Welcome to Pepperell Place

Pepperell Place blends rich history with timeless East Coast hospitality. Recognizable by its iconic, bright Ocean Blue exterior, our property began as a sanctuary for weary travellers. We are proud to carry that meaningful tradition forward today.

Meet your host, Cindy

Welcome! I am thrilled to be your host at Pepperell Place. Originally from Ingersoll, Ontario, my deep connection to Cape Breton began in 2004 when my family purchased a small seasonal home near Saint Peter’s. What started as short annual visits quickly turned into a lifelong love affair with the local community, the breathtaking landscapes, and the unmistakable charm of the East Coast.

A Leap of Faith

In 2021, my family decided to embrace a new adventure. We took a leap of faith, purchased the successful Yellow Seabird Inn, and permanently relocated to Nova Scotia. Since then, we have poured our hearts into updating the property—pulling out the paintbrushes and thoughtfully redesigning the interior to create a fresh, welcoming space within this beautiful, historic home.

A Century of Hospitality

At the time of purchase, the Yellow Seabird Inn already had a rich history in hospitality spanning almost 150 years.

1903 (The Beginnings)
Local train station agent J.W. Doyle built the property as his family home. Since trains only arrived a few times a week, he added dedicated guest rooms for passengers traveling through Saint Peter’s.

1918 (The MacDonald Era)
Alex MacDonald purchased the property for his three daughters, who established The MacDonalds Hotel. This deeply musical family famously entertained guests around the piano every evening in true maritime fashion.

1975 (The Mofford Care)
Ardon and Micaeleen Mofford took stewardship of the popular landmark, preserving its beloved name and legacy until 2009.

2009 (A New Name)
German entrepreneur Beate Hassold acquired the property, renaming it the A. MacDonald Country Inn and Dining Room.

2016 (The Yellow Seabird)
Peter and Brigitte Schoen, also from Germany, purchased the inn. They completed extensive renovations and renamed it the Yellow Seabird B&B Inn to honour its vibrant exterior.

The Next Chapter

This brings us to the present day. We have thoughtfully updated the property and look forward to introducing you to our vision for this historic destination. Whether you are arranging a romantic getaway, a hiking excursion, or a gathering with close friends, we invite you to relax in our safe, inclusive environment. Let us help you plan your next memorable stay.

A ground-level photo of Pepperell Place Inn