Follow Carlisle St. eastward in Southampton and you’ll find yourself at the end of the road at Denny’s Dam on the mighty Saugeen River, where in the 1800s, John Denny operated a hotel, a grist mill, woollen mill, owned a store, an estate at the top of the hill and two more houses.
In the mid 1800s however, the Hotel was purchased by the Buckley family. According to historic records, the Buckley coat of arms included bulls’ heads and the hotel therefore, became known as the Bull’s Head Hotel. It was adjacent to what was then the bridge that lead into Southampton and it became a popular stop-over for stage coach passengers. Horses were well cared for, a bar was available and there was often dancing. Warm rooms were heated by individual wood-burning stoves and there was fresh water from a gravity-fed spring. Buckley operated the hotel until his death in June, 1872 when his brother Richard took it over until 1883.
Today, the property is owned by Janette and Tim Thorne of Southampton and, some 18 years later, the renovation of the historic Bull’s Head Inn in Southampton is complete with a view to once again turn it back into an Inn.
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In tribute to the building’s long history, the restoration includes details such as plaster walls instead of drywall, custom-milled wide-plank pine floors from Arran-Elderslie, depression era glass transom and sidelights and historic features but with all the comforts and amenities of today’s lifestyle.
The kitchen with its twelve-foot high ceilings is complete with commercial grade appliances, three sinks, a custom-made wood burning stove, an island and a solarium that adds to the spacious feel and fills the room with light.
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Adjacent to the house/inn, is the couple’s recently completed Thorncrest Outfitters building where the owners are currently storing their business inventory of kayaks, camping equipment and outdoor items in general.
On Saturday, June 11th, the Thorne’s held an open house and welcomed visitors to tour both buildings. Tim Thorne lead tours through the home explaining the many historic facets of what was once an early hotel.
