Our History
80 Queen Street, Almonte, previously known as Menzies House B&B is one of the town’s most notable heritage homes.
Built in the early 1850s by Scottish immigrant John Menzies, the large white frame house overlooks the Mississippi River and originally served as both a family residence and as a commercial property
Historical records indicate that Menzies operated a general store from the basement while living upstairs, reflecting the mixed residential and business use common in early Almonte. A blacksmith shop was also located on the property during its early years.
Menzies later became Registrar for North Lanark County and was an important figure in Almonte’s development.
The house survives today as a designated heritage property and was operated as a bed and breakfast for over thirty five years by Pat and Frank Vetter.
Today, the property continues its tradition of hospitality under the stewardship of descendants of Pat and Frank Vetter, who carry on the family legacy by operating 80 Queen as an inn and are welcoming guests to one of Almonte’s most historic homes.
80 Queen is believed to be the oldest standing home in Almonte.
Historical View
Menzies House was built for merchant and land registrar John Menzies in ~1853.
Textile Museum Archival Photo
Archival photos taken in 1980/1990 while identifying heritage conservation properties
Historical Atlas Entry
From 1863 Historical Atlas
1930s Photo
Snippet showcasing a 1930s photograph of the home.
Pat Vetter
Pat Vetter, who with Frank Vetter, operated 80 Queen as a Bed & Breakfast for 35+ years. (‘Menzies House B&B’)
River Sentinel
Higher quality scan taken from this article about the Burr Oak found on the property. River Sentinel | The Millstone
- c. 1850–1853 – House constructed by John Menzies, Scottish immigrant, merchant, and future Registrar of North Lanark.
- 1850s – Basement operates as a general store serving the growing village.
- 1850s – A blacksmith shop operates on the property.
- 1863 – The property appears in Belden’s Historical Atlas and is identified as John Menzies’ Store.
- Late 1800s – Menzies serves as school trustee, township councillor, and Registrar of North Lanark.
- Early 1900s – Property passes to the Wylie family, descendants of early Ramsay Township settlers.
- 1920s – House deteriorates significantly and is nearly demolished, becoming locally known as the “shaggy barn.”
- 1920s–1930s – Saved by local druggist Mr. Patterson and carefully restored under the direction of Ottawa architect Gordon Hughes.
- 1960s – Acquired by Pat and Frank Vetter, who begin a decades-long stewardship of the property.
- 1960s – Pat and Frank Vetter restore, maintain, and enhances the historic home while preserving its heritage character.
- Late 20th Century – Menzies House becomes a recognized heritage property and bed & breakfast destination overlooking the Mississippi River.
- Today – Descendants of Pat and Frank Vetter continue operating the property as an inn, carrying forward more than 170 years of hospitality and preservation at 80 Queen Street. Renovations are underway to restore and maintain historic elements, and to update inn amenities.