About 301 Rowe
A Landmark Reborn
301 Rowe is more than a restaurant. It’s the revival of one of Whitby’s most treasured landmarks, a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and community.
Set within the historic James Rowe House, the 1856 residence of Whitby’s first mayor, 301 Rowe blends timeless architecture with modern French cuisine. A gathering place where Whitby’s past and future meet by the lake.
The Vision
The vision comes from Ken Dunn, long-time Whitby resident and Founder & CEO of Cottage Dream Vacations. For over two decades, his team has transformed overlooked properties across Ontario into thriving destinations. With 301 Rowe, Ken brings that same passion for restoration to a beloved piece of Whitby’s history.
The Experience
Opening in the Fall of 2026, 301 Rowe will offer three distinct spaces: a fine French dining room, a daytime bistro and boulangerie, and a hidden speakeasy below. Each is thoughtfully designed to honour the spirit of Whitby’s first mayor.
Come As You Are
Morning coffee to evening cocktails. Fresh pastries to candlelit dinners. 301 Rowe invites you to step into history, reimagined.
The Legacy of James Rowe House
Whitby’s First Mayor
The story of 301 Rowe begins with James Rowe, Whitby’s first mayor. A visionary businessman and civic leader who helped shape the town’s early prosperity.
Born in Ireland in 1799, Rowe immigrated to Canada in 1824 and quickly became central to the growth of Port Whitby. By the 1840s, he was developing the harbour, and in 1849, he founded James Rowe & Co., a grain-shipping enterprise that established Whitby as a key hub of commerce.
A Legacy of Leadership
Rowe served as Reeve of Whitby Township and Warden of Ontario County. He became the first mayor of Whitby when the town was incorporated in 1855. He served several terms over the next decade, leaving a lasting mark on both Port Whitby and Ontario County.
A Home Worth Saving
In 1856, Rowe built the elegant Georgian-style residence now known as the James Rowe House. Originally on Charles Street, the home was saved from demolition in the late 1990s through the efforts of local residents, Councillor Shirley Scott, and the Whitby Heritage Community Association. They then relocated it to 301 Front Street West in 1999.
A New Era
In 2023, the Town of Whitby selected Cottage Dream Vacations to reimagine the landmark as 301 Rowe. Nearly 170 years after its construction, the James Rowe House enters a new chapter, not as a relic, but as a living tribute to the enduring spirit of Whitby’s first mayor.
Looking Ahead
Construction on 301 Rowe begins soon, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Whitby’s waterfront. In the months ahead, residents and visitors can look forward to behind-the-scenes updates, renderings, and sneak peeks into the restaurant’s transformation.
This is more than a build, it’s a homecoming for a piece of Whitby’s history, reborn as a place where stories, laughter, and good food will once again fill the air. Stay tuned as we bring 301 Rowe to life.