HEART RETREAT IS LOCATED ON SOME OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE ACREAGE IN THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE. ON TRADITIONAL ANISHNAABE TERRITORY.
HEART Retreat acknowledges that we are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Anishnaabe (Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Oji-Cree, Odawa, Potawatomi, Mississaugas, Nipissing and Algonquin peoples) This Territory is covered by Williams Treaty (1923).
The settlers or visitors came here in 1883 purchasing two 100 acre parcels of land from the government. The farm was cleared, planted and worked with the assistance of horses and stayed with this same family until 2006. The property was then sold, renovated and resold in 2011 to us so we could become Stewards of the Land, protecting it from development and maintain it's beauty and balance.
We are blessed to have found such an amazing property with such a great history.
The property (on government documents at the time) was crown land purchased from the government for $48.45 in 1868. The 100 acre property was sold for $1,900.00 in January 1883. The occupying settlers of the land bought the farm for $2,500.00 in December 1883. The other 100 acres was purchased by the settler's son for $3,500.00 in December 1918. The property remained 200 acres until 1965 when a small severance was taken from the southeast corner.
The present house was constructed in 1896, in 1900 the back part was added and in 1965 renovations were made- a water system was installed downstairs and a bathroom was added. The original barn was built in 1898 and the addition to the barn was constructed in 1912. The property to this day is used for farming and livestock.
We take comfort in knowing that the original stewards of the land would be proud of what their property has accomplished all because it was nurtured with respect, love and good intentions.