About Cavana Spa & Salon

History

Upon your arrival at Cavana you will be greeted not only by your hosts but also by the subtle nuances that only a historic property can provide. Built in 1889 by Master Builder S.Pomeroy and designed by J. H. Tool, this property was known to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful residences in Western Orillia.

Allan George Cavana was born in 1852 on a farm outside of Cannington in Brock Township (Ontario). On December 23, 1884 he married local Cannington girl, Elinor Sharp (or Ellie as he affectionately called her). Their marriage brought three sons: John Allan, William George and Ernest Leopold, all of whom are now honoured as the namesakes for the Inn’s luxury suites today.

Mr. Cavana was a man of many interests from real estate to life insurance – his main form of employment, however, was as an Ontario Land Surveyor. He was reputed to have surveyed more territory in new Ontario and the Northwest than any other firm now in business. In 1888 Allan and Ellie announced that they would be building a “Handsome new residence” on Mississaga and Fredrick Streets and in 1889 the house was completed for a lofty sum of three thousand dollars. Mr. J.H Tool signed on as the designer and was very familiar with the architectural trends of the day. Starting with a standard L-plan, he broke up the massing by emphasizing the entrance with a projecting portico linked to the veranda across the front facade. Bay windows, pairs of window openings, the combinations of red brick accented with buff and black were trend-setting techniques at the time. The lattice on the front gables was intended to give the house a delicate and modern appearance. Thankfully you will still see the majority of these features throughout the house today.

Even in his nineties, Allan remained active in his surveying practice. He passed in 1946 and was pre-deceased by his beloved Ellie on Valentine’s Day in 1939. The property was transferred to his eldest son Allan who died in 1955. The Mississaga Street house was sold outside the family shortly after and has been running as a bed and breakfast since 1992. It’s most recent and grandest transition to date – the Cavana House Inn and Spa – was a lifetime ambition for present owners Lee and Joanne Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston look forward to a day when they too will be included in the history of this much loved property.

Team Cavana        Etiquette & Cancellations

Lee & Joanne

Lee Johnston – Owner & Business Manager

Orillia born and a self-starting entrepreneur since he was 13 years old, Lee always knew he wanted to own his own business and work in the customer service. Lee graduated from Georgian College in Barrie from the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration program. He has managed hotels including the Fairmont Royal York, Toronto; including the role of Service Plus President for over 1300 employees. Meeting his wife Joanne in college, Lee eventually moved home to Orillia, where his heart lied, and closer to his beautiful wife. While managing hotels in Orillia and eventually marrying Joanne, the couple decided to finally take the jump and purchase, create, renovate and open the Cavana Spa & Salon in July 2007. Lee truly believes that the success of his business is many things, but feels the hospitality approach of taking care of clients is an absolute must. Daily there is a 110 percent effort to ensure that the Cavana experience is the best it can possibly be for its visiting clients, and is so proud to share all of Cavana’s accomplishments in customer service, beautiful services and award winning products.