Where History Meets Heart: The Reawakening of 333 Main Street

If walls could talk, the stately manor at 333 Main Street would have over a century’s worth of stories to tell. Known to many long-time residents as a historic landmark—and remembered by some as a former horse farm—the property has long occupied a special place in the collective memory of Port Dalhousie.

For years, neighbours watched the house with a mix of curiosity and concern, wondering what the future held for the gracious old building. This spring, those questions have been answered with a vibrant burst of colour, music, and hospitality.

Meet Olga de Wit and Mike Dykstra, the new faces behind The Farmhouse Manor Bed & Breakfast. Since moving to Port last August, the couple has been on a mission to honour the home’s history while breathing fresh, eclectic life into its many rooms.

A Radical Romance

The story of how the couple ended up at 333 Main Street is nearly as romantic as the house itself. Olga, originally from the lush wine regions of South Africa, met Mike just seven years ago under serendipitous circumstances. Mike had travelled to South Africa to celebrate his uncle’s 70th birthday; as it turned out, that uncle was Olga’s next-door neighbour.

"We met at the celebration, and three months later, he proposed," Olga laughs. It was a "radical" leap of faith that saw her trade the Western Cape for the Great White North. Mike, a former Peel police officer of 17 years turned entrepreneur, lured her here in the summer so the Canadian winter wouldn’t scare her off.

The couple soon discovered a shared "forte": restoring and renovating historic homes. After successfully breathing new life into a Victorian property in Paris, Ontario, they began looking for their next project.

Finding Home in Port

Olga, whose father was a wine certifier in South Africa, felt a deep pull toward the Niagara region. “The vineyards and fruit trees remind me so much of home, just without the mountains,” she says.

When they discovered the opportunity to secure and establish a Bed and Breakfast at 333 Main Street , Olga felt an immediate connection to both the house and Port Dalhousie.

With her extensive background in marketing and hospitality, combined with a passion for interior design, she is confident in making this next venture a success.

Pushing the Envelope

Since August, the couple has been a two-person whirlwind of creativity. Mike’s background in construction and project management paired perfectly with Olga’s distinctive and bold design aesthetic.

Walking through the manor today, visitors won’t find off-the-shelf furniture. Instead, the home unfolds as a curated mix of bold art, bespoke décor, antique pieces, and rich hues. Each room is thoughtfully designed as its own unique vignette, creating spaces that feel both cozy and inviting.

“We enjoy pushing boundaries, experimenting with texture, pattern, and tone,” Olga says. “You can completely transform a space simply by replacing a conventional light fixture with a unique vintage find, or by adding a bold accent to a feature wall.”

The restoration isn’t just happening inside. Olga and Mike are deeply mindful of the community’s sentiments surrounding the property, particularly the loss of the old orchards and trees years ago. This summer, they hope to partner with local nurseries or start a community fund to begin replanting trees on the grounds.

More Than a Bed & Breakfast

While the B&B is already seeing a 60 per cent occupancy rate for May, Olga sees 333 Main Street as more than just a place to stay over. Her goal is to create a space for intimate, locally rooted experiences.

In March, the manor hosted its inaugural High Tea event, thoughtfully limited to 14 guests to ensure an intimate and sophisticated experience. Olga, a gifted musician, also plans to bring her grand piano to life. Her vision extends to relaxing garden music soirées, where neighbours can gather with blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy local talent in a relaxed, picturesque setting.

The innovative couple transformed the basement into a serene yoga studio, while an authentic wine cellar adds to the manor’s charm, and two characterful cats, Eva and Finley, serve as its unofficial mascots.

A Sense of Belonging

For Olga, the most rewarding part of the transition hasn’t just been the completion of this project, but the warm reception and support of the people.

“After being in Canada for seven years, I feel a profound sense of belonging here,” she says. “Port Dalhousie is an incredible community. People stop you when you’re out for a walk—they’re genuinely interested and deeply proud of their heritage.”

As the couple prepares for an official spring launch and open house to introduce themselves to local business owners and Port Dalhousie friends, their message to the neighbourhood is clear: the landmark on Main Street is in good hands.

“Being here feels meant to be," Olga says. "We are proud and grateful to be the custodians of this beautiful property and have a vision to make it a meaningful part of the community."

Whether you’re interested in a staycation, a spot of tea, or simply enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere of the homestead, The Farmhouse Manor is ready to welcome you into its next chapter.