If you’re looking for an incredible Niagara-on-the-Lake rental during your trip to the Niagara Region, Ballard Barn is the design destination that French countryside dreams are made of. Between its unique history, luxurious amenities and proximity to the best places to go in the area, Ballard Barn is the best place to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I thought I knew what incredible vacation properties were made of…until I found the best place to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Ballard Barn is a new Niagara-on-the-Lake rental property that was opened earlier this year. A stay at this surprising and stunning property makes for the idyllic retreat you didn’t know you needed.

We’ve visited other unique and enchanting luxury properties around the world, like Chateau Les Carrasses in the South of France, Riad AnaYela in Marrakech, Morocco, and Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa in Andorra. Ballard Barn fits into a category with the likes of these properties because of its unique blend of style and amenities, and its access to the idyllic destination of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region.

While it might sound surprising that there is a a barn available to rent steps from the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, what will be doubly surprising is knowing that a stay at Ballard Barn offers the luxurious feeling of staying in a French Chateau.

From its intentionally planned spaces, luxurious design and exquisite amenities, booking a stay at Ballard Barn will be the best decision you make for a small group, or a couples’ or friends’ escape to the beautiful region of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

*Please note that this article contains some affiliate links. Simply put, it means that we may receive a small commission for some of our heartfelt and honest recommendations at absolutely zero additional cost to you.

The History of this Niagara-on-the-Lake Rental Property

Despite being a vacation home rental property today, this was not always the case for Ballard Barn. The story of how the barn came to be in this part of Niagara-on-the-Lake might surprise you.

In the late 90’s, local developer John Hawley was looking for a creative way to design a home for he and his wife Liz to live in. Instead of building a new property in the conventional sense, he decided to go in a completely different direction. He located a century barn in Vermont, and had it disassembled and put back together in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In addition to adding modern doors and windows—a lot of windows to introduce beautiful light into the space—John and Liza keenly redesigned it, turning it into the magical, rustic-castle masterpiece that stands here today.

As the ownership of the house turned over throughout the years, meticulous attention was paid to every detail in and around the home. The wild landscaping of the front gardens feel like they’re out of a Monet postcard. The inclusion of antique wrought iron railings and chandeliers sourced from France transports you to a chateau in the French countryside.

After acquiring the barn a few years ago, now-owner and designer Julie Ballard’s goal has been to preserve the house’s inherent charm, while further enhancing the already captivating and distinctive elements of the barn. Under her guidance, spaces like the rear garden, bedrooms and sitting areas have been given the extra flair and design aesthetic that creates for a more memorable, inviting, and luxurious experience so many people seek out in a short-term rental property.

Everything from the gardens to the living spaces and the luxurious amenities of the property make you feel like you’ve truly crossed through time and space to arrive at Ballard Barn.

The Living Spaces at Ballard Barn in Niagara-on-the-Lake

My recent trip to Ballard Barn was all about getting away for a couple days with my sister, Brooke. We don’t live very close to each other anymore, so any opportunity for us to have a little sisters’ retreat is so nice when we have the time to spend together.

We were so glad we decided to make Ballard Barn the destination for our relaxing weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The house has so many separate, cosy spaces, creating the perfect backdrop for catching up together, or just relaxing on your own with a good book.

Let me take you through all of the spaces where you can spend your time in an escape at Ballard Barn.

The Living Room

The living room is the focal point of the whole house. It has high ceilings, and its tall walls are filled with ornate, framed paintings and bold mirrors. It’s furnished with oversized, plush couches and chairs, perfect for falling into after a day spent exploring the town and wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

If you’re staying at Ballard Barn for a working holiday, or if you’re just in search of an inspiring place to get some writing or creative thoughts flowing, then the large desk that sits at the base of the floor to ceiling bay windows overlooking the front yard willow trees is sure to cure even the most intense of writer’s block.

The Kitchen

Although you likely don’t plan to cook on your escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the house’s wonderfully stocked kitchen might just inspire you to do so. It’s expertly designed with rich textures and colours, a large island perfect for having a glass of wine while you wait for fresh cookies to come out of the oven, and every pot and pan you could imagine needing during your stay.

As a travel writer, something that really stood out to me on my stay at Ballard Barn is how owner Julie really wants you to live in the space as if it’s a luxurious extension of your own home. I have never stayed in a short-term rental with such a well-stocked pantry and fridge. Whether you plan to cook or not, something about a pantry full of flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and a fridge with butter and eggs provided by Julie just makes you want to bake cookies on a rainy afternoon.

