Welcome
A storied landmark reimagined for Oakville's waterfront
The Oakville House carries forward the lakeside inn established by William Chisholm and beloved innkeeper William Sumner, welcoming travelers and townspeople at the corner of Navy Street and Lakeshore Road.
We are listening, sketching, and learning how a renewed Oakville House might welcome tomorrow's guests while staying true to the shoreline stories that make this town special.
Photography sourced via Pexels · Danuta Niemiec
Photography via Pexels · Josh Hild
Heritage at the heart of the master plan
Stagecoaches once pulled up to Oakville House for clean beds, hearty meals, and good cheer, with William Sumner's hospitality widely celebrated.
Today we are studying archives, walking heritage streets, and gathering community memories to understand what a thoughtful continuation of that welcome could look like.
Guest experience highlights
- Moments that slow the pace—fireside lounges, breezeways that frame the lake, and nooks for unhurried conversation.
- Dining ideas rooted in local growers and lakefront traditions, shared around intimate tables.
- Gathering spaces that feel familiar to Oakville residents yet inviting to new travellers.
Crafted interiors for connection
We imagine arrival that feels like stepping into a familiar parlour—arched thresholds, soft light, and the easy rhythm of downtown storefronts.
Sketches explore layered millwork, collected art, and pockets of calm that neighbours and travellers alike could share.
Photography via Unsplash · Kandis Lake