SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — New life is being breathed through the historic halls of The Warn House Bed and Breakfast in Summerside to transform the property into a vibrant centre for the community.
A trio from Collingwood, Ont., held an open house on June 1 to share their plans that are already in motion with the public.
“Besides catering to tourists as an elegant and charming bed and breakfast, we also want to be an entertainment centre throughout the year for the locals to enjoy,” said innkeeper Cate Garant.
Cate and her husband, Greg, along with their close friend and cook, Ceilidh Barnett, moved to the Island and into the property located at 330 Central St. on May 8.
“We were all in search of an adventure and thought, ‘why not’. I wasn’t ready to retire after a 30-year career as a realtor, so when two cousins on Greg’s side pitched the idea of moving to P.E.I. we decided to take a leap of faith and try our hand at something new,” said Cate.
The couple found the property last October while touring P.E.I.
The three are in the process of freshening up the four-bedroom bed and breakfast while keeping its period charm.
“In the 1940s, the property was 100 acres (now two acres) and used as a fox farm by Warn and his wife. The farm manager lived in the white house across the street, which is now Parkview Senior Citizen's Club,” said Cate, who will keep “Warn” in their business name out of honour.
“We are a unique bed and breakfast because we have a huge music room to entertain guests,” said Greg, adding this is their first time running a bed and breakfast.
“On Friday night there will be a lively dance without the bar atmosphere, and then on Sunday evenings we will have soulful Christian music for everyone from 7-10 p.m.," he said on Saturday. “We are already on a roll and start ‘Soul Sunday’ on June 2.”
The couple plans to offer customized sightseeing tours, bike rentals, exercise classes, monthly ceilidhs with live local musicians and evening bonfires. Among the activities, there will be weekly “growth group” gatherings, empowering teachings and an afternoon tea. The tea will run from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
“We have so many ideas for this entertainment space,” said Cate. “This is much more than just a bed and breakfast; it’s a special place for everyone to become their best self – spiritually and physically.”
For more information, visit warnhouse.ca.
