Now’s Your Chance to Run Your Own Farmhouse Inn in Ontario’s Prince Edward County

Listed for $1,500,000, The Ferg is an 1840s residence offering three lovingly restored suites.

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In recent years, Ontario’s Prince Edward County has drawn flocks of visitors with its art galleries, farm-to-table cuisine, craft breweries, vineyards, and picturesque beaches. For accommodation, those in the know have sought out The Ferg, a heritage farmhouse in the quaint town of Picton. Dating back to the 1840s, the handsomely renovated property offers three stays—the one-bedroom Garden Suite, the two-bedroom Heritage Suite, and The Loft—that can be booked separately or together. Now listed for $1,500,000, The Ferg offers a tantalizing small business opportunity.

Originally built in the 1840s, The Ferg is located about two-and-a-half hours east of Toronto in the delightful town of Picton in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Licensed as a short-term rental property, the restored farmhouse comprises three modern suites just steps from popular cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The Ferg is the brainchild of photographer Jaime Kowal, who recently sold another beloved rental property, The Amado in Palm Springs. She purchased and renovated the building with her former business partner in 2015, and now co-owns it with her sister and parents.

Six years ago, she and her then-business partner were on vacation in "The County" and decided to look at listed properties for fun. "It never occurred to us that we would actually buy," says Jaime. "I was living in Palm Springs and was in the process of launching The Desert Collective [hospitality chain], and my business partner was based in Toronto. We toured four properties that weekend, and the minute we walked into The Ferg we knew it was a special spot."

Originally used as a horse stable, the two-story Loft has been completely redesigned. The space features 20-foot-tall ceilings, as well as woodwork by a local designer to offset the original exposed beams.

Being more than 170 years old, the property boasted incredible bones but was in need of a complete remodel. Fortunately, Jaime and her then-business partner were up for the challenge. "The renovation was extensive, and more than we originally thought it would be," she says. Throughout the process, they replaced the electric work, installed a central air system, and updated the plumbing in addition to integrating heated floors and new fireplaces, windows, doors, fixtures, and appliances throughout.

"We completely overhauled The Loft, removing the upstairs balcony and demolishing the original front entry and closet to reveal a large, airy open space," says Jaime. "We added insulation and sub-flooring, and also redesigned the fireplace." Windows and doors were also installed to allow natural light to pour inside.

"We added layers of warmth throughout using natural materials, textures, color and art—much of it sourced locally from a number of fantastic vintage shops and boutiques," says Jaime. "Outside, we created a common area with a picnic table and walkways, enlarged the driveway to create a small parking lot for guests, and planted tall grasses and a vegetable garden. It took almost a year from start to finish, but since then, the property has been successfully operating as a short-term rental."

Mint-green cabinets in the kitchen add a subtle pop of color against the muted palette.

The Ferg allows renters to book one, two, or all of the suites, depending on their needs. "The door between the Main House Suite and The Loft opens up, so you can enjoy a multifamily gathering while still enjoying your own privacy," explains Jaime.

Upstairs in The Loft, a custom balcony built by a local artist is the perfect setting for yoga.

"It’s a great property for someone living in Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal, as it’s a short drive away, and with the three suites you can still come for the weekend with your family and friends and rent the other suites," says Jaime. "When we first started renting in 2016, The County was a bit more seasonal, but the region has exploded in the last five years, and now it’s truly a year-round destination."

As part of the renovation, the original wide-plank floors were sanded and sealed.

A look at the spacious bedroom upstairs, which offers a king-size bed.

Having now entered a new phase in life, Jaime and her family are seeking to turn over the keys to a new proprietor. The sale includes everything from the property itself to the brand assets, website, logo, and booking system—along with all of the art, furniture, decor, and supplies. "The Ferg is a true gem," says Jaime. "It is in excellent condition and has consistently generated positive cash flow over the last five years with a 5% cap rate. We have a number of reservations on the books for this season already that the new owners will inherit."