Gowrie House

Welcome to Gowrie House. This stunning 19th century Georgian house has been masterfully redecorated and elegantly furnished with fine antiques and works of art. You are invited to experience the warmth and charm of Gowrie House.

Living Room - There's lots of room - come in, make yourself right at home in any one of our three linked living rooms. Curl up in front of the fire on a cool evening, or relax in the sunshine streaming in the round room in the afternoon. Great places for a pre-dinner social; our living rooms are furnished with some of the finest antique pieces in the house. The architecture of the room, the soaring arches and crown mouldings really set off the works of art adorning this space Canadian women artists including Ann Meredith Barry's painting "Off Shore Island Yellow Grass" graces one room, while early portraits of the 1800's rest in another. There is a piano forte that once belonged to Samuel Cunard (c.1814) as well as a "lolling chair" c.1870 from the Standfield property. The Victorian Breakfast table (c. 1870) supports a lovely English porcelain charger decorated in the oriental style (c. 1830) as well as a Russian Icon (on wood panel) from the late 18th century. These three rooms host more that we can say so come and look around, you never know what treasures you will find.

Breakfast Room - Complimentary breakfast is served 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM daily in our sunny breakfast room. The family style seating is framed nicely by a large English buffet that was purchased for a Sydney Mines property in 1834, and a smaller English buffet brought to Canada in 1894 by the Morris family. The window seat is lined with lovely plants and clay pieces that range from the early 1800's to more contemporary pieces. Einstein holds court in this room...from Shiela Cottons "Einstein and the Wayward Women" hanging on the wall - a piece that always calls attention to itself! Come in, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy your full country breakfast.

Dining Room - You will not want to miss dinner at Gowrie House. Each evening at 7:30 p.m. a four course dinner is served featuring the finest local ingredients available. These ingredients include but are not limited to fresh Atlantic salmon, Cape Breton lamb and seasonal fresh produce. The menu changes daily and may offer fruit soups, salads, a choice of meat or fish entree, and a choice of desserts such as our signature dessert - Hazelnut Meringue Torte.

The rooms in Gowrie House have been individually decorated with carefully chosen fine antiques to enhance the feeling of comfortable elegance.

Room 1 - This room is located in the front of the Main House with three large windows making it one of the sunniest rooms in the house. It features chairs from Pictou County, NS and 18th century furnishings. "Joseph and His Coat of Many Colours" artwork by Edna Hibble adorns the wall. This room has a queen-size bed, fireplace, and standard private bath.

Room 2 - This room is in the Main House and faces the front garden. Egypt's Queen Neferiti-ti adorns a circa 1822 collectors plate in this room "fit for a queen". A 19th century wing back chair, inviting chaise lounge, queen-size bed, fireplace, and private standard bath with large soaking tub complete the room.

Room 3 - The soft green colouring of this Main House room, feels like the garden has been brought in from the outdoors. Relax in the beautiful glassed-in sunroom that overlooks the English Garden. This room is definitely a home away from home, with a king-size bed, fireplace, and private standard 4 -piece bath.

Room 4
- As you enter this sunny room, located in the Main House, you notice the ladies chair with foot stool, and the stately gentleman's chair from around 1870. The simple grace of these pieces speak for the room itself - sit back, relax and enjoy. This room has twin beds, fireplace, and private standard 4-piece bath

Room 5 - This Main House room is furnished with simple elegance in tones that soothe the tired traveller. It has a king-size bed, sitting room with wing backed chairs, and a private bath featuring a whirlpool tub and corner shower stall. The secretary, large chest of drawers and side tables date back to the 1850's.

Room 6 - This apartment, located off the Main House, has some wonderful works of art hung on the walls. The most notable piece is the "Waiting for the 2nd Arc" by Climo. One must pay attention and look around closely in this room. Don't miss the collection of Pottery Bowls or glass goblets. The three campaign chests, one of which is from Ireland, finish the soft and comfortable decor of this charming room. It has a queen-size bed, a large sitting room, and private bath with whirlpool tub.

The Garden House is a separate building behind the Main House, with four large bed-sitting rooms with a more contemporary feel. All rooms face directly into the lovely main gardens at Gowrie House. Each has wall-to-wall carpeting, a queen-size bed, a double-size convertible sofa, gas fireplace, and convenience kitchen which includes a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.

Room 7 - This room is located on the ground floor of the Garden House. The beautiful locally crafted pine furniture from the mid-nineteenth century give this room a truly Cape Breton flair. The barn doors make quiet a statement! This room also has a ground level deck. $160.00 + Tax (15%) per/night.

Room 8 - This room is located on the upper level of the Garden House and features soothing colours and a wonderfully hand-carved ironwood headboard set off with a campaign armoire. French doors lead onto a lovely balcony overlooking the garden.

Room 9 - Located on the upper floor of the Garden House, this room features a Ships table from the mail boat that sailed from Baddeck, NS to Iona, NS - right here on Cape Breton Island. The interesting use of a fireplace surround and fabric (representing the fire) as a headboard for the queen-size bed - must be seen to be appreciated. French doors lead onto a lovely balcony overlooking the garden.

Room 10 - Located on the ground floor of the Garden House, this room features a wonderful Victorian Armoire. The bold colour schemes and dark stained furnishings makes it a gentleman's room if ever there was one.

The Caretaker's Cottage is our most deluxe and the most private accommodation. The bedroom is oversize with a king-size canopy bed at one end, a sitting area with a gas fireplace at the other end of the room, and a kitchenette tucked away behind bi-fold doors. French doors open onto a private deck and garden. The bath has a double whirlpool tub, which overlooks the garden, a separate shower and double sink. Perfect for those very special and private occasions.

Gowrie House Country Inn
840 Shore Road Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia B1V 1A6
Phone 902-544-1050 Reservations: 1-800-372-1115
Email gowriehouse@ns.sympatico.ca
Web http://www.gowriehouse.com