Craig and Guy
Owners of Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast
Craig and Guy met in 2003 in Toronto and had very busy lives and careers in the big city. We loved the city and all it had to offer, but after 10 years there, we were longing for change. At the time, Craig was singing with the Canadian Opera Company part-time and teaching Grade 6. I had been in a rewarding career fundraising and marketing in the non-profit sector since 1995.
In summer 2011, we took a great road trip out to eastern Canada, which took us through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI and Cape Breton, wow – what an amazing part of Canada. We stayed at a few B&Bs while we were out East, and the experience was terrific. I had stayed at B&Bs and Country Inns during many ski trips to the eastern USA in the 1990s. Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York are full of lovely B&Bs and inns. I loved them, and they made a lasting impression on me.
In summer 2012, we had a cottage rented in Haliburton and talked a bit about owning a B&B in a resort-like town. We knew that the town we would settle in had to have a variety of community amenities. After all, we were leaving Toronto, where you could get practically anything you wanted, anytime.
While in Haliburton, we drove to Bracebridge and Gravenhurst – both beautiful towns in their own right. We headed west to Collingwood for a stay on our way back to Toronto. We fell in love with the town immediately — The Blue Mountains, main street Collingwood, the waterfront, and the list went on.
For the next two years, we planned and re-visited Collingwood to find the right property and learn everything we could about being innkeepers at a bed and breakfast. Our property search took us to what would become Craigleith Manor at 9 Craigleith Court, Collingwood. The property could not be more perfect for a bed and breakfast location. Read more about The Manor.
Fast forward to September 2017. Craig has retired from teaching and now runs Collingwood Flowers & Home Decor. We purchased an existing flower store and updated it to provide an amazing shopping experience for fresh flowers and home accents. We hope you’ll visit when you are in Collingwood.
Guest Reviews
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Craigleith Manor delivered everything we were expecting and more. The house looks like it was torn from the pages of a home design magazine. Our room was spotless and beautiful - you know that feeling you get when you open the door and it's better than the photos? My husband and I were there for my milestone birthday and we will definitely be back. Craig was the perfect host. Breakfast was amazing. My husband is still dreaming of the maple smoked bacon. My memories are of the homemade strawberry and raspberry jams and the perfect omelette. Having the Georgian trail access in the back yard was a bonus. Can't wait to visit again in the summertime! More - After reading such incredible reviews, we knew we had to experience this piece of paradise for ourselves. The property was gorgeous inside and out and the host, Guy, was so warm, welcoming, and not to mention, an amazing chef! Breakfast was different every morning and it was finger-licking delicious even with our vegan diet! Guy was also generous in sharing information about activities and dining in the area and we were more than happy with those we tried. Our room was amazingly decorated with a wonderful mix of country and contemporary decor and the view was breathtakingly relaxing! This experience was the best romantic getaway we've had in 10 years and we are certainly looking forward to making it a part of our marriage tradition! More
- It was so nice to get out of the city and feel safe at the manor. The breakfast was phenomenal with so many delicious options to choose from. Guy & Craig were so hospitable, I would go back in a heartbeat.
- Beautiful setting, fresh modern decor and warm hospitality was just what I needed for a relaxing weekend getaway. After a satisfying breakfast, I was able to walk the nearby trail. My time at the nearby Scandinave spa was topped off by Guy’s helpful recommendations for local restaurants. I was well-rested and well-fed.
- This is a great place. House and rooms are beautifully decorated. Host Guy was wonderful. A very cozy country retreat with all the Covid protocols in place. As this was a bday celebration, we had ordered a bottle of prosecco and balloons. When we arrived everything was ready. Mornings start with a gourmet breakfast made to order from a delicious menu. There are a ton of places to visit and dining venues 5-10 minutes away. Overall a really delightful experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area and wanting to get away from it all.
Patricia + Carlo - Getting away during a pandemic has its own challenges, but they made us feel very safe. The place was spotless, sanitizer readily available everywhere, masks worn by everyone, shoes removed at the door, they’ve really thought of everything to make sure you feel safe and comfortable during your stay.
Breakfast was amazing, they really go all out, and they were able to accommodate our food allergies/sensitivities.
It’s a little piece of paradise, from access to a walking trail right through their backyard, to the gorgeous Blue Mountains, there’s always something to do and see. We cannot wait to get back! - I stayed there for a weekend with my Fiance. Going in we were a little hesitant because of the rising covid numbers, but once we got there we had immediate relief. The rooms, common area, kitchen, and dining area were all spotless. Guy was fantastic and explained all the safety precautions that they have taken.
The location was great, and with a hiking trail right in the backyard it was great to go out an enjoy nature and the beautiful fall colours. Not sure if it was all the fresh air and hiking or if Guy is a phenomenal chef but it was some of the best breakfast I have had to date, even catering to both our dietary restrictions.
I would recommend Craigleith Manor to anyone looking to experience the Collingwood area - My partner and I stayed at Craigleith Manor for a long weekend getaway to reset and we were not disappointed. The Manor is stunning - the place was spotless, in a great location, with great hosts, delicious breakfast AND with an amazing view of the mountains. Upon arriving, we were welcomed by Guy and given a quick tour of the amenities but he also went the extra step to provide us with an extensive list of restaurant recommendations (all of the ones we tried were fantastic!). We were very impressed with their COVID-19 procedures and it definitely helped us feel safe during our stay. The Georgian Trail also runs just behind the Manor, perfect for a morning or evening walk in nature. I would highly recommend the Craigleith Manor to anyone who is looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway - we are already planning our next trip back! Thank you Guy & Craig!
- From the moment we walked in we felt right at home! Very clean and well decorated. Just the perfect level of attention from our host. Homemade breakfast was very tasty. Great location. Very private and quiet area. Many trails around. Would highly recommend if you wish to discover Collingwood and get some rest.
- My partner and i enjoyed our stay at the manor - Guy & Craig were great hosts! The location is lovely, and we loved our room. Breakfast was also wonderful. We definitely plan on coming back in the future!
