It was once the home of an acclaimed, but short-lived restaurant, and now 52 Wharf Street in L’Orignal is for sale.
From 2021 to 2023, the heritage stone mansion overlooking the Ottawa River was home to the Riverest Restaurant. The restaurant closed in October 2023 and is now listed for sale with an asking price of $1,650,000. In addition to being equipped as a restaurant on the main floor, the house also has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is considered one of the best examples of Regency period architecture in Ontario. The house was built by the Marston family in 1833.
In 2022, Faces Magazine named Riverest as Ottawa’s Best New Restaurant, even though it is not in Ottawa.
The Riverest website is advertising the historic home as available for short-term, overnight accommodation.
In 2021, Riverest signed an agreement with Champlain Township to operate the adjacent L’Orignal Marina for five years.
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel said he had been unaware the restaurant property was for sale until The Review contacted him. Riopel said the operations of the marina will not be affected because the agreement between Riverest owner André Chabot and the township remains in effect.
“He’s still under contract,” Riopel said.
According to the Riverest website, the marina is still accepting reservations from boat owners interested in mooring their vessels at the marina during the upcoming boating season.
