Judy MacDonald was always fascinated by heritage houses. In her native Prince Edward Island, these historic homes have a significant connection to the province’s architecture, history and culture. They offer insight into the people who lived there.

She fell in love with heritage homes when she was working as the Registrar of Collections at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery. “We loaned paintings to the Government House, the residence of the lieutenant governor, and my boss had me attend the monthly meeting to make sure the paintings were looked after,” says MacDonald. “All around the table were people who were very knowledgeable about heritage buildings and how to decorate them. And I learned so much.”

In 1981, she heard about a grand three-story Second Empire heritage house that was for sale. Overlooking tranquil Rustico Bay, the home was originally owned by Joseph Gallant, one of the region’s most prominent Acadian farmers and entrepreneurs. MacDonald and her husband, Gary MacDonald, leaped at the chance to check it out. The trouble was that the home was in total disrepair. “I remember walking by someone and heard them say, ‘You know what I would do with that place? I'd get a bulldozer, dig a big hole and push it in,’” recalls MacDonald.

Fast-forward to 1984, Judy and her husband Gary opened the Barachois Inn as an intimate bed and breakfast. Guests can idyll on the inn’s wide verandas, meander through the Victorian garden, stroll along Rustico Bay, or have a picnic beside its banks. The rooms are filled with antiques, crafts, and art from Prince Edward Island artists. They also offer high tea and concerts on their restored grand piano dating back to the 1890s.

Reprinted with the permission of Jeryl Brunner, a Forbes contributor, who profiles people who are guided by a deep passion for what they do.