RACHEL DYCK, For the Independent

The Jakobstettel Country Inn is open for business once again.

Established as the home of E.W.B. Snyder in 1898, the 4.5-acre estate is located at 16 Isabella Street in St. Jacobs, backing onto the Mill Race Trail.

Since its years as a single family dwelling, the Jakobstettel has functioned as a bed and breakfast, a corporate retreat centre and spa, a wedding venue and an upscale country inn.

When one of the Inn’s owners was accused of conducting fraudulent activity in 2009, the Jakobstettel Inn and Suites (as it was known at the time) was shut down and put up for sale. Several changes in ownership since then have resulted in lessened business activity.

However, as of April 1, the Inn’s new owner Paul Sampson and his team of co-workers have been working hard to “bring (the Jakobsettel) back to its original glory,” inviting guests young and old to enjoy its unique and historic charm.

“It’s a lot of fun – you get to meet interesting people,” says Sampson.

The Inn’s 13 private ensuites are priced from $139.50 to $225 per night, which includes a continental breakfast every morning. Guests have access to a swimming pool, a horse shoe pit, tennis courts, and complete kitchen and barbecue facilities during their stay. Spa treatments are available through local registered massage therapists for an extra fee.

Sampson wants the Inn to be a “home-away-from-home” for tourists and travelling business people especially, where guests will feel comfortable getting to know one other as well as staff.

“It’s nice to be able to sit down and talk to people,” he says.

Locals are welcome to drop by and tour the facility to get a feel for what it’s like.

“People are happy that it’s being re-opened.”

As the Jakobstettel Country Inn website is still under construction, all inquiries and reservation requests can be directed to Paul Sampson at 519-220-6381.