From City Life to Small Town Dreams

In March 2021, I left Toronto and my job at Rogers, packed up my life, and moved to Calabogie—a small, under-the-radar town tucked into the Ottawa Valley. The world was mid-pandemic, everything felt uncertain, and I was looking for something slower, something more connected, something that felt real. That something turned out to be a run-down roadside motel on three acres of gently sloping land, shaded by towering pines and golden-leafed maples.

It wasn’t much to look at, not yet. The motel had long served hunters, snowmobilers, fishermen, and hydro workers passing through or staying long-term while working on the nearby dam. The rooms were dark and tired—grey industrial carpet, saggy queen beds, pleated gold lamps, and that unmistakable scent of dampness that settles in when things have been left alone too long. There was no lobby. No fire pit. No chairs to sit in outside. But there was something about the bones of the place. It had space. It had peace. And it had the kind of potential you can feel in your chest even when it doesn’t make a bit of sense on paper.

Demo Days and Dust Clouds

We started construction in April 2021. I teamed up with a local contractor who had big ideas, a big personality, and not always the follow-through to match. There were weeks when things barely moved, and others where it felt like the entire place was being rebuilt in a single breath. We took it all back to the studs and built it again, this time with purpose.

The August long weekend came fast, and with it, our first test guests—friends and family who weren’t just there to relax. They unpacked fridges, helped make beds, and swept out clouds of drywall dust. That weekend was chaotic and heartwarming all at once. It wasn’t polished, but it was real. And it set the tone for everything that came after.

The Rooms: Designed for the Way You Actually Want to Feel

The first thing we did was reimagine the rooms—not just how they looked, but how they made you feel. We brought in tons of natural white oak for built-in shelving, headboards, and custom furniture. We replaced lumpy queens with cloud-like king beds layered with sleep-in-worthy linens and soft, earthy textiles. There’s space to sit with a glass of wine, read a book, or just be still for a while.

And then there are the bathrooms. We wanted them to feel like a moment—not an afterthought. They’re tucked at the head end of the room for a bit more privacy. Inside, you’ll find high-end fixtures, deep green moody tile, and walk-in showers with handmade detailing and rainfall showerheads. Some rooms even feature in-room soaker tubs, where you can unwind with the trees just outside your window.

Everything is curated to create a feeling of comfort, warmth, and simplicity—what we like to call “just right.”

The Lobby: From Shed to Something Special

There was no lobby when we bought the place, so we built one—literally. We converted an oversized prefab shed into a space that now feels like the heart of the hotel. But it’s not your typical hotel lobby. You won’t find a front desk here. Instead, you’ll pull up a barstool, meet one of our team members (likely with a glass of wine in hand), and ease into your stay like you’ve just arrived at a friend’s place.

The space is warm and grounded. Lots of natural light and an ever-rotating lineup of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines from around the world. We’ve designed the lobby to feel like a gathering place, not a transaction. You come to check in, but you stay to connect—over good wine, good music, and conversations that meander.

Our People: Locals Who Know All the Hidden Gems

A big part of what makes Somewhere Inn feel different is our team. We’ve hired people who love this place—really love it. People who can tell you where to find the secret hiking trail that doesn’t show up on Google Maps, the dock that gets the best golden-hour glow, or the restaurant patio where the locals go on a Friday night.

They’re here to welcome you like family and double as your in-house wine enthusiasts. Seriously—everyone on the team is trained in the wines we offer, and they’re more than happy to help you find your new favourite bottle.

The Grounds: Your New Favourite Backyard

Outside, the transformation might be even more dramatic. We added comfy loungers under the trees and Adirondack chairs with lake views. There’s a wood-burning sauna and a cold plunge tucked into the back of the property, free for all guests and perfect for the thermal cycle—hot, cold, rest, repeat.

Saturday mornings in summer, we host yoga on the lawn. In the evenings, we light the fire pits, pour the wine, and watch as guests who arrived as strangers start to settle in, connect, and swap stories under the stars. Whether you come alone or with your crew, there’s something about being outside here that makes everything else feel a little smaller—and a little more okay.

From Hunting Lodge to One of Ontario’s Most Striking Boutique Hotels

Somewhere Inn Calabogie isn’t a typical motel, and this isn’t a typical motel makeover. We didn’t just paint the walls and swap the carpets. We built something that feels deeply human, wildly beautiful, and a little bit unexpected. What was once a forgotten roadside stop is now a destination for seekers of calm, connection, and adventure.

It’s been a wild ride. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

About the Author

Joel Greaves is the founder of Somewhere Inn, a collection of boutique hotels rooted in nature. After leaving a marketing career in Toronto, Joel moved to Calabogie to create a space that makes people feel deeply cared for. He now splits his time between running the hotel, curating the wine list, and discovering Ontario’s best small-town hangouts.