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Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Welcome to your home away from home - the Secret Garden Cottage!
Living room at the front of the home. Large front hall closet for your coats.
View of the Secret Garden from the Back Deck at sunset.
The gem of the home - the Garden Room with electric fireplace for cooler days.
Super comfy queen size bed with Canadian pine furniture in Primary Bedroom.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 71496.2 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
  • Jackson-Triggs Winery
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Shaw Festival Theatre
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Peller Estates Winery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • St. Catharines, ON (YCM-Niagara District)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Main floor Music Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Primary Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Full Second Floor Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main floor bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

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 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 within walking distance to many coffee shops, 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.) There are black-out blinds in this room, contributing to a quality sleep.)

The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick. You can also sign in to your other accounts, such as Netflix, if desired.

There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.

UPSTAIRS:

TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds and black-out blinds (for an amazing night's sleep!) 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 organic Pharmacopia and Rocky Mountain Soap Company 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) About TAXES: Town of NOTL requires me to charge a MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) of 4% on the room rate fee. Airbnb does not have capacity for this to be charged separately, so I have had to build it into the nightly fee. I "back out" the MAT and submit it to the Town. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax - combination of Provincial and Federal) of 13% is applied to the room rate and MAT, and I submit this to the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).

3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023

4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795

Property manager

Tara
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children 3 and older are welcome
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Events

No events allowed
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This home is not child-proofed for very young children. There are both a portable high chair and a portacrib (with sheet provided) available for use.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 061-2023

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located on a lake, this holiday home is in Old Town Historic District, a neighbourhood in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rainbow Bridge and Skylon Tower are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and Aquarium of Niagara. Travelling with kids? Don't miss Niagara SkyWheel and Maid of the Mist. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours and health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

What's nearby

  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Jackson-Triggs Winery - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Shaw Festival Theatre - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Fort George National Historic Site - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Peller Estates Winery - 4 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Niagara Falls, ON (XLV-Niagara Falls Train Station) - 21 min drive
  • Niagara Falls, NY (IAG-Niagara Falls Intl.) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Two Sisters Vineyards - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Irish Harp Pub - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Peller Estates Winery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cannery Restaurant - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake located?

This family-friendly Niagara-on-the-Lake holiday home is located on a lake, within a 15-minute walk of Niagara River Gorge and Lake Ontario. Royal George Theatre and Museum of the Paranormal are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Garden Cottage stay

My sister and I spent two nights at Tara’s and had a lovely time. We spent most of our time in the garden room catching up over coffee and wine. Thank you Tara for being a super host and thank you for a delicious bottle of Niagara wine to start our stay. We would definitely come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

evelyn m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Tara was wonderful. Her home is so beautiful. I can’t wait to visit again,
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Burgundi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Trip Niagara on the Lake

We had a great stay at the Secret Garden Cottage. The host was super friendly and quick to reply to messages. The house itself was cozy and very clean. We really enjoyed our morning coffee time in the Garden Room. The view to the backyard was so nice! We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne-Marie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Excellent host - great communication. Fantastic property - immaculate and has everything you should need. I will definitely return in the warmer months - I want to see that amazing garden in full bloom! Thank you Tara!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JIM H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Garden Cottage

Great place in fabulous location to Vineyards and downtown Niagara on the Lake! Gardens spectacular! Will be going back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Garden Cottage

Great stay! House was great, very clean, lots of kitchen supplies, close to downtown. Lots of room for two couples. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great weekend in NOTL

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Garden Paradise

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home for a family vacation!

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!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Garden

Lovely place. Great location and home -- cozy, clean and convenient. The gardens are wonderful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal setting in NOTL

Exceptionally clean and comfortable with a back yard that will inspire you. Bicycles were are wonderful surprise!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelli A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So wonderful!

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exactly what we needed!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cottage!

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in this beautiful cottage

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Special Stay at the Secret Garden Cottage

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

warren m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring 2024

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.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful weekend getaway

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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

michelle d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A special jewel.

This cottage is absolutely charming!! Great host, thank you Tara :) pristine inside and out. Patio and garden made our holiday extra special. Fun family time in the music room. We found our happy place for our future NOLT getaways!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jodi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Little Piece of Paradise in Wine Country

What an incredible cottage Tara has here! It’s far roomier than the pictures show, and the backyard is exceptionally beautiful! It felt just like the movie the Secret Garden - hence the name, obviously. Tara was so responsive to any questions we had, and ensured this cottage was perfectly equipped and prepared for all guests’s needs. The location was great as well - central to everything we wanted to see. A short walk to some fabulous shops and restaurants, a quick 5-10 bike ride to some renowned wineries, and a short 20-min drive to the falls. We all agreed we will absolutely be back. Thanks for being such a wonderful host, Tara! Cheers.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect cozy cottage

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol W., Calgary Alberta

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John P., Cornwall, ON Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas with the family

I booked this cottage so we could have are family over to cook a family meal for Christmas in a home. This cottage had everything to make everyone fell at home. Ty to Tara for answering all my questions.( Owner ) we had a wonderful Christmas.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

About the host

Hosted by Tara

Host profile image
I have always been drawn to beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, not far from my home in Toronto. I inevitably feel a big sigh of relief as I enter the region, driving past the orchards and vineyards during the different seasons and seeing the colours change from one week to the next. I am a member of several local wineries, but also try to visit the ever-growing number of new ones when I am not gardening at the Secret Garden Cottage. The Secret Garden Cottage is a dream come true for me, and I love sharing it with others! It's so gratifying to hear from my guests what a wonderful time they have had staying at the Secret Garden Cottage, and that my suggestions for how to get the most out of beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake were helpful. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable.

Why they chose this property

Niagara-on-the-Lake is quaint and inviting, and has so much to offer both residents and guests: From wine tours to world-renowned restaurants, and the famous SHAW Festival Theatre. The Secret Garden Cottage is in a perfect location, allowing those who stay there to easily enjoy them all. Park your car in the driveway, and walk next door to one of the top bakeries in town. The house is so well situated - it's a short walk to "downtown NOTL", and fun to pop into the unique boutiques, galleries and specialty shops. Visit wineries or book a wine tour. Be sure to use the two complimentary bicycles I have provided.

What makes this property unique

The neighborhood is beautiful, the proximity to town is perfect, and there is a quality Kawai piano in the Music Room! The Secret Garden Cottage is equipped with everything you need, with complimentary Pharmacopia toiletries and a bottle of complimentary local, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine, a fully-stocked kitchen with laundry facilities as well, an outdoor barbecue grill, a Smart TV with Amazon Fire Stick, and a multitude of puzzles, books and games for you and your family or friends to enjoy. Spend some time discovering the 3-tiered Secret Garden, and pick some tomatoes in my vegetable garden! Enjoy a glass of wine on the back deck or in the Garden Room. Allow my home-away-from-home to be your home-away-from-home for a little while!

Languages:

English, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests