Family-run accommodations about an hour’s drive from Halifax, the Blomidon Inn’s historic property dates back nearly 150 years. Originally built as the private residence of an affluent shipbuilder, the property lived many lives before becoming the Blomidon Inn. Now hosting nightly and long-term guests, this family business has proven it has staying power.

Laying foundation

The Blomidon Inn property was built as a private residence in 1881 by wealthy shipbuilder Rufus Burgess. After Burgess passed, the property was sold by public auction in 1915 and passed through many hands in the following decades. It was a private residence with apartments, became Blomidon Lodge in the ‘40s, was part of Acadia University student residences in the ‘60s and the Hastings family transformed it into Blomidon Inn in 1980. In 1988, the business was purchased by Donna and Jim Laceby in partnership with John Bragg (founder of Oxford Frozen Foods).

With experience in the industry, Jim and Donna managed operations of the inn, and the couple eventually purchased Bragg’s share in the business in 1998.

Growing property

When the Laceby family acquired the business, there were three buildings on the property and over time, they expanded Blomidon Inn to include 10 buildings across 12 acres of land. Some notable additions to the property include a walkthrough garden, a large wine cellar and permanent residences.

Like many family businesses, managing Blomidon Inn became a family affair, with all five of Donna and Jim’s children having worked there at some point. Their son, Michael Laceby, is the current innkeeper. He says the family started providing long-term rentals in addition to nightly stays in response to shutdowns across the country for the SARS outbreak in the early 2000s. The move has since provided consistent business and ensured they were well prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The family also recently expanded Blomidon’s wine cellar to capitalize on current trends. Businesses such as the Magic Winery Bus and a growing number of wineries in Wolfville are making the area a popular wine destination.

Notable guests

Blomidon Inn has its share of regular guests. Laceby says some have been staying at the inn for as long as his family has managed operations. Many visitors come from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and a significant portion travel from Alberta because they like the property’s history.

Some notable guests have stayed at the Inn over time, including Denis Leary, Sandra Bullock, Mariska Hargitay and Sam Elliott.

Staying strong

Today, the Blomidon Inn remains a family operation, now owned by Michael and his mother, Donna. Looking toward the future, Michael says the plan is to focus on long-term stays, but the big question is succession. Although his daughters have worked at the Inn, they’ve both chosen other careers long-term.

For now, Michael runs day-to-day operations as innkeeper and also serves as the resident sommelier. Donna cares for the garden and one of Michael’s brothers is their restaurant’s chef. “We’re still a family-run business,” commented Laceby, “and we remain focused on providing personal service.”

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