The Clockmaker’s Inn

Absolutely spectacular. And I had no idea this place was here until now!
I booked an anniversary week-​end on the spur of the moment, based on the recommendation of a road-​tripping friend who had been there a week prior via arrangements made by his employer. The pictures he posted were enough to get us curious about this venue so unexpectedly close to the city, and we are eternally glad we made the decision to check it out.
The owners are enormously friendly. We stayed on the weekend, and were met by the family members who live next door in the carriage house, (FYI, the owner has a rather unique sense of humor, which adds to the character of the house. It’s definitely an entertaining time.) He’s quite the antique aficionado, and you’ll get the opportunity to see many interesting pieces scattered throughout the house, many of which he can speak to at length. We also stayed in the King’s suite, and since it was off-​season and near mid-​week, we were also essentially given the run of the house to explore as we wished. The King’s itself is incredibly spacious, and in addition to the hot tub, has an excellent en suite bathroom, with a rain-​style shower head and multiple sinks, etc. The bed is enormously comfy, and scattered throughout the house are an interesting collection of books of all sorts — making a treasure hunt in itself. The other rooms in the house –which we were able to thoroughly explore, are all very well fitted, and quite nice. Wherever you stay when you book here, you will end up with a nice room. There are also lots of other rooms to explore, (games, entertainment, business, dining, etc.) with the arrangement being that — unlike other B&Bs, you are not sharing the house with the owner. He believes that you can have a better experience without worrying about tripping over the homeowner’s slippers, pets, etc. if they remain discreetly off-​site, yet nearby, and I believe he is correct. There is also a hot tub and pool area, which we were unable to check out because of the weather. (Next time, for sure.)
Breakfast, was, in a word, delicious. I’ve posted a picture, but the photo doesn’t do the experience justice. Delicious homemade blueberry jam and the fluffiest pancakes I have ever eaten — and I’ve eaten a lot of pancakes over the years– rounded out an elegant breakfast in one of 2 dining rooms. After breakfast, it should also be mentioned that checkout times are about the same as any other place, but you are free to stay and enjoy the grounds for a while afterwards.
This is simply one of the best places I have stayed in this province. If you are looking for a quick night away from Halifax, are planning a wedding, or just looking for somewhere stately to stay in the valley, strongly consider the Clockmaker’s Inn.

We had a great time in the Kings Suite at the Clockmaker’s Inn; the photos on the website don’t do it justice. The corner suite was about 600 square feet on the top floor with high vaulted ceilings, king bed, double jet tub, double shower, double vanities, wide screen TV, DVD, Wifi, love seat and kitchenette. The room was very quiet, it didn’t share walls with any other rooms and we only heard our neighbors once in the hall.
The owner meets you on arrival to show you around and you fill out a slip for your breakfast in the morning. Breakfast was awesome! The two dining rooms seat about ten and everything was from scratch plus hot coffee, tea, cereals and fruit. We’ll be back!
Draw backs: The website needs more photos to help you choose the right room and I tried to use the complimentary long distance on the guest phone but I got an error message. I suppose I could have gone next door to the owners’ residence for help but I got over it.

I had read about The Clockmaker’s Inn months before my husband and I went on our East Coast Extravaganza. We nearly didn’t make it because we were in Kentville, but due to lack of accommodations (last minute, fully booked), I gave them a shout at 8pm and they had one room available. We drove over, and boy, am I ever glad we did!
Let me just say — what an absolutely beautiful house. Gorgeous. A dream. One of the owners (Rick, I think) was there, he had waited for us to arrive since it was late. He didn’t act rushed at all, gave us a tour & breakfast order to fill out — he was thorough and friendly. I love the breakfast idea — order what you want at what time & leave it on a desk in the front hall (the same desk that had cookies waiting for guests on it the next morning!)
Our room (The Windsor Room) was actually the one I was the least interested in when I looked at pics online, but it proved my judgment wrong. Painted Yellow (with original hand painted & plasted stucco work), with hardwood floors, a big window with wooden shutters, and the most comfortable, plush bed I’ve ever slept on in my life; I fell in love immediately! The bathroom is built into what used to be a closet and it’s very nice — heated, with a shower and natural bath & products. There were clean, plush white robes waiting for us as well.
For breakfast, I assumed that it was one common room, but they put us in a private nook, in a separate dining room — so we got to enjoy our (absolutely delicious) breakfast overlooking the yard. It was the perfect way to start the morning. Being so accommodating, the owners encourage guests to hang out throughout the house, even after check-​out time. There are games set up upstairs, a lovely sunroom with books, etc. We were also able to check out the other rooms once everyone had abandoned them. They were all fabulous! I think the Queen Victoria Suite is my favourite.
One wacky little side note; I’m positive that this place is haunted. Not only because it is so old, but because, after I got home, I was looking at the photos of the Inn and there are very interesting coloured orbs in many of the photos — especially concentrated at the front of the house & outside. When you zoom in, they are all a strange shape & in motion. But, rest assured, I didn’t feel any spooks or malicious intent. Quite the contrary, we felt relaxed, comfortable, and had wonderful sleeps!
I highly recommend The Clockmaker’s Inn, without hesitation. Honestly, one night was not nearly enough to take in this beautiful bed & breakfast that is ultra relaxing. Four thumbs (me & the mister’s) way up!