The Cooper's Inn B&B - The Early Years
Built in c1785, in the aftermath of the American Revolution, as pro-British refugees flooded into Shelburne Nova Scotia the original vertical log structure served as both store and home to a remarkable blind man, George Gracie.
Gracie was a refugee merchant from Boston and was to become one of two representatives of Shelburne County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
During restoration in 1987/88 it was found that the Inn was built in two stages - the north side was built first and is where the owners' accommodation is located (the logs are still in place in the walls) it was followed by the south side. It is believed the north side with its vertical log walls was sailed up from Boston in George Gracie's ship the "Experiment", and reassembled. The south side was added over a period of several years up to 1805.
The smaller building at the rear of the main house was used as a cooperage from about 1904 until 1917 when J Chandley Smith built a new Barrel Factory across the street where barrels are still made today. This building is estimated to be 150 or more years old. The Shelburne Barrel Factory is a vibrant business to this day. See Provincial Historic Registry information here.
The original cooperage houses four cozy ensuite rooms, 2 upstairs and 2 on the garden level. All rooms enjoy varying views of Shelburne Harbour.
The Cooper's Inn is seen at the left of this photograph taken in the late 19th century
The Garden
After a day exploring museums, touring the harbour shores or lazing on one of the amazing sandy beaches in Shelburne County Region, take a moment to relax in our private and peaceful garden. It's a virtual oasis of calm and charm.
Quietly read, relax or plan your next adventure.
During the summer season, June through September, as weather generally permits, why not plan to join us in the Garden for our "Social Hour" from 5PM to 6PM. Meet other guests and compare outings. It's remarkable how often connections are made and strangers become friends.
Learn more about Shelburne History or perhaps stories of ghosts. Or the peonies planted by past owner, Blanche (Chandley) Smith over 100 years ago...
As the Season flows from Spring to Autumn there is an ever changing kaleidoscope of colour cheering the garden forward. The flavors of winter change it to another perspective on remark-ability.... You'll often discover fresh, garden grown herbs and edible flowers garnishing your breakfast plates.
