden. Communication with the host was easy. She responded immediately anytime we had questions or when we needed local recommendations. We will stay here again.
5.0 / 5.0
excellent
Very inviting, clean l will give it 5-stars
5.0 / 5.0
Stunning! Feels like home!
So well looked after and every detail thought of. Fantastic!
5.0 / 5.0
Great trip for family
Place is exceptional, it had everything needed and more. Tara was an excellent host, easy to communicate and provided timely responses. The location is central and easy to walk to all amenities.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
The average price for a rental in Niagara-on-the-Lake is $188 per night. This rental is $184 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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