Chanterelle Inn and Cottages

St. Anne’s Bay, Nova Scotia
Owner: Earlene Busch

In 2009, Cape Breton’s Chanterelle Inn and Cottages was named to the National Geographic Traveler magazine’s list of eco-friendly places to stay. Previously in 2006, the Inn, owned by Earlene Busch, was awarded the Micro-Business of the Year by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for its commitment to sustainability.

In addition to sourcing local food and choosing local building supplies, the moving of three cottages to the site contributes to its reputation for sustainability.

In 2004 Busch found herself at an auction in Ingonish. The auction was at a property with 25 uninsulated summer cottages built in the 1950s. She bought three of the 25 cottages for $300 each and had them moved to Stannis Bay. Only one other cottage on the property was sold. Sadly the other twenty-one were demolished.

The addition of the renovated, energy efficient cottages offers a more private experience for guests of the Chanterelle Inn. Bricks from the original chimneys were used for paths. The original wooden porches were deconstructed and the wood used to build cabinetry. Busch remarks, “The wood in the cottages was so beautiful. If I’d had more buildable area near the Inn I would have definitely brought in more buildings”.