Train Station Inn

21 Station Rd, Tatamagouche, NS
Design: James LeFresne (owner)
Constructed in 1887. Inn opened in 1989.

When James LeFresne bought the old Tatamagouche Train Station in 1974 his only goal was to save a heritage building that he had loved since his childhood from the wrecking ball. Now he has transformed this Victorian train station into a world renowned Inn welcoming hundreds of visitors every year. By doing so, he and his wife have contributed to the local economy of a rural Nova Scotia community.

The Tatamagouche Train Station was constructed in 1887 by Intercolonial Railway. The lower floor housed offices, baggage areas and waiting rooms, and the upper floor was home to the station master and his family. Many trains once passed through Tatamagouche and across Nova Scotia and the strongly constructed brick station was built to last.

Today visitors can stay in the restored station master’s quarters as they would have looked a century ago. Building on the rail theme, James has also purchased two heritage boxcars and seven heritage cabooses including one constructed for past Governor-General Earl Grey. All offer world-class rooms and a unique experience.

Though no specific numbers are available it’s estimated that through adaptive reuse of the Tatamagouche Train Station several hundred tons of demolition waste was saved from the landfill, not to mention all the materials contained in the rail cars.
Recently James and his wife purchased the local grain elevator and have plans to transform this unique structure into an artisans’ co-op. Adaptive reuse is thriving in Tatamagouche.