In the community of Haileybury, Temiskaming Shores, overlooking the lake, a once-distant childhood dream has become an inspiring reality. Samantha Babin, the new owner of the historic President's Suites, isn’t just restoring a landmark—she’s reimagining it as a community hub, event space, and vacation destination.
Growing up in Haileybury, Samantha used to ride the school bus past the stately Villa and imagine filling it with family, stability, and warmth. "It was the biggest house in town," she laughs. "And I thought if we all lived there, everything would be okay." As a child with little stability, Samantha saw the house as more than just architecture—it was a symbol of security. "Even as a kid, I thought it could hold my whole family, cousins, aunts—everyone. We’d all be good if we had that space."
Over the years, the house went up on the market several times, but of course, Samantha was young and in no position to buy. Finally, in September 2024, the Villa came of the market again and this time, Samantha was determined that she wasn't going to let it pass her by. "One of my coworkers told me they thought it had sold, and I was totally devastated," she recalls. "I thought, 'You’ve got to be kidding me.' I just kept thinking: I do not accept that."
Fueled by determination, Samantha tracked down the previous owner and called him directly. "I didn’t know him, but I thought 'I just need this guy to hear my story. This needs to happen for me'". Her honesty and passion resonated, and she was invited to tour the property. After talking with the seller, she found that she shared his and his late wife's vision for The President's Suites, and they hit it off. Samantha knew it was meant to be.
She and her husband worked tirelessly to save, hustle, and sell what they could to afford the down payment. "I worked as many side jobs, as many full-time jobs, as many everything. My husband went away to work. There was no way in this world this was not working." She offered exactly what the seller was asking—no more, no less.
On her birthday, May 9th, Samantha signed the papers and finally set her dream into motion.
Today, Samantha is infusing new life into the historic property, updating each room with thoughtful care while also launching immersive offerings that extend well beyond traditional accommodations. "I'm just losing my mind about it," she says excitedly. "There's so much to the interior of this home, and I'm really excited to make it my own." She's been hard at work upgrading the rooms with new furnishings and appliances, readying them for hosting events.
From Bridgerton-style tea parties—complete with floral arches, pageantry, and crownings of the “diamond of the event”—to open-air movie nights, she’s turning the Villa into a gathering place full of imagination. Samantha hopes to bring people together in a way that feels fun, nostalgic, and memorable. Events can be tailored for bridal showers, bachelor's/bachelorette parties, baby showers, or friend getaways. The tea parties in particular offer a fun way for people to dress dapper, play some croquet, and have some luxury and laughs.
One of the big additions to The President's Suites that excites Samantha the most is their kayak rentals and guided tours to Devil's Rock, a nearby geological and cultural highlight. Guests will be invited to paddle from Bucke Park to Devil's Rock, spend some time hiking the trails there, have a light snack, and then paddle back. "You get to see Devil's Rock from the bottom and from the top—all guided," Samantha says, making the trips beginner-friendly and great for groups, team-building, and girls' weekends. Longer excursions would head out from the Villa to Farr Island, Devil's Rock and back.
Samantha also aims to make it easier, less expensive and more sustainable to put on events in Temiskaming Shores by offering event decor rentals. A variety of decorative arches, floral garlands, peacock chairs and accessories will be available to rent through The President's Suites and their website.
"This place is for everyone," Samantha affirms. Whether you're a grandma visiting family, a group of girlfriends looking to unplug, or parents with kids in tow, The President's Suites offers a comfortable place to feel at home. "A lot of short-term rentals don’t accept children. That’s just wild to me. Kids deserve a vacation, too," Samantha says. " I want people to feel welcomed here—really welcomed."
Samantha’s vision goes well beyond the current walls. She plans to build a smaller replica guest house on the back lots, providing a retreat for bridal parties or hosts. A studio space is also in the works—ideal for micro-weddings, baby showers, sip-and-paints, and local community events. She’s even eyeing other heritage properties and possibly the nearby Farr Island for expansion. "If they decide to sell in five years, I'm ready," she laughs. "I want to grow something here that’s long-lasting."
"This isn’t just a business—it’s about creating opportunity," she adds, for her family as well as the Temiskaming Shores community. Northern Ontario needs more spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel like they belong. Samantha aims to help build that, not just for now, but for future generations too.
Ready to experience a true Northern Ontario escape? The President’s Suites in Haileybury, Temiskaming Shores, is accepting bookings for short-term stays, event rentals, and guided excursions. Whether you're planning a girls' weekend, a family gathering, or a lakeside micro-wedding, Samantha and her team can tailor the experience to suit your needs. Get in touch with The President's Suites via their website or Facebook for more information or to book.
