Boutique “moteliers” April Brown and Sarah Sklash. The June Motel Beaver Valley is set to open in early 2024.
by Jen McNeely //
Boutique “moteliers” April Brown and Sarah Sklash, owners of The June Motel Prince Edward County and The June Motel Sauble Beach, announced today that they will be adding a third property to their portfolio. The June Motel Beaver Valley is set to open in early 2024.
Located in the village of Kimberley, a minute up the road fromHeart’s Tavern and a quick zip to Beaver Valley Ski Club, and with easy access to Thornbury and Collingwood, The June Motel Beaver Valley is well positioned for ski season. But Brown and Sklash see it as a four-season retreat that will connect guests with the natural surroundings in countless ways.
“We’re describing it as a quaint country outpost—a hideaway nestled in nature,” says Brown. “It’s definitely an access point to nature, a launchpad for adventure!”
Brown and Sklash opened The June Motel Prince Edward County in 2017. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, the pair opened The June Motel Sauble Beach, transforming the 24-room location into a ‘70s-inspired beach getaway, complete with a pool, shop and “seafood shack meets 1970s California coastal cuisine” restaurant.
But with only eight rooms, The June Motel Beaver Valley will be much different.
“It’s not at all what we were looking for—it’s small and quaint,” admits Sklash. But after the initial trip to check out the listing, it was the breathtaking drive that changed their minds. “That first time you come through the valley and see those views, it’s incredible.”
Asked whether the Beaver Valley would be the picturesque backdrop for Season 2 of Motel Makeover, the Netflix series that documented the transformation of The June Motel Sauble Beach, Brown and Sklash confirm—with a slight sigh of relief—that there will be no Netflix show for this location. However, they say fans and design lovers can still follow along every step of the way, and even participate in some design decisions, via an eight-episode Instagram series that will launch this October (instagram.com/thejunemotel).
Demolition began last week, and if you pass the property right now, you’ll see a dumpster bin out front and a driveway full of pickup trucks, with construction in full swing.
Brown says the new location will stay true to The June brand. “We still want to be that throwback, with a touch of retro and playful mixes of patterns, feminine; those are things that are true to The June design, but with every property, we like to be able to tell a different story and play with the different designs and eras.”
Unlike Sauble Beach, there will be no restaurant or bar. Sklash and Brown cite the area’s existing food scene, including Heart’s Tavern as well as Justin’s Oven, the go-to for Friday night pizza. Chef Jonathan Gushue, known from his time at Langdon Hall, is planning to open The Vale, a high-end restaurant on the same strip. The Bruce Wine Bar is also just a short drive away.
While guests will still be able to book one- to two-night stays, The June Motel Beaver Valley will also be available for entire takeovers—team retreats, family reunions and micro-weddings.
“We saw a growing need for a different kind of getaway experience, a more intimate one,” said Sklash. “Something that falls in the sweet spot between an AirBnb and a boutique hotel.”
Before they open their doors, Brown and Sklash say they have been enjoying discovering the region themselves, floating down the Beaver River with Free Spirit Tours, visiting the neighbouring Spy Cider House and Distillery, and getting to know local farms, like Sumac & Salt, where one can book a 10-course tasting menu. There are also plenty of casual hotspots they’ve fallen for, like Thornburys’ Good Grief Coffee and Susan’s Delicatessen in Markdale.
It’s an exciting time for the region, but the growth of tourism is also a concern for residents, who worry about the natural surroundings and precious wildlife. Brown and Sklash say they are aware of these concerns and want to be part of the region’s responsible growth.
“We’re small. We’re eight rooms. It’s not for people passing by, but hopefully for people who want to come for a couple nights, be slow and spend time and money in the region. We don’t want to be everything. We’re part of your stay here, and we’re really hoping to connect our guests with all of the experiences that are already here in the area. It’s really special.”
