Ashlea House Bed and Breakfast

I love B&Bs that have heritage character as well as modern amenities, serve great big breakfasts, are walking distance to attractions and restaurants, and, if possible, have pets. Ashlea House was all of the above, including having an adorable Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever (sort of a dog-​away-​from-​dog).
The house was built in 1886, and has been completely renovated to keep its heritage form, such as gingerbread trim, as well as adding the period-​appropriate gazebo and widow’s watch features. Our hostess was Lynn, who has a big voice, a big laugh, and a quirky sense of humour. Not only that, but she was also very helpful in getting on the phone and making a reservation for us for a B&B for the next night — and got us a little discount on it too.
We stayed in the Westmount Room, which was very pleasant and light, not at all overly antiquey or full of teddy bears or anything weird. There is a little lounge just across the hall with books and DVDs and a patio. It is on the the 3^rd floor, which made me regret a little bringing in a large-​ish suitcase, having to carry it up a rather narrow flight of stairs. Or at least, making my husband do it! From our room, you could also climb up to the widow’s watch at the very top of the house and check out the view of the harbour (where the Bluenose II will soon be launched).
Bonuses of Ashlea House included being super-​easy to find, right near the waterfront when you drive into Lunenburg. It’s also just a couple minutes walk across the road and down a pleasant path to the Old Town, and a quick stumble to/​from the fantastic Knot Pub. I just wish we could have stayed longer.