Our History

The Irwin Inn: A Family Tradition for over 60 Years

The Irwin Inn can look back on a history of Kawartha resort hospitality that spans 3 generations and over sixty years.

Ross and Norma Irwin stumbled into being innkeepers by accident. Asked to accommodate overflow guests from a neighbouring resort in 1947, they found the experience so enjoyable that, the following years, after an addition to their cottage, they began welcoming guests. Ross brought his talent as cook to the business, and many of his recipes are used to this day. He was also a compulsive builder, and, over the next 20 years, the resort expanded in every direction. By 1955 Ross and Norma could accommodate 30 guests and, with a dining room expansion in 1960, more than 75 could vacation at the Inn. The golf course was built in 1965.

By 1981, Dennis and Patti Irwin had taken over the Inn and embarked on a program of expansion and consolidation. They completed the acquisition of all the privately owned cottages near the Inn begun by Ross and Norma. Concentrating on the lakefront, they renovated existing cottages or built new ones to suit the more discerning tourists of the 80s and 90s. As well, they felt that groups or organizations would benefit from the Inn's unique site and consequently built a meeting room and upgraded facilities to attract these clients. The building program culminated in 2000 with the construction of a complex of lakeside spa suites. Sympathetic architecture and a prime waterfront location have made these suites the most sought after accommodation at the Inn.

Dennis and Patti have 3 sons all now working in some aspect of the business. Jaimey and Tina Irwin operate Stoney Lake Equestrian. They specialize in training, showing, breeding, and selling of the finest dressage horses. Their clients are international and often stay at the Inn while observing the training of their horses.

Rob and Andrew Irwin have inherited a love of building and play in important part in keeping, what is now a complex operation, working.

The Irwins have always shared a respect for the environment of which they are stewards. Using deep lake cooling (long before the City of Toronto made it fashionable), they are able to supplement both their heating and cooling requirements.

Although the reasons people visit the Irwin Inn have changed over the years, some things have remained constant - the eternal beauty of Stoney lake, the dedication of the Irwins to providing a truly memorable lakeside resort experience, and, finally, the belief that the things we cherish depend upon our will to preserve them.