By Lizz Bottrell

At the end of a long winding lane stands the grand three storey Boxton Prairie Experience. Surrounded by trees, etched with trails, and only a few minutes from Grenfell, the Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to get away from the hectic routines of the everyday.

Ruth Claxton and husband Lloyd Box moved the Eaton catalogue home to its current location three years ago. After two busy years of renovation, they finally moved in last year. Claxton’s husband works away from home a lot of the time pipelining, which gave her the opportunity to help fix up the house. “I have learned to do everything at some level,” said Claxton after talking about working as the plumbing assistant.

Though the original house bought in 1919 came with indoor plumbing and a furnace, which was rare for that period of time, a lot of work needed to be completed in order to make Boxton Prairie Experience a true home away from home.

“About half [of the furnishings] are heirlooms. The rest are from sales, auctions and antique shops,” said Claxton. One of her most treasured items is a light fixture hanging in her more than impressive kitchen. “It comes from my great grandfather’s general store in Grenfell. It burnt down in the 1930s, but somehow this light survived,” said Claxton.

Just to prove how carefully she chooses pieces for her collection; the house includes antiques all the way from New Brunswick - including a chair in the parlour and a painting of Queen Victoria hanging in the British Empire Room.

Claxton says there’s no shortage of guests. “We haven’t really done any advertising. People just call and ask if we’re ready.” Guests began staying at the home at the beginning of December. The month was also busy as Claxton hosted quite a few dinner and Christmas parties.

Boxton Prairie Experience boasts five rooms, all with a unique story. The music room, located in the completely refinished attic, includes a spa tub, beautiful view and instruments from Claxton and Box’s ancestors. Another of the rooms is the Mary Widows room. “Mary Widows, as the story goes, was very free with her favours with men,” said Claxton. “Some of it [the stories] is based on fact - all about people in the area. The rest is embellished either because of lack of facts or just to make it a bit more interesting.”

Claxton and Box are not done yet though. “We have a wedding in August that we have a lot to do for,” said Claxton. In the coming months they are fixing up an old hall and landscaping the yard. Right now there are lots of footpaths fit for snowshoeing in the winter or walking in the summer. Further, if you are looking for spa treatments, Boxton Prairie Experience offers room service. Just be sure to call ahead to book. Eventually full spa services will be offered on the lowest level of the home.

This is a one of a kind home and a must see. To book a tour, a guest room, or even a dinner party, call Ruth Claxton at 697-2200.