Where It All Started
Look, we're not gonna pretend we've been here since medieval times - though the fortress itself? Yeah, that's got some serious age on it. What we've done is taken this incredible piece of history and turned it into something you'd actually wanna stay in.
1247
The fortress was built by early settlers as a defensive structure. Back then, you definitely wouldn't call it comfortable, but those stone walls? Still standing strong.
1600s
Changed hands a few times during various conflicts. The fortress saw its fair share of action - you can still see some of the original arrow slits if you know where to look.
1823
Became a private residence for a wealthy merchant family. They added some of the more decorative elements - the grand staircase, ornate fireplaces, stuff that makes it feel less like a fortress and more like a home.
1942-1945
Used as a military training facility during WWII. The tunnels underneath got expanded during this time - now they're part of our historical tours.
1998
Designated as a National Historic Site. This recognition meant serious restoration work could begin - and boy, did we need it. The place was stunning but falling apart in places.
2018
Opened our doors as Cinderflare Fortress. Seven years of restoration later, we've got heated floors in 800-year-old chambers, a spa where soldiers once trained, and WiFi that somehow works through three-foot-thick walls.
The Original Stone Walls
These bad boys are original 13th-century construction. We've reinforced 'em, sure, but they're the real deal.
The 1823 Addition
When the merchant family moved in, they wanted to make a statement. This staircase definitely does that.
Tower Views
From up here, you can see why they picked this spot. The views haven't changed much in 800 years.
The Great Hall
This is where we host our medieval banquets. The vaulted ceiling? Yeah, that's been here since day one.
The Tunnels
These got expanded during WWII but parts date back way earlier. Every tour group loves exploring down here.
The Courtyard Today
Took us three years just to get this right. We wanted to respect the history while making it actually usable.
The Restoration Story
Turning a fortress into a hotel isn't exactly straightforward. We worked with heritage specialists, architects, and historians for seven solid years. Every decision was a balancing act between keeping things authentic and making sure guests could, y'know, actually be comfortable.
The trickiest part? Installing modern systems without destroying historical elements. We ran plumbing through original drainage channels, tucked electrical work behind preserved timber beams, and somehow managed to get central heating into rooms with walls thick enough to stop a cannonball.
There were setbacks, sure. We found a hidden chamber that delayed construction by six months (turns out it was an old chapel - pretty cool discovery, terrible for the timeline). But every challenge taught us something about this place's past.
Explore Our Heritage ToursWhat Makes Us Different
We're not trying to be a theme park version of history - this is the real thing, just with better beds
Authentic History
You're sleeping in rooms where actual historical events happened. The walls have stories, and we've documented most of 'em.
Modern Luxury
History's cool, but nobody wants to rough it. We've got all the comfort you'd expect from a five-star place.
Expert Guides
Our heritage team includes actual historians who genuinely geek out over this stuff. Their tours are way more interesting than you'd think.
Natural Setting
Perched on Heritage Mountain with trails leading right from our grounds. The location's as impressive as the building itself.
Recognition & Awards
National Historic Site
Designated 1998
Protected and preserved for future generations by Parks Canada
Heritage Conservation Award
2019
For exceptional restoration work that maintained historical integrity
Luxury Historic Hotel
2020-2025
Recognized annually for combining heritage preservation with modern hospitality
The People Behind It All
We've got a team that ranges from historians and heritage specialists to chefs trained in both medieval recipes and contemporary cuisine. Some of our staff have been with us since we opened in 2018, others joined because they fell in love with the place as guests.
What brings everyone together? A genuine appreciation for this fortress and wanting to share it with people. We're not just going through the motions here - when our guides tell you about a particular room's history, they're sharing something they actually care about.
Whether it's the housekeeping team carefully maintaining antique fixtures or our concierge mapping out the best hiking trails, everyone here takes pride in what this place represents.
Get In Touch