Julie has even thought to keep some balls of pizza dough in the freezer for anyone who might want to spontaneously try their hand at making a pizza in the wood-fired oven in the back garden. More on that later.

The Entertainment Room

This space is cozy, and perfect for watching late night TV or a movie on your vacation. At the time I visited the property with my sister for a getaway, there was a storm coming through the Niagara region, so we took this as a welcomed excuse for a movie night in the entertainment room.

Not only is the room equipped with a large TV and such comfortable couches, but there’s even a little box of candies and chocolates kept within arms’ reach of the couch. Its these lengths and thoughtful touches that Julie goes to make her guests feel welcomed that make a stay at Ballard Barn a cut above the rest.

The Fitness Centre

At the time of booking our stay at Ballard Barn, the fitness room was a room that I didn’t even know existed, but was such a welcomed surprise. It doesn’t only have a Peleton bike, but a Peleton treadmill and weightlifting set, too.

Depending on the type of trip you’re taking to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and depending on the time of year, this room will be your saving grace on a rainy day, or just to help you feel motivated and balanced on your escape.

The Gardens

The gardens at Ballard Barn feel like you’ve been placed in the middle of a Beatrix Potter book. Bunnies, squirrels and even the occasional deer come to share the property and enjoy the gardens here at the house. It’s a magical place.

A tall, decades-old willow tree fills the front garden, completely sheltering it from the road. Surrounding the willow are beautiful plots of flowers, long grasses, intimate sitting areas, and an adorable bridge over the creek running through the front yard.

The back yard is enchanting in its own right. Julie has expertly designed it to create several functional, private spaces to take your luxury retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake to the next level. There is a large, comfortable sectional and chaise sitting area with an oversized umbrella for hot days, and a fire table to relax beside in the evenings. There’s also a dedicated outdoor cooking and dining space, with not only a BBQ, but a wood-fired pizza oven.

In addition to the modern spa tub in a tucked away corner of the backyard, likely my favourite space in the backyard was the little artist’s retreat solarium house, with a secret lounge area tucked in the back. It’s a beautiful place to hide from the world and get lost in a book while enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

The Rooms at Ballard Barn

Ballard Barn is the best place to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a family, a getaway for a group of couples, a friends’ trip, or even a romantic escape. It has three bedrooms, the largest with a king bed, and two with queen beds, along with two and a half bathrooms.

The monroe Suite

Whatever images you have of the most luxurious French chateau bedroom escape you can imagine, double your expectations at the very least in every possible way. The main bedroom at Ballard Barn shares the same footprint as the living room, making it a dramatic and beautifully spacious room.

The main bedroom has a four poster king size bed, several cozy seating areas, a large TV and a full ensuite bathroom.

The Lily Suite

The second bedroom is the smallest of the three bedrooms, but it makes up for it in character and charm. It has a queen sized four poster bed, beautiful linens and curtains, and a stunning tufted loveseat with a seating area. It also has its own TV.

The Blue Suite

This is the second largest bedroom, with a large couch and sitting area, a giant desk and TV, and a queen sized bed.

It’s a beautiful room to get some work done in, or retire to for an upstairs den area. Each of the beds in Ballard Barn is plush and comfortable, so no matter which room you end up staying in, you’ll have the best sleep of your life.

The Best Niagara-on-the-Lake Attractions Near Ballard Barn

Although Ballard Barn is a destination unto itself, there are so many great places to visit in and around the old town and the shops, wineries and breweries nearby. On the recent trip I took with Brooke, we had the opportunity to check out many of these great destinations during our time there.

Wineries and Breweries Near Ballard Barn

Oast House Brewers

Oast House is a staple on any visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. They have a beautiful tasting room, and inventive beers like their Farmhouse Ales series. They frequently have a seasonal rotating tap. At the time of our visit in July, the Strawberry Rhubarb Ale was flowing.

They often have live music on weekends at Oast House, and they have a beautiful back patio area, perfect for relaxing with a pint, playing corn hole toss or indulging in some BBQ’d goodness from their on-site food truck.

Oast House is less than a 10 minute drive from Ballard Barn, making it such an easy stop on a trip through Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the perfect place to grab a few crafted beers to bring back to enjoy at the house by the fire.

Ravine Winery

Ravine Winery is another staple on a trip to the Niagara wine region. It’s in the small town of St. David’s, and is about a 15 minute drive from Ballard Barn.

