PLACES TO STAY

PLACES TO STAY

Inns and B&Bs in Nova Scotia

BADDECK

Located on the Bras d'Or Lakes of Cape Breton Island, Baddeck is espec- ially popular with sailors, because of its sheltered anchorages, clear water, and highland scenery. Many of the town's early settlers came from the Scottish Highlands, and much of their culture and language is pre- served to this day. Be sure to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, displaying some of his inventions.

Baddeck is 240 miles northeast of Halifax and 1,075 (!) miles northeast of New York City.

Reader tip: "Baddeck is an ideal base for expeditions to the Cabot Trail, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, and the fortress city of Louisbourg." (Joe Schmidt) Also recommended: The Inverary Inn (P.O. Box 190, BOE lB0; 902-295-2674) is a 160-room resort, with accommodations ranging from motel units to duplex cottages to the historic main inn buildings. Some rooms are luxurious, others quite rustic, with a broad range in between. ""We stayed in the lodge and thought our rooms, as well as the many others we saw' to be attractive. Color schemes are coordinated, furniture is comfortable, bathrooms excellent, and great reading lamps everywhere. We were pleased with the quality of the food and the service in the main dining room." (Judith Brannen)

Duffus House Inn

Tel: 902-295-2172
Water Street, Box 427,
BOE lB0

Toll Free: Off-season: 902-928-2878
Fax: 902-752-7737

Overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, the Duffus House consists of two of the oldest houses in Baddeck; the inn was purchased by John and Judy Langley in 1988. "Our large room had its town patio, plenty of reading lights, and a tiny bath; the original pine floors were covered with shag carpeting.

Breakfast is served in two seatings, with delicious breads and rolls; we prefer the second seating, so one can linger at the table." (D.A. Gladstone) "The front part of the older house was built around 1820, and has exposed ceiling beams and twelve-inch -wide board walls. A second smaller house next door has an interior every bit as nice as the main house, although the bedrooms are smaller.

There are two sitting rooms in the larger house--one looking out into the beautiful yard of flowers and herbs that fill the space between the two houses. From the garden you have a view of the water and the boats at anchor. Our room had a map of the Cabot Trail, annotated with the owner's suggestions of places to see and things to do; we used it and had a great time. Dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers was delicious, complete with clam chowder, steamers, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, lobsters, and blueberry pie."

(Marilyn Parker) "Miniature in scale, filled with interesting collections of books and antiques. Our suite had a glassed-in porch; we were able to use the breakfast area to make our own afternoon tea and early morning coffee. At breakfast, she served us homemade oat cakes, raisin scones, and muffins." (Donna Kmetz) "Each morning we sat on the porch, sipped coffee and watched two nesting bald eagles, perched on a tree across the narrow inlet." (Sheila & Joe Schmidt)

Open: Mid-June-mid-Oct.

Rooms: 1 suite, 8 doubles--3 with private bath and/or shower, 6 with a maximum of 4 persons sharing bath. Most with sink in room; some with private patio.

Facilities: Breakfast room, 4 living rooms, library, gardens. Private dock.

Location: From Trans-Canada Hwy N. take Exit 8 to Shore Rd. Go right on Twinning St. &bear left onto Water & inn on left. "Any street leading to the waterfront will bring you to Duffus House."

Restrictions: No smoking; no pets. Credit cards: Visa or Canadian currency, travelers' checks only. Rates: B&B, $100-115 suite, $65-90 double. Extra person, $10.

Design by David Duffus