Currently under the ownership of Judy MacDonald, Barachois Inn is established on Prince Edward Island in Canada's eastern region. The business operates year-round for patrons to reserve one of the eight accommodations. Situated in the heart of Rustico, Barachois Inn is among many of Prince Edward Island's natural sites, considering its proximity to Prince Edward Island National Park, Rustico Bay, and the red clay formations in the countryside. In addition to the landscape, Prince Edward Island is acknowledged by many locals and tourists for being a prominent food destination, as a selection of restaurants is available to tourists during their stay. For those who are hoping to explore the island, Judy is willing to give suggestions and recommendations of specific sites that she has enjoyed visiting.
Barachois Inn is located on Prince Edward Island, neighboring the coast of Rustico Bay. The bed and breakfast occupies a two-acre premises with two buildings containing the guestrooms—the Gallant House and the MacDonald House. A total of eight accommodations are available for patrons to reserve, and each building consists of four rooms. According to Judy MacDonald, the owner of Barachois Inn, the rooms inside the MacDonald House are equipped with more amenities. Every accommodation in this particular building offers a kitchenette, fireplace, and air massage tubs. It should be noted as well that Premium Suite #6 is partially ADA-accessible with more space and lever door handles. The Gallant House, however, has doors that are "wide enough to fit a wheelchair through," as mentioned by Judy. Some of the amenities that come with the accommodations in the Gallant House are air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, a private ensuite bathroom with toiletries, queen-size beds, and an ironing board, to name a few. Many of these previously listed amenities can also be found in the guestrooms of the MacDonald House.
As a whole, Barachois Inn is characterized by a Victorian style, from the grounds to the interior and exterior of the two buildings. With regard to some of the common areas that guests are given access to over the course of their stay, the MacDonald House notably offers several features that visitors may find useful, including a corporate facility that can accommodate a business group of 20 to 40 people and a gym with a treadmill, rowing machine, exercise bike, weights, and sauna. As for the Gallant House, a significant common area of this building is what Judy calls "the piano room," in reference to a prominent feature of the room, the 1890 parlor grand piano. Visitors are welcome to play the piano at their leisure. A dining room can also be found in the Gallant House, which typically serves as the setting for breakfast each morning.
Patrons are offered a breakfast that is included in the rate of the stay. A few dishes that one can expect to receive are fruit, yogurt, cereal, bacon, and cooked entrées such as French toast. This meal is made-to-order and customarily served between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. every morning. Concerning visitors with dietary restrictions, Judy affirms that she can accommodate these individuals, as she makes an effort to keep ingredients that conform to vegan, gluten-free, and other similar diets on hand for the cook to utilize if needed. Judy adds that she would prefer guests to inform her about such dietary restrictions in advance, though she tries to be prepared with the ingredients should the occasion to use them arise.
In the words of Judy, Barachois Inn bears historical significance on account of it being "designated as a heritage site." A picket fence borders the main garden area near the MacDonald House, and a traditional-style water fountain adorns the front of the grounds with a variety of flowers and greenery surrounding it. Walking paths wind throughout the property, providing the opportunity to tour Barachois Inn's exterior. Judy also notes that electric vehicle chargers are available on-site for those who need one, which she believes helps reduce fossil fuels. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the owner has added solar panels to the buildings, and some guests who have previously stayed at the inn have given her positive feedback on this aspect.
Many of the attractions in the vicinity pertain to outdoor exploration, as Prince Edward Island has several natural sites that may pique the interest of visitors. One particularly unique natural area is the red clay lanes in the countryside. A variety of vegetation comprises the land as well, including the following different types of hardwoods: red maple, sugar maple, red oak, and beech. For those who find enjoyment in wildlife viewing, many animals roam the area, namely squirrels, foxes, snowshoe hares, and several bird species. Barachois Inn's website informs that nature trails are scattered throughout Prince Edward Island for outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of. Aside from the geographic environment, Judy remarks that Prince Edward Island is "known as the food island," meaning there is a wide range of cuisine and dining options. Blue Mussel Cafe, The Mill in New Glasgow, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, Prince Edward Island Preserve Company, The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe, and Pedro's Island Eatery are a few specific restaurants that Judy recommends her guests visit. The owner further explains that she can also invite a private chef to come and make dinner for anyone who might be interested.
Judy MacDonald, the owner of Barachois Inn, has the goal of helping everyone who stays at the establishment feel "like they've had a great experience." "I want people to leave feeling like it was worthwhile," she expresses. In an effort to provide this outcome for her guests, Judy tries to focus on creating a social atmosphere, whether by informing guests about some of the nearby restaurants and attractions or telling stories during breakfast. "We're storytellers; it's a strong tradition in our family," Judy remarks. One former patron of Barachois Inn commented on this, saying, "The breakfast was delicious and a great opportunity to meet other visitors. The owner Judy is very friendly and was able to tell us about the history of the house and the surroundings." The owner considers it a personal touch to each individual's experience when she can tell them about the property and places to visit around Prince Edward Island, and she hopes that it can enhance her guests' stay at Barachois Inn.
With the intent to further create this social atmosphere, Judy mentions that they try to host small gatherings and events. For example, piano concerts are periodically held in the Gallant House's piano room. During the holidays, Christmas-themed decorations are arranged around Barachois Inn. The owner has offered Christmas house tours for fundraisers in the past as well. Judy has also given a tour of the site to a college group on one occasion.
Open year-round, Barachois Inn tends to experience its busiest season of operation during the months of July and August. Older travelers constitute the majority of the visitor demographic. Future guests should be aware that visitors over the age of nine years old are welcome, and children any younger than the age limit are not permitted to stay at Barachois Inn due to the historic nature of the establishment and the many antiques within the buildings. Other policies reference the care for such antiques and historically significant elements of the inn, as Judy hopes that those who stay on-site will treat the property with respect. Furthermore, everyone should be conscious of the two-night stay minimum that is implemented at the inn, and check-in is between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. Lastly, a prohibition is placed on pets and smoking on-site.
The Gallant House at Barachois Inn is the oldest standing building on the acreage, as the construction of the MacDonald House took place over a century after the Gallant House. Built by Joseph Gallant in 1880, the Gallant House was initially established as a place of residence for Joseph's family as well as a general store for the locals. According to Judy MacDonald—the present owner of the business—the store was "part of a large firm," and Joseph Gallant was the owner of other companies in the community, as he purchased another store in Oyster Bed Bridge. It wasn't until 1982, however, that Judy's family took ownership over Barachois Inn, though the family originally planned on utilizing the inn as their personal home. Two years later in 1984, the family made the decision to convert the property into a bed and breakfast. Judy has found that her favorite part about her job as the innkeeper is meeting the people who stay there. "The people are very friendly, and it's nice to share the property with others," she says.
2193 Church Rd
North Rustico, Prince Edward Island C0A 1N0
Canada
Victorian
Judy MacDonald