Ravine is the perfect combination of a laidback and relaxed environment, with a sophisticated wine and food offering. You’ll feel at ease on a visit to Ravine, and you’ll love sampling their wines.

I’d definitely recommend beginning your visit at Ravine by sampling some of their incredible wines in the tasting room or on their scenic tasting patio. Any wines using their Gamay varietals are a highlight on your visit. I especially loved their Gamay Noir and Ravine Rose.

After a tasting, head to the restaurant for lunch from their rotating, seasonal menu or from their pizza oven.

13th Street Winery

13th Street Winery is closer to St. Catherines, so if you’re coming from the west, it’s best served as a stop either on your way to Ballard Barn, or on your way home.

Regardless of its distance from Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is a fantastic winery to visit for a tasting, a meal, or to try some of their nationally recognized baked goods. They are a fourth-generation farming family who opened the winery on site. 13th Street is known far and wide for their butter tarts, so it’s a necessity to give them a sample when you visit.

In regards to a tasting at 13th Street, I’d recommend booking one in advance on their website. Their tasting staff will expertly guide you through the four wines that you select for your experience, and the French winemaking traditions and origins of their winemaker do not go unnoticed. I personally loved their 2021 Reserve Pinot Gris during our visit.

Restaurants and Sites Near Ballard Barn

Prince of Wales

The Prince of Wales is arguably one of the most famous sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Not only is it a famous and historical hotel, but they have an excellent restaurant for lunch, dinner or a high tea, and they have a world-class spa.

Even if you don’t plan to go inside during a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is so close to Ballard Barn that you can either take the 10 minute walk or 5 minute bike to go see it in the centre of town.

Shaw Festival

The Shaw Festival Theatre is also very close to Ballard Barn. Throughout the year, the Shaw Festival always has excellent shows playing throughout their season.

If you plan on heading to the Shaw Festival during your time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the theatre is only a 15 minute walk from the house.

Olde Angel Inn

Did you know Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most haunted places in Ontario? This is largely because its history goes back such a long way, and so many unique travellers and historical figures have passed through over the years.

The Olde Angel Inn has seen all of these figures of history pass through its doors. It is technically the oldest bar in Canada, and opened its doors in 1789. Coming to the inn these days is a must on a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Make sure you make your way down to the old part of the pub in the cellar. It is an excellent place to check out on a visit to town.

Fort George National Historic Site

If Canadian-American history or the War of 1812 interests you, then it’s easy to get to Fort George National Historic Site from Ballard Barn. You can either walk or take a quick bike ride over to the fort from the barn.

Queen’s Royal Park

This is another well-known place to stop by on a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This small beach has views across the lake to Toronto on a clear day, views of the American Old Fort Niagara across the river, and a shallow swimming and wading area. Its picturesque gazebo is a frequently photographed stop on a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Activities to Do Near Ballard Barn

Bike Around Niagara-on-the-Lake

Julie has provided bikes at Ballard Barn, making it so easy and comfortable to bike around the older parts of town, or even doing a self-guided winery tour to the wineries close by.

There’s a small basket on each bike, so if you end up purchasing a few bottles of wine on your journey, you can easily keep them with you as you bike around town!

Take a Hike Along the Base of the Niagara Gorge

This is a great activity to do to have a natural encounter with the area of Niagara Falls, without having to deal with the crowds.

To take a hike through the basin of the Gorge, you’ll want to drive to the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, which is about a 30 minute drive from Ballard Barn. You’ll need to pay for parking for anywhere from one to three hours, depending on how long you plan to hike for.

Taking the Main Loop Trail all around this area of the Gorge is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon taking in the brilliant blues of the powerful Niagara River below. If you’re looking for a shorter loop, take the Main Loop Trail to the right once you get down to the Gorge, circle around the trail to the left and come back up via the Cliffside Trail.

Slowing Down at Ballard Barn

However you decide to spend your time at Ballard Barn, do so intentionally. If you’re truly looking to retreat and disconnect on this trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, then there isn’t a much better way to do it than sitting and reading a book in one of the countless corners of this beautiful property and its gardens.

Whatever it is that you seek out to do on this trip, Ballard Barn has you covered. If you are planning a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and would like to create a relaxing getaway for yourself at Ballard Barn after reading this article, then you can click here to book your stay.

This Luxury Property is the Best Place to Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Retreat at Ballard Barn