For more than 135 years, this heritage home has quietly been part of Mahone Bay’s story.

Built circa 1890 for Edward A. Ernst and his wife, Georgina Kedy Ernst, members of one of Mahone Bay’s founding families, the house reflects more than a century of thoughtful evolution. Rather than returning it to a single moment in time, each chapter has been respected—from its Victorian origins, through a sympathetic 1970s renovation, to the careful restoration and contemporary comforts of today.

The interiors feel collected rather than decorated. Heritage architecture, treasured pieces, original artwork and contemporary comfort come together naturally, creating a home with warmth, character and an unmistakable sense of authenticity. Premium hotel-quality mattresses, luxury linens and generous living spaces ensure every stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

The experience extends well beyond the house itself.

A comfortable lounge deck provides a relaxed setting for morning coffee or an evening drink. Just beyond, the bridge spanning Ernst Brook becomes a memorable setting for outdoor dining beneath mature trees beside the historic barn. Beyond the barn, the landscape opens into a meadow framed by woodland, where Adirondack chairs gathered around the fire pit offer an unexpected sense of peace and space in the heart of Mahone Bay. The property unfolds naturally, each space inviting you to slow down a little more than the last.

One of the greatest pleasures of staying here is leaving the car behind. Cafés, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, the waterfront, grocery store, liquor store, local pub and the Bay to Bay Trail are all within an easy walk, making it easy to settle into the relaxed rhythm of Mahone Bay.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, the home is an ideal base for exploring one of Canada’s most celebrated coastal regions. Spend time wandering the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, visiting Blue Rocks, Chester, Oak Island or nearby beaches, then return to a home that invites you to settle in and savour the evening.

Whether your stay is measured in weeks or months, this is more than a holiday rental. It is an opportunity to experience one of Mahone Bay’s landmark heritage homes while discovering the history, beauty and hospitality that make Nova Scotia’s South Shore such an extraordinary place to call home—even if only for a little while.