Since 1966
The Property
Forty acres of protected Carolinian forest in Komoka, Ontario — three generations of family stewardship, ten minutes from London.
- Property size
- 40 acres of Carolinian forest
- Location
- Komoka, Ontario — 10 min from London
- Family-run
- Since 1966, three generations
- Spaces
- 2 cabins · farmhouse · studio loft
- Features
- Forest trails, meadow, fire pit
- Guest capacity
- 2–25 depending on format
The Forest
A sanctuary that has been growing for centuries
Fernwood Hills sits within a protected Carolinian woodland — towering oaks, sugar maples, wild ferns, and a forest floor that shifts with every season. The trails wind through undisturbed land where the only sounds are birdsong, wind through the canopy, and the occasional rustle of deer moving through the understory.
Carolinian forest is one of Canada's rarest ecosystems — learn more from the Government of Ontario.
Fernwood Hills Today
Fernwood Hills is a private forty-acre forest retreat in Komoka, Ontario — ten minutes from London. Ron and Celia Mann run four rental spaces across the property: two handcrafted forest cabins, the original 1960s farmhouse, and a vaulted studio loft. The property hosts overnight stays, intimate weddings (up to 25 guests), corporate and wellness retreats, and private day-use sessions. Manna, the in-house kitchen, grows and prepares seasonal food for guests. The forest itself — protected Carolinian woodland — is the reason most people come back.
Stays
from $189/night
Weddings
from $3,200
Retreats
from $249/half-day
Day Use
from $125/session
Our Story
Three generations on forty acres
1966 – 1980s
Planting the seeds
Vern and Frances Humphrey purchased the land with a vision: a welcoming space for community events, meals, and celebrations. Vern, a former army chef with a gift for hospitality, transformed the property into the Picnic Grove — a beloved gathering place for families, church groups, and organizations.
1980s – 2000s
Nurturing growth
The campground expanded, gardens were developed, and the focus shifted toward retreats and hospitality. Vern's culinary reputation grew — his community meals became legendary. The forest itself flourished under careful stewardship.
2013 – Present
A new chapter
After Vern's passing in 2012, Celia and Ron took ownership and began reimagining the space — honoring its legacy while building something new. In 2017, the first tiny cabin stays were introduced.
Today
A place for all generations
Fernwood Hills is a destination for intimate weddings, retreats, wellness getaways, and overnight cabin stays — all rooted in the same spirit of hospitality, community, and connection to nature that Vern and Frances first planted decades ago.
Your Hosts
Ron, Celia & the Team
Ron and Celia took over the property in 2013, after Vern's passing. They've spent the years since rebuilding the gardens, restoring the farmhouse, and hand-building the first tiny cabins — and growing the family team that keeps it all running. Before Vern, there was nothing fancy — just real food, room for everyone, and the forest. That spirit is still the whole point.
When you book here, someone from the Fernwood family is the person you'll message, the person who cooks your dinner, and the person who'll walk you through the trails. No front desk. No corporate layer. Just the team.
The Spaces
Four spaces on forty acres
Two tiny cabins, the Studio Loft, and the Farmhouse. Each has a different role across overnight stays, day use, retreats, creative work, and intimate weddings.
Questions
About the Property
- Who owns and runs Fernwood Hills?
- Fernwood Hills has been family-run since 1966. Ron and Celia Mann took ownership in 2013 and operate the property with their son Lee and his wife Becca. The original property was established by Vern and Frances Humphrey as a community gathering space.
- How large is the property? Are there trails?
- The property is 40 acres of protected Carolinian forest in Komoka, Ontario. There are winding trails through undisturbed woodland, a meadow, seasonal ponds, and a fire pit — all accessible to guests.
- What spaces are on the property?
- Fernwood Hills has four rental spaces: Adler Cabin (tiny A-frame), Bracken Cabin (off-grid forest cabin), the original 1960s Farmhouse (full kitchen, harvest table), and the Studio Loft (1,120 sq ft open floor, vaulted ceilings). There is also a wedding pavilion, fire pit, trails, meadow, and ponds.
- How far is Fernwood Hills from London, Ontario?
- Fernwood Hills is 10 minutes from downtown London, Ontario at 9533 Oxbow Drive in Komoka. It is approximately 2 hours from Toronto and 2 hours from the Detroit–Windsor area.
- Are dogs allowed at Fernwood Hills?
- Dogs may be possible by request. Please mention pets before booking so we can confirm the policy for the specific space you've reserved.
- Is the property accessible?
- The Farmhouse is accessible at ground level with no stairs between the main spaces. The Studio Loft has stairs. Parking is directly at the door of each space. Contact us to discuss specific accessibility needs before booking.
Find the Right Path
What brings you to Fernwood?
The property can be booked different ways. Start with the path that matches your visit.
Overnight
Stay
Book a cabin, the Studio Loft, or Farmhouse for up to 2 overnight guests per space.
Ceremony
Weddings
Elopements, micro weddings, and ceremony-only gatherings in a private forest setting.
Groups
Gather
The sorting hub for retreats, private events, day use, creative space, and food.
Day Use
Day Use
Book a cabin, Farmhouse, or Studio Loft by the session, half day, or full day.
Creative
Create
Photography, content, and production use, anchored by the Studio Loft.
Food
Food
Seasonal, family-style meals for retreats, weddings, and private gatherings.
Not sure what fits? Just tell us what you're planning →