The Duchess on Elma is the place to be for lovers of the antique and a fine cup of tea.
The Bridgerton-inspired tea house was opened in Olde Towne in December but the location traces its roots as far back as 1902, two years before the Town of Okotoks was incorporated.
"The house was built in 1902 and it was actually the old blacksmith's house," said owner Sherry Lindenback. "He was actually the blacksmith in Okotoks in the late 1800s.
"The location is a beautiful gem. When I got her she was pretty rough, but we've put her back together and created this beautiful tea house."
The tea house is filled with antiques, which Lindenback hopes add to the old-fashioned aesthetic while promoting sustainability.
"All the furniture has been repurposed," said Lindenback. "It's just a great way to create a sustainable project as well, especially with in Okotoks it being so important to reduce, reuse, recycle."
Lindenback also owns 94 Take The Cake, a bakery just a few doors down on Elma Street, but with a very different aesthetic.
"It is, of course, very stark, black and white, looks like a cartoon," said Lindenback. "This is a fun project for me because it's very polar opposite, vintage, all beautiful colours, fine china."
The Duchess on Elma is open by reservation Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information is available on the tea house's website.
