Gypsy By The Lake B&B provides old-school hospitality

By Mike Anderson

With a great location, competitive rates and sumptuous breakfasts, Gypsy By The Lake B&B in Jackson’s Point is a popular choice for visitors staying overnight in Georgina.

And, with the closure of Whispering Pines B&B, Gypsy By The Lake, 33 Albert Street, is now the only municipally licensed bed-and-breakfast operating in the Point.

Nine reviews on Tripadvisor rank the 3-star B&B as excellent, with a 5 out of 5 rating.

Les Nagy, who took over the business from his late mother Monica, who ran it for over 20 years, says he doesn’t need to advertise, relying instead on word of mouth and repeat business.

While there are lots of Airbnbs available in Georgina, according to Nagy, Gypsy By The Lake offers something different: old-school hospitality.

“Airbnbs do not have hosts. I’m specifically here for my guests,” he said. “I cook for the guests personally.”

Nagy, a former chef who still bakes for Sutton’s Market Street Bakery, offers a European-style gourmet breakfast with delicious sourdough bread he bakes himself.

“The breakfast is made a hundred percent fresh for the person when they come down. So it’s not made at a specific time. And if the customer is late or sleeps in, that’s fine. It’s when they want to have it.”

Nagy, 58, who has lived and worked in Georgina for decades, also knows the best spots to eat out and what attractions not to miss.

“There’s the Lake Simcoe Arms Pub just down the street from here, Boondocks Eatery, in Virginia Beach, has a great patio that overlooks Georgina Island, and Papa Luigis, on High St, is a great restaurant too,” he said.

“I also tell them about the Georgina Farmers’ Market at the Link on Sundays. There’s lots of entertainment in town; the Arms has two bands playing weekly. The Mansion House and Top Spot Pub are also great venues.”

But having a knowledgeable guide on hand isn’t the only bonus for guests staying at Gypsy By The Lake.

Nagy’s B&B is just steps from Franklin Beach, one of Georgina’s best beaches.

“The backyard leads out to Franklin Park. So it has almost direct access to the beach, and the bigger De La Salle Beach is within walking distance,” he said.

Room rates are lower than those of most local hotels, at $160 for two adults during high season, and are further reduced during the winter months to accommodate ice fishers, some of whom travel from Michigan to stay at Nagy’s B&B.

For more information, visit www.gypsybythelake.ca. Or call 1-905-722-5735.