There’s a particular allure to a hotel that feels like a destination in its own right, rather than simply somewhere to rest your head. Set on five acres in Nova Scotia’s wine region, The Evangeline is a thoughtful blend of old and new: a former roadside motel reimagined with warm, modern interiors, beautiful design, excellent food and the kind of amenities that make you want to linger a little longer. It’s also perfectly placed for exploring the Annapolis Valley, but the hardest part might be finding a reason to leave.
Part of that charm comes from the property’s history. The newest addition, Borden House, is a beautifully restored 1858 home and the former childhood home of Sir Robert Borden, Canada’s eighth prime minister. Transformed into five guest rooms, Borden House retains all the charm of its past, including original furniture, an Edwardian hand carved wardrobe and school notebooks from the Borden children. There’s a library, a tea room and a covered veranda, giving the house the intimate feeling of staying somewhere with a storied past.
Close by, the Owner’s House is a generous five-bedroom private home tucked just down from the lookout deck. Designed as a place to gather, the modern space felt warm and beautifully considered with thoughtful furniture choices, terrazzo flooring, and little discoveries throughout, from a collection of curated art posters including one from Copenhagen’s Louisiana Museum, a record player and a cozy reading nook, and fresh coffee from a local roaster.
Mornings are bathed in dappled sunlight throughout the space and the breakfast nook is the perfect place to linger over a good cup of coffee, while the generous outdoor dining area is a great place to take in some morning light or enjoy take a walk to the lookout deck with views of Blomidon and the Bay of Fundy.
The bedrooms and bathrooms continue the same thoughtful aesthetic, one of which has a large soaking tub that practically begs for a long bath after a day of exploring, while robes and Malin + Goetz bath amenities add a polished touch.
The fully equipped kitchen and generous dining area make it easy to settle into the house between exploring the Valley, visiting wineries or short walk down the street to Le Caveau for dinner. A visit to the Wolfville Farmers’ Market on Saturdays is the perfect excuse to pick up local produce and ingredients to prepare a simple meal back at the house.
And then there’s Longfellow, the buzzy restaurant just down the hill on the property. The menu is comforting and elevated without ever feeling fussy, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and seafood. The service is warm and charming while the space gives cool diner vibes. Be sure to get the lobster roll and save room for the chocolate pie, too.
On a warm evening, there’s little reason to rush away. Instead linger as the sun sets on the patio before moving over to the fire pit to stargaze as the evening cools.
During the day, the indoor pool and infrared sauna is another welcomed amenity to enjoy year round. The cutely appointed space is bathed in natural daylight, decorated with fresh plants, framed vintage photographs, and striped lounge chairs. There’s also an outdoor hot tub that can be enjoyed by guests at their leisure.
What makes The Evangeline work so well is that none of it feels overly precious. The design is considered but comfortable, the history is present without feeling antique or kitschy, and there’s a relaxed, residential quality to the entire property. Days can move easily from the pool to exploring the Valley, followed by dinner at Longfellow and a final drink around the fire without ever needing to get back in the car.
With Grand Pré’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape on its doorstep, wineries and Wolfville nearby, The Evangeline makes an ideal home base for a weekend discovering one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful corners.