A Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages provides guests an old-fashioned family resort and inn
The James family makes what was old new again at the Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages.
It was originally built in 1946/1947 as the Links Inn, a golf resort adjacent to Green Gables Golf Couse. In 1986 the James family bought was then a dated property and began the transformation into what it is today. The concept was to develop the full six acres of property into a family friendly resort and use the main inn building as a focal point.
The resort in Cavendish, PEI spans just under six acres and consists of dozens of buildings. In the original inn there is the main lobby, dining and kitchen area, administration office and 13 rooms that range from small, quaint inn rooms to larger suites.
The gatehouse is located beside the inn and is tucked into a corner of the property. This was built in 1997 and houses 11 larger suites. In the basement there is a large multi-purpose room and the main laundry facilities.
The rest of the property is dedicated to 21 cottages. The cottages are self-catering and range from quaint two bedroom/one bathroom units to home-like three bedroom/two bathroom units with large decks and private hot tubs.
The cottages are organized and built around the periphery of the property and are all focused around a large open green space, a large playground and a fenced-in flower garden.
Quaint, traditionally decorated rooms are found in the main inn and typically appeal towards Anne of Green Gables fans.
“Our main inn is definitely an interpretation of quaint Victorian. Our gatehouse is more modern coastal design. Our cottages are designed around the idea of being practical and simple, while having all of the amenities you want,” explains owner Dan James.
Other features at the inn include a large custom-built playground that is central to the property. Beside the inn there is a 40’x20’ in-ground pool and large hot tub. There is a large flower garden with an outdoor chess game in the middle. There are also two communal fire pits for guest use. They also offer onsite bike rentals.
“In 2021 we launched a Kids Club in July and August. This is a fully staffed educational club for 5–11-year-olds. This allows parents an opportunity to play a round of golf, enjoy a nice quiet meal, or get some work done while their kids get to safely meet other kids, learn, and explore all that the resort has to offer. It is available in half and full days and includes snacks and lunch,” shares owner Becky James.
Kindred Spirits welcomes many different guests from young families to friends travelling together and couples.
The inn is best known for their service and amazing staff.
“Our staff are encouraged to be themselves and spend time with our guests. It is not uncommon to see staff from any of our departments sitting and talking with guests. This friendly and relaxed atmosphere permeates everything we do,” shares Dan.
“In many ways what was old is new again. At our core we are built around the idea of an old-fashioned family resort and inn. Our property is off-the-road, quiet and the design of the property creates and expansive open feeling. All of this while being directly in the heart of the Cavendish Beach area,” says Becky.
Not surprising 2020 was the worst season in the history of the inn. Business was a fraction of what they usually host. However, they kept their full-time staff employed.
They have had some adapting to do – especially around their breakfasts. Traditionally they have served a gourmet breakfast buffet, but with new regulations buffets are a challenge.
Looking to future they plan to continue to upgrade the property where needed, adding more outdoor amenities, and continuing to focus on making the property a great place for staff and guests.
Nicole Sherwood | Eastern Hotelier Magazine