Stay in One of North America's Oldest Settlements

Four Centuries on the Annapolis Basin

Stay in the original capital of Acadia and Nova Scotia, on a waterfront estate connected to more than four centuries of North American history. While the current residence has stood since circa 1817, the land was originally the private domain of the Seigneurs of Port-Royal, serving as an exclusive sanctuary on the Annapolis Basin.

We cater to those who value an established pedigree and unhurried elegance. From the historic architecture to the gardens at the water’s edge, the experience is one of quiet discretion.

The Bailey House is more than a residence — it is a defining part of your journey through the original capital of Acadia and Nova Scotia.

A Historic Waterfront Residence

Established in 1817 upon 17th-century foundations, the Bailey House is a rare example of Georgian architectural purity. Positioned at the edge of the Annapolis Basin, the estate serves as a four-century sanctuary and an exclusive enclave for adult guests—continuing a tradition of hospitality that has welcomed discerning travellers since as early as 1826.

With our private waterfront access with its glowing sunsets, the house offers a refined retreat on Canada’s oldest streetscape. Here, the residence’s storied past is balanced by contemporary comforts, featuring a notable collection of period art alongside discreet, modern appointments.

Privacy, authenticity, and a legacy defined by the tides.

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Historic Treasures & Natural Wonders of Annapolis Royal

In Annapolis Royal, history is not merely observed; it is inhabited. As the original capital of Nova Scotia, the town remains a rare sanctuary of architectural integrity and quiet permanence. Here, a distinguished density of heritage meets the rhythmic pull of the Bay—from the refined fairways of the local links to the storied vintages of nearby estates.

The Bailey House sits at the epicentre of this cultural landscape. Within a short walk of your doorstep lie twelve sites of international significance.

This is a place of foundational firsts. From the ramparts of Fort Anne to the cradle of settlement at the Habitation, the town offers a direct connection to the continent’s earliest chapters. With four of the nation’s oldest timber-frame residences and a townscape almost entirely designated as a National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal offers a rare opportunity to dwell within the very fabric of Canadian history.

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Four Centuries of History, Carefully Preserved

The Bailey House offers a rare opportunity to experience four centuries of North American history without surrendering the comforts of the present. Throughout the house, museum-quality art and antiques spanning four hundred years serve not as decoration, but as part of a living historical narrative that continues to unfold within these walls.

Each guest room commemorates individuals connected to the history of Annapolis Royal and the wider Atlantic world. Guests may stay in the room dedicated to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and father of Queen Victoria, or in honour of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll. Other rooms pay tribute to Dame Marie Saint Étienne De La Tour de Belleisle, chatelaine of the estate and holder of one of the earliest seigneurial grants in North America.

Occupying a singular waterfront setting, the Bailey House is the only accommodation in Annapolis Royal situated directly on the shores of the Annapolis Basin. From the gardens to the broad tidal waters beyond, the landscape remains remarkably unchanged—a view shaped by centuries of Acadian, Indigenous, British, and Nova Scotian history.

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