Annie's Retreat has been under the ownership of Adrian and Gina Noordhof since 2006. The business is found on the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada, and it currently operates seasonally from mid-May to mid-September. Gina and Adrian take pride in the seclusion of the location, as Annie's Retreat is positioned in a rural area off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Many of those who visit the property engage in outdoor activities at the beaches of Newfoundland. Direct access to a nearby beach is given to visitors of Annie's Retreat, as a boardwalk extends from the acreage. In addition to the natural landscape of the setting, Gina notes that the location bears historical significance, as she explains that its origins pertain to the Vikings who sailed to the land hundreds of years ago.
Situated on the island of Newfoundland, Annie's Retreat encompasses 12 acres on the Northern Peninsula just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The establishment offers three vacation rentals for patrons to occupy, which are as follows: Wavey's House, Quoyle's House, and Vals House. Regardless of which accommodation visitors choose to stay in, a view of Gunner's Cove and the ocean can be seen from the vacation rentals. Gina Noordhof, one of the owners of Annie's Retreat, remarks that guests may spot some of the region's wildlife near the premises during their stay, namely moose, seals, seabirds, minks, and rabbits, to name a few.
In terms of amenities, each unit offers something relatively different from one another. Quoyle's House comprises two guestrooms, each supplied with a queen-size bed. Occupants of this accommodation are also given access to two bathrooms, one of which has a shower and jacuzzi tub while the other is a standard bathroom found downstairs on the main level of the home. According to Gina, the bathrooms are characterized by panels on the walls and ceiling from the Provincial Museum that depict Viking folklore. Gina says that these panels were made by a prominent Newfoundland artist by the name of Bill Richie. Moreover, Quoyle's House additionally has a living room area and a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining room table. It should be noted that this vacation rental is designed to accommodate up to four occupants. Gina discourages visitors from bringing a group any larger than this on account of the house's historic nature. Outside the structure itself, a patio extends from the front door, where four chairs are set up to serve as a common area for lounging. Generally speaking, Gina describes the style of this unit as a saltbox with 1800s characteristics.
As for Wavey's House, this building contains one room with a king-size bed and one room with two single beds. This particular accommodation has one shared bathroom with a tub, shower, toilet, and sink. The bedrooms and bathroom are all found on the second level of Wavey's House, while a dining room and kitchen constitute the main level, akin to Quoyle's House. This unit also has a patio that leads to the property's boardwalk at the adjacent beach. Wavey's House exhibits a saltbox style similar to Quoyle's House, however, this vacation rental has more of a 1900s design, as noted by Gina.
Vals House is comparatively smaller in size compared to the other two homes, with a total of one guestroom and one bathroom. A queen-size bed is found in the bedroom, and a kitchen area with a table and chairs is located inside as well. With a window overlooking the view of the ocean, Gina reports that this unit has a Scandinavian style that is somewhat different from the other two vacation rentals.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the property's aforementioned boardwalk can direct visitors to the beach where grassland and rocky shores can serve as the setting for a picnic or campfire. A nearby field is also in close proximity to Annie's Retreat, and Gina says that in the past, people have utilized the field to engage in outdoor activities and sports such as soccer. Beyond the grounds of Annie's Retreat, several natural areas, attractions, and restaurants are located within the vicinity. Gina reports that Annie's Retreat is situated by "the oldest mountain range in the world." Visitors who take an interest in exploring the region can travel to a nearby park that overlooks the ocean. There, one may have the opportunity to view whales in their natural habitat or icebergs floating in the sea. Gina also mentions a newly established trail that winds throughout the Northern Peninsula.
History enthusiasts may find enjoyment in the region's historical significance, as Gina says that Annie's Retreat occupies land near a Viking site, "where the first European settlers to come to North America traveled 1,000 years ago." A number of other Viking-themed attractions can be found, including Norstead—a site that encompasses the idea of what it would have been like if the Vikings had stayed in the area, as explained by Gina. Furthermore, two other historic establishments are close to Annie's Retreat: Grenfell House Museum and a French exhibit in a café. Gina recommends that tourists who are seeking some of the nearby dining options visit the Norseman Restaurant—an eatery under the same ownership as Annie's Retreat. She also suggests eating at Skipper Hot's Lounge and Northern Delight.
Gina and Adrian Noordhof, the owners of Annie's Retreat, have the goal of allowing their patrons to feel "a sense of Newfoundland." Gina further explains that she wants people to experience Newfoundland "how a child would've felt growing up here." The owners believe that the modern amenities in each accommodation contribute to the overall experience. In a further effort to help visitors feel comfortable and safe at Annie's Retreat, Gina says that she and Adrian give guests their contact information and they try to be available to address any questions or concerns that may arise over the course of visitors' stay.
Future guests should be aware of a few policies that are implemented. Pets are prohibited from accompanying patrons in the Vacation Rentals, and Gina emphasizes the guest limit of four or five occupants per accommodation. It should be mentioned as well that there are no age restrictions on children. Lastly, quiet hours are enforced every night starting at 11:00 p.m.
Annie's Retreat operates seasonally from late May to mid-September. Gina observes that the busiest time of year for the business typically takes place from mid-July to mid-August due to the moderate temperatures. Families and couples are the primary constituents of the demographic of those who stay at Annie's Retreat, according to Gina. People from Quebec, Europe, Ontario, and America have stayed at the establishment in the past, and the property has also received bicycle groups and geology students from the University of Miami.
Annie's Retreat was purchased by the current owners, Gina and Adrian Noordhof, in 2006; however, the buildings date back much further. Quoyle's House was originally built in the 1800s—as indicated by some of the qualities of its present-day style—and it wasn't until the 1900s that Wavey's House was added to the property as well. Throughout the establishment's history, extensive work was done on the homes, and a number of renovations were conducted under the direction of several local carpenters. Gina and Adrian also played a role in updating the property, as new furniture was added to the interior of the accommodations.
GGWG+59 400 meters pass Valhalla B&B Inn
Saint Lunaire-Griquet, Newfoundland and Labrador A0k 2X0
Canada
Campground
Gina & Adrian Noordhof
