Bridget McNulty

A hidden gem.

// June 10th, 2009 // Prince Edward Island, travelling

One of my favourite things about Prince Edward Island (and one of the things I’ve found the most surprising) is that it’s really easy to navigate. Really easy. As all who have ever driven in a car with me will attest, I have an extremely poor sense of direction. But Jess and I haven’t been lost once since we were here! Not once… Amazing.

However, when we found ourselves right on the edge of the Island, near a lighthouse and with only a few dirt roads surrounding us yesterday afternoon, we felt as if our luck had finally run out… Still, we kept driving, and we were rewarded with this wonderful sight at the end of a long path. Welcome to Briarcliffe Inn!

And what a welcoming place it is. There was even a sign out for us!

Bill and Mary are the owners of this delightful home, which is beautifully decorated with antiques of all shapes, sizes and colours. My particular favourite was this wall of vintage beaded handbags… aren’t they beautiful?

The inn also has some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. Really, this is a 10 out of 10 bed! It’s such a treat to wake up and feel totally refreshed…. I could easily have stayed in bed all day, especially seeing as it was a little cloudy (and a lot chilly!) this morning.

The room also had a lovely view out over the garden, which helped bring the outside in, and made me a little less grumpy about having to work in such a pretty place! (Yip, this isn’t just a holiday, folks, I actually have to work from time to time…)

Still, Jess and I found time for a long walk down by the shore, and visited the lighthouse at Sea Cow Head. We also went for a fabulous dinner (steak, mashed potatoes, salad, brownie and ice-cream) at the Landmark Cafe in Victoria-by-the-Sea, a charming little place not far from the Briarcliffe Inn. I think the thing I loved most about our stay was the extraordinary location – right by the sea. It feels hidden, and is so full of treasures that I’m sure it’s the definition of a hidden treasure. We took a stroll to this spot… How incredible is the red earth? Haven’t gotten over it yet.

And then there was breakfast. Oh my goodness! This is what breakfasts should always look like, as far as I’m concerned… fresh fruit, yoghurt and sweet soda bread, followed by a Dutch pancake filled with all sorts of goodies. Delicious!

All in all? An extremely comfortable stay at a really lovely inn.