Retreats at Stone Manor Studios

Step back in time. Immerse yourself in creativity.

Our retreats are a rare chance to live, learn, and create in a place where history still lingers. In partnership with The Poplars Resort, we offer an all‑inclusive, single‑price booking that blends rustic heritage accommodations, nourishing meals, and inspiring instruction at Stone Manor Studios. This is not just a getaway—it’s a return to a slower rhythm of life, where you can immerse yourself in your art or craft, surrounded by like‑minded people who share your passion for making.

The Poplars: A Historic Retreat on the Lake

The Poplars Resort has been welcoming guests since 1923, when it was built as the private summer home of a wealthy Newboro resident who made his fortune in Syracuse at the turn of the century. Though his business took him across the border, he loved his hometown so deeply that he returned each summer, creating this remarkable retreat for his family. Over time, the property transformed into a rustic lodge and cottage resort, but much of its original charm remains intact. Staying at The Poplars feels like stepping back to camp—a place where the lake, the woods, and the historic lodge itself become part of the experience. The accommodations are simple yet storied, with original buildings that still whisper of a different time along the Rideau Lakes.

An Immersive Creative Experience

At the heart of every retreat is the balance between guidance, practice, and rest.

Instruction at Stone Manor Studios: Learn from inspiring artists and makers in an intimate, welcoming studio environment.
Creative Time: Dedicate uninterrupted hours to your art or craft, free from daily distractions.
Rest & Connection: Return to the rustic charm of The Poplars to recharge, reflect, and share stories with fellow retreat participants.

It’s a rhythm of learning, creating, and resting that nourishes both the spirit and the imagination.

Welcome to a Weekend Like No Other

Step into a place where history, art, and community meet. Tom Thomson & Friends is more than a workshop, it’s a full retreat experience designed to inspire, restore, and connect. Nestled in the heart of Newboro, Ontario, you’ll spend your days learning from rug hooking artist Carol Shewan, drawing inspiration from the iconic works of the Group of Seven and Emily Carr. By night, you’ll relax at The Poplars Resort, a lakeside lodge that has welcomed guests since 1923. This is your chance to step away from the everyday, to surround yourself with colour and creativity, and to immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspired Canada’s most beloved artists.

The Poplars Resort – Historic Lakeside Charm

Tucked along the shores of the Rideau Lakes, The Poplars Resort is a place where time slows down. With its cozy cottages, hearty meals, and original 1923 lodge complete with a stone fireplace, The Poplars embodies a spirit of simple luxury and rustic comfort.

Here, you’ll find:

Cottages by the water, available in single or double occupancy

Hearty breakfasts and dinners served in the historic lodge dining room

Fireside evenings filled with rug hooking games, conversation, and laughter

A BYOB atmosphere—bring your own wine or favourite drink to enjoy in good company

The peace and beauty of the Rideau Lakes right at your doorstep. From the moment you arrive on Friday afternoon, The Poplars becomes your home away from home.

Stone Manor Studios – A Creative Sanctuary

Your days will unfold at Stone Manor Studios, a restored 1860s carriage house turned creative retreat centre. Sunlight fills the high-ceilinged studio, while the attached conservatory and surrounding gardens offer tranquil spaces to rest between sessions.

Here’s what awaits:

Daily rug hooking sessions guided by Carol Shewan (Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM)

Lunches served at the Manor, indoors in the dining room or outside in the Victorian gazebo if the weather allows

A peaceful off-site working space, designed for creative focus and reflection

Surrounding gardens and a private forest trail for mindful walks and quiet moments. Stone Manor is a place that invites you to slow down, look closely, and create with intention.

Hook to Heart

Under Carol Shewan’s expert guidance, you’ll create your own rug hooking project inspired by one of these iconic works:

The Jack Pine – Tom Thomson
Big Raven – Emily Carr
North Shore, Lake Superior – Lawren Harris
Afternoon Sun, Lake Superior – Lawren Harris
Mirror Lake – Franklin Carmichael

Each patterin is interpreted in a stained glass rug hooking style. You will need to have pulled a few loops to participate in this course, but you do not need to be an expert by any means. Come here to learn, grow your skills, and understand the patterns following in the steps of Canada’s artistic giants. Advancing beginners will enjoy structured guidance, while seasoned hookers can dive deep into their craft, even purchasing extra patterns ($90 each) to begin a second project (or complete kits at $150.00).

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