Roseneath Country Inn Bed and Breakfast, Prince Edward Island, Hospitality Award

Tourist Industry Association of PEI

Text of the PowerPoint Presentation

In 1868 Nathaniel McLaren, a miller, built the home in the Roseneath area on the Brudenell River. In 1920 Edgar’s family purchased the property and his father ran the sawmill until the mid 50’s. Edgar grew up in the home and later left and studied to become an engineer. Meanwhile, Brenda grew up in an atmosphere of perpetual company and visitors. Her family had a history of boarders and visitors in their homes, and this way of life would repeat itself in later years for Brenda also. Eventually Brenda and Edgar met, married and had two sons. From 1980 until 1986 Edgar’s work took them to Saudi Arabia and then on to Jakarta, Indonesia for nine more years.

During this time they accumulated various furnishings, wall hangings and pictures. To date, the home or bed and breakfast resonates with their travels. A visitor can spend hours pouring over all the artifacts from far off places. After countless tourists asking about the furnishings, Brenda made up books with pictures and explanations of each item. To involve the tourist, the Dewars ask guests to sound a gong in the dining room to “aid in their digestion before eating”. They also have in the home a red stain under the wallpaper in the hallway upstairs, and visitors are challenged to write their own story on exactly how the red stain got there. The garden that surrounds the home is breathtaking and has been featured in Canadian Gardening magazine. Every visitor receives a package of hollyhock seeds for their own gardening pleasure.

Edgar takes great pride in the local history of the community. He serves as treasurer for the Garden of the Gulf Museum and is one of three founding members of the Three Rivers Roma Inc. now developing a major nature park and enhancement of the historic Roma site in Brudenell. Brenda serves as secretary and compiler of the annual brochure for the Hills and Harbours Association. She is also a member of PEI’s B&B and Country Inns Association. For 2004 her major project is organizing the Dewar Family reunion.

But it is the extras one receives when you stay or just visit the Roseneath Bed and Breakfast. Books from an extensive library, bicycles, trout fishing, trails, and a 100 acre wood lot are just a few of the amenities you will enjoy at the Dewar home. It’s the extras offered by hosts and hostess like Brenda and Edgar Dewar that people remember.

What makes it memorable for Brenda and Edgar? It’s the people who visit and take the time to write and thank them for their hospitality. Repeat and word of mouth business they receive is their greatest marketing tool. One visitor has returned every year since they opened the Bed and Breakfast, because of the homey and quiet atmosphere. But it is hard work. Brenda laughs “Visitors comment on how laid back Islanders are – but we work from dawn to dusk to make it appear that way”. Well Brenda and Edgar your work has paid off!

We would now like to present well deserving recipients

Brenda and Edgar Dewar with

the 2003 Kings County Hospitality Award