Travel + Design: Everly Inn

When Tonja Buder was in her 20s, she worked at a friend’s coffee shop and caught the small business bug. Since then, she’s wanted to create something of her own, saving photos and inspiration to a Pinterest board for safekeeping. A decade later, her dream came together when she and husband Mark Pavlidis purchased a plot of land in Hillier, Prince Edward County. “I like to think of the county as an incubator,” says Buder. The couple wanted to start a business, but also to add to the county’s thriving tourism landscape.

“We asked ourselves: what is the need here? At the time, the need was for accommodations.”

Living adjacent to a small three-room bed and breakfast open year-round would also allow them to welcome guests into their home and share the best of what PEC has to offer. Thanks to their massive acreage, the couple was able to install a sizable solar panel on the lot to power the entire building in the summer months. In addition, a geothermal pump provides the house with hot water, while the house’s placement on the lot maximizes passive heating and cross breeze. Why did they decide to go all-in on a green build? “The world is on fire!” says Buder. “We wanted to avoid fossil fuels entirely.” 

Thinking green isn’t all about energy (though that’s a big part of it). To reduce waste as much as possible in the 6,700-square-foot build, the couple used metal roofing instead of shingles, which need to be replaced more often, and clad the exterior in weatherproof stucco. 

Their locally minded and eco-friendly ethos is reflected in every detail – from rubber-filled organic Obasan mattresses to refillable in-shower toiletries by Telford Basics. A local carpenter fabricated all the beds using locally-sourced white oak, the same material that adorns the inn’s floors. Buder’s minimalist sensibilities are reflected in the interior design, which favours light wood and enveloping textures to allow the picturesque surroundings to shine. 

Buder hand-selected works by local artists to animate the inn’s ivory walls. Biophilic pieces by Becky Comber and Heidi Conrod enliven the front entrance and guest rooms. The Everly Inn welcomed its first guests in July 2021, and now they are looking for ways to give back to the community. According to Buder, they have their work cut out for them. “We’d like to use our space to help others in the county,”  she says. “Now that we’re more settled, the question is, How do we help our neighbours?”

For more informations about the Everly Inn please visit EVERLYINN.CA

IF YOU GO

		La Condesa Located on one of Wellington’s main streets, La Condesa is a tiny, trendy Mexican restaurant serving up delicious tacos and incredible mezcal cocktails.
		Rosehall Run Vineyards There’s no shortage of wonderful vineyards to visit in Prince Edward County, but Rosehall Run gets points for its stylish outdoor patio set-up and custom wine flights.
		Millefleurs Lavender Farm If you’ve ever dreamed of frolicking in a field of lavender, now’s your chance. Millefleurs offers lavender mead and honey products, as well as a one-of-a-kind photo opp.
		Wellington Farmers’ Market Tucked behind the Eddie Hotel & Farm, the Wellington Farmers’ Market is a must-visit for local wares, produce and county fare.
		Matron Fine Beer In the heart of Bloomfield, Matron Fine Beer is the perfect place to pick up a six-pack of your favourite ale – or sit down for dinner or lunch at their in-house kitchen.