Sue and Derek Tennant are both entrepreneurs and the owner/hosts of Silver Springs.  It was Sue’s dream to have a culinary retreat that could also offer non-profit spiritual retreats and in 1998 Derek said “Go for it!”  Sue shares with you her story …   

“We had lived in Toronto, Florida and New York but with a family of avid skiers, always claimed the Collingwood/Beaver Valley area as “home”.  20 minutes southwest of Blue Mountain, we discovered Silver Springs for sale – a century stone house on 139 acres of ponds, streams and waterfalls with beautiful rolling hills and lovely cedar stands.  It was love at first sight and once acquired we began the annual ritual of property improvements - renovating, decorating and landscaping – eventually opening 13 guestrooms/private bath. Within a year, we had launched culinary weekends with guest chefs and sommeliers. 

The Red Barn was converted into a fully-equipped conference centre and corporate groups soon discovered they could accomplish a lot in the very private meeting space.  They also find it easy to unwind in nature and relax with a roaring bonfire at the end of the Outdoor Trivia Challenge.  The Riedel Wine Tasting and Gourmet Cooking Class, offered as part of an all-inclusive package are entertaining and delicious.  Executive groups from across North America return year after year and our advertising has mostly been word-of-mouth. 

Last year, Derek and I founded “FreeSchools World Literacy”, a registered Canadian Charity and opened 49 FreeSchools in India and Thailand.  Thousands of children, with a priority given to girls, are receiving a basic education at a cost of just $15/year per child.  

Silver Springs is now not-for-profit with net proceeds going to FreeSchools.  While I spend more and more time working on the charity, Merindi Swadling has taken over the management of Silver Springs.  She brings a fresh wave of organization, creativity and charm. 

Derek and I believe you will have a wonderful time at Silver Springs – which is also our home – and we look forward to sharing it with you sometime soon.”