Perched on a hilltop in the Niagara town of Thorold, this stately 1886 stone mansion is an imposing presence. Furnished with reproduction antiques and oil paintings, the 10-room inn looks every bit the grand 19th-century estate. In the Hugh Keefer Suite (Room 304), there’s a four-poster bed and a picture window that overlooks the Welland Canal. Many original architectural details remain throughout; a museum-style case in the front hall is filled with unusual finds, such as musket balls found during the renovation. The dining room is particularly memorable: decked out with crystal chandeliers, fireplaces and original woodwork, it’s an elegant setting for executive chef Pascal Badaoui’s sophisticated cooking. Located between Jordan and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Keefer is a convenient base for exploring local wineries. The inn’s newly opened spa offers everything from manicures to body scrubs.