The Story of Bob and the Churchill Mansion

Bob Benson was born in Bear River, Nova Scotia, a small tidal village located four miles inland from the Annapolis Basin. During Bob's fifth grade in school, he was most intrigued by 'a story of many rudders' which he read about in his reader. His fascination with boats and the water began at a very young age. At thirteen years old, he often took tourists on deep sea fishing excursions in the Annapolis Basin.

Upon graduating from the Technical Institute of New Brunswick, he found employment with Digby Home Furnishings, Bear River Ltd. He worked there for two years and then at that time bought the business, and renamed it Bear River Home Furnishings. He not only sold furniture, but also appliances and electronics, and a staff of tradesmen maintained and repaired the goods that were sold.

During these first few years as a businessman, Bob courted a girl from Yarmouth and on repeated trips, noticed a big house on a hill overlooking Darling Lake, located nine miles northeast of Yarmouth The stately old Mansion was one of fascination and intrigue.

Bob eventually married Gertrude Potter of Bear River and together they not only owned and operated Bear River Home Furnishings, but also became involved in other business ventures. They set up souvenir gift shops in Resort Hotels in the area, and through this venture came in contact with various merchants and prominent people

While operating a gift shop at Braemar Lodge, Bob was informed, by the Managers secretary, about an Historic Property for sale in the Yarmouth area. This was in the Autumn of 1980. However, it was not until February of 1981 that arrangements were made for Bob to view the property through a Trust Company.

The front door was broken and the general state of the old Mansion was in disrepair. It was dated in decor, with bright colors splashing the walls and old rugs covering the floors. Cobwebs seemed to bind the structure together. Original features still existed throughout but were in desperate need of TLC.

Despite the much needed work, Bob saw beyond the obvious and realized the potential of this unique, neglected property. It was love at first sight. He returned to Bear River, deep in thought about what he had just seen.

Ironically, the next day, a local paper, The Digby Mirror, published the history of Aaron Churchill and the Story of many Rudders. To Bob, this was a sign and he immediately got on the phone and told the Trust Company he would purchase " The Anchorage,' property.

Tradesmen were brought to the old house from Bear River Home Furnishings. Immediately renovations began, and even some of the men brought their wives to help. Walls were painted, heating and plumbing systems were installed. The many rooms were furnished with pieces from Bear River Home Furnishings, and three months later, in May of 1981, Bob Benson and his wife Gertrude opened the doors to the public for the first time in sixty years. Churchill Mansion Bed and Breakfast was now in operation. Traffic slowed down with curious passerby’s. People knocked at the front door requesting tours. The neighborhood looked on with amazement. The forlorn property on the hill had now come to life. Vehicles slowed down and some even pulled over alongside the road for a closer look.

That was twenty-five years ago and now, Churchill Mansion Bed and Breakfast has become Churchill Mansion Country Inn.