Woodchester Today
15 King St,
Bracebridge, ON
P1L1H4
Rich in history and elegance, Woodchester boasts approximately 10 acres of serene property overlooking the Muskoka River, Bracebridge Falls, and the iconic Silver Bridge.
Today, The Town of Bracebridge reopens the doors of Woodchester, inviting the community to use the historic and unique, octagonal home as a charming event space.
Do you want to visit Woodchester? Please contact Lauryn Herstek, Collection and Event Coordinator, to schedule a walk-through of the building.
Booking Inquiries
Woodchester’s octagonal design provides a unique, yet functional venue for a variety of smaller, more intimate events.
Each room's differentiating design and layout offers a one-of-a-kind solution for your meeting or special occasion.
Natural Muskoka beauty shines throughout the property both architecturally and ecologically, making this the perfect location for indoor and outdoor functions.
Calendar & Events
Take part in all that Woodchester has to offer. Join in the festivities alongside local businesses, groups and organizations.
Mark your calendars, a lot of fun and learning is coming your way. With recurring functions such as monthly afternoon tea socials, community events, and more, there is something for everyone Where Events Take Shape!
History of Woodchester
In 1882 Henry J. Bird and his family moved into Woodchester; their new eight-sided, hill-topped home in Bracebridge.
Mr. Bird's octagonal design for Woodchester was inspired by the methodologies of Orson Squire Fowler.
Orson S. Fowler was a practicing phrenologist and author. His book, 'The Octagon House: A Home for All' is what sparked the octagonal building movement across North America in the mid-1800's.
Province-wide there are eighteen known octagonal buildings; Woodchester is one of the earliest and largest of its kind.
