A love letter to life’s goodness, written in wood floors, golden light and big-hearted hospitality
The seed of The August House was planted more than a decade ago when Colette O’Hara (one of the three owners) traveled through Italy and fell in love – not with a destination, but with a way of being. A reverence for beauty, a care for the everyday and a belief that hospitality, when done with heart, is one of life’s essential arts. Years later, now rooted back in her hometown, Colette teamed up with Laura MacLachlan and Ezra Edelstein – kindred spirits who believe in the quiet power of beautiful spaces, the depth of true hospitality and the kind of experiences that rest in your bones.
Together, they transformed a historic Italianate home (an poetic wink in itself) that survived the Great Windsor Fire of 1897, breathing new life into its bones. Over 18 months, they stripped, sanded and restored, laying down wide-plank Eastern white pine floors milled in the Gaspereau Valley, uncovering original plasterwork, and layering in a new expression of luxury: grounded, soulful, quietly bold.
Every detail at The August House is a love note from all three partners – to this land, this life, and the people who pass through. This place is more than an inn. It’s a living tribute: to time well spent, to the magic of golden-hour light, to quiet mornings and spirited conversation, to connection, to belonging, to delight. Whether you’re here for a night or a long exhale, The August House is your invitation to come alive to the goodness all around you.
From the very beginning, The August House was built with more than hospitality in mind. We set out to create a model of regenerative tourism; one where we give more to our community than we take. The Judy Fund is how we make that vision real. It’s our way of pouring love, care and tangible resources back into the place we call home.
Every time a guest books a stay with us, 2% of their room night goes directly into The Judy Fund. These contributions are then invested in increasing life’s goodness right here in West Hants. Over the years, we’ve supported things like West Hants Pride and relief for families impacted by the devastating 2023 flash floods.
Most recently, we’ve partnered with A Better Life Foundation, Upward Kitchen at The Nook (led by changemaker Mark Brand), and the Hants West Food Action Council (led by community leader Domenic Padula) to provide 100 freezer meals each month. These nourishing, ready-to-eat meals are stocked in chest freezers across the region – free and accessible to anyone who needs one.
The Judy Fund is named in honour of three remarkable women who helped shape the heart of The August House: Colette’s mom, Laura’s mom, and our dear friend Mike Kennedy’s mom. All named Judy. All carriers of fierce love, unwavering generosity, and an unshakable belief in taking good care. This fund is a tribute to them and to the everyday goodness they inspired in us.
The Judy Fund is our commitment to community. Our thank you. Our offering. Our love letter.
If you’re interested in knowing more, drop us an email at hello@theaugusthouse.ca.
