Less than an hour from Halifax, developer/hotelier Kerry Lynch found the perfect spot for his second accommodation project: Black Forest Cabins, at the intersection of the Bay to Bay Trail and Main Street in picturesque Mahone Bay.

A popular place for visitors year-round, but especially in the summer for the nearby hiking and biking, and the lures of Chester and Lunenburg, Mahone Bay was a destination with many traditional Bed and Breakfasts. Lynch realized he could create another year-round option for the region, to attract families or couples wanting a vacay or for corporate retreats.

THE STUDIO CABINS: A SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED RETREAT

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Eight newly built studio cabins are connected via a raised wooden boardwalk for accessibility and to protect the landscape. Each cabin is designed for two guests, an open plan layout with modern amenities including a/c/heat, complimentary internet, flat screen tv, Sonos speaker and a wine fridge.

Decorated in Scandi style, cabins exude a calming effect thanks to white-washed wood walls, light wood furniture, pale rattan accent pieces, and locally inspired art. With textiles in cream, white, gray and blue, black framing on the doors and windows highlights the calming surrounding spruce forest views.

The cabins all have king beds, with a skylight above for star gazing as well as a kitchenette, bath with tub/shower, window bench, seating areas inside and outside as well as parking. And after a day of adventures, the shared cedar sauna provides a welcoming place to relax and recharge.

Black Forest Cabins launched in summer 2024 and feature contactless check-in and check-out; there are plans to add another eight cabins.

THE HISTORIC SPRUCE TOP COTTAGE

At the heart of this project is a 160-year-old Spruce Top Cottage, designed in Gothic Revival style featuring pointed arches and a steeply pitched roof. Sleeping eight, the restored cottage has several original features and a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture. Lynch had previously had the cottage as a vacation rental, but now is included in Black Forest Cabins.

Featuring a fully equipped kitchen to easily make (or warm up) meals, there’s also a spacious living room and den on the main floor, perfect for a family game night or for meetings. Guests also have access to a backyard, BBQ and bikes to explore the area. The Rails to Trails network is next door to the property, accessible for those who want to walk, run or cycle.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, two with queen beds, simply styled with white linens, gray and white textile accents, vintage wood and painted furniture pieces, modern lighting and ceramic accessories. The other two bedrooms each feature a pair of twin beds; a full bathroom is on the second floor, and a powder room is downstairs. Portable fans are provided for guests in the summer months. For meetings or events, there’s also The Barn, a rustic space which can be rented for a half or whole day.

EXPLORE THE SOUTH SHORE

For newbies to Mahone Bay or those needing some getaway inspo, Black Forest Cabins has partnered with local businesses (many within walking distance of the cabins/cottage), including Sweet Ride Cycling, Cape Lahave Adventures and Pleasant Paddling for water tours, Salty Dog Tours and for some local flavours, Salt Box Brewery and Betty’s Pizza.