Milford House
5296 Highway #8, South Milford RR #4 Annapolis Royal, South Milford, Nova Scotia B0S 1A0 Canada
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4.5
#1 of 1 ranch in South MilfordLocation
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Restaurant
Tennis court
Board games / puzzles
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
Public wifi
Meeting rooms
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
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Fireplace
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
5296 Highway #8, South Milford RR #4 Annapolis Royal, South Milford, Nova Scotia B0S 1A0 Canada
Getting there
Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport
152.1 km•
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+1
Milford House is a touchstone for me. Whether glorious days in high summer, paddling and swimming at any number of deserted back-country spots, coming back to children's laughter and a glass of wine on the porch; or a crisp fall afternoon with the smell of dry leaves and woodsmoke, my dog running ahead on the Pompy Trail; or a silent winter evening in warm Buckshaw, snow drifting outside, curled by the fire with a book - this is where I go, just to *be*. It is my haven. Thank you for being just the way you are.
Do not expect air conditioning, nor wifi in your rooms, nor hermetically sealed cabins. Do expect excellent food, comfortable beds, an unending supply of wood for the stone fireplaces, board games and books, the Milky Way blazing in a black sky, hidden lakes at the end of short portages, and an invaluable chance to unplug and find yourselves again.
Do not expect air conditioning, nor wifi in your rooms, nor hermetically sealed cabins. Do expect excellent food, comfortable beds, an unending supply of wood for the stone fireplaces, board games and books, the Milky Way blazing in a black sky, hidden lakes at the end of short portages, and an invaluable chance to unplug and find yourselves again.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from valr60, General Manager at Milford House
Responded May 29, 2020
Thank you ‘scitiantripper’ for your warm review. Local guests are so important to us, now more than ever. Your description of all the seasons at Milford House is really a good snapshot of who we are and why we’re here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
My sisters, nephew and I went there for a night this summer. We stayed in Topsail. Before we left I was a little sad that it wasn’t directly on the lake but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is just set back with lake view and it’s own dock. Topsail is close to the main lodge and sleeps 4 but I just slept on the couch quite comfortably. This cabin has a full kitchen but the meal plan is well worth the money and the staff are friendly and efficient. This is a well run business. Our canoe was at our wharf, check in was easy, meals were booked. It takes a bit to get used to being unplugged but I found we needed this to connect with each other. My nephew however at 14 years old did need wifi fix at the lodge but that’s ok too. We ate well, played cards, played Scrabble, had a fire in the fireplace, canoed, swam, hiked and totally relaxed! I love the rustic and charm of this place.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a city girl, who is not a fan of camping, I was hesitant to book Milford House, as I had heard the word rustic so many times when used to describe it.
I camped plenty in my childhood and was a girl guide, so I can, but prefer not to.
I had been recommended it several times over the years by families who attend yearly for 25+ years so I finally took their recommendation and booked.
The website says 1 star. I believe that applies to the accommodations only. Yes they are old and rustic and quirky. If you want strong wifi or cell reception, rural NS isn’t for you. The ability to unplug is hard to get used to but is always worth it.
The staff was lovely, had great encounters with all, desk, wait staff etc
The food was excellent, not 1 star. Large portions, some fresh from the garden,and all very tasty. Very clean restaurant area in the lodge. I had the meal package and found it worth it for the price, it was great.
The lake is a beautiful spot, perfect to swim, canoe or just admire.
I camped plenty in my childhood and was a girl guide, so I can, but prefer not to.
I had been recommended it several times over the years by families who attend yearly for 25+ years so I finally took their recommendation and booked.
The website says 1 star. I believe that applies to the accommodations only. Yes they are old and rustic and quirky. If you want strong wifi or cell reception, rural NS isn’t for you. The ability to unplug is hard to get used to but is always worth it.
The staff was lovely, had great encounters with all, desk, wait staff etc
The food was excellent, not 1 star. Large portions, some fresh from the garden,and all very tasty. Very clean restaurant area in the lodge. I had the meal package and found it worth it for the price, it was great.
The lake is a beautiful spot, perfect to swim, canoe or just admire.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been hearing about Milford house for years. My co-workers and I decided to go for a weekend getaway. The location, beauty and charm are off the charts, in this I was not disappointed. I have stayed in rustic cabins before (MacLeod's Cottages in Green Bay NS) and also camp every year... rustic does not bother me and actually I prefer it. What we didn't like so much was the onslaught of mice/rats in our cabin. The first night wasn't so bad, as we brought a stray cat into our cottage because it was crying for hours outside. Our housekeeping lady was apologetic and said she's mention it to the front desk staff. We heard nothing back about it, The 2nd night, the neighbors had the cat and at around 11 pm the mice were running down the walls, across the tables and shelves6 and all over the place. It was completely unnerving. We had dishes soaking from dinner in the sink and found two drowned mice in it the next morning. There were droppings all over the shelves and dishes. When I brought it up at checkout, I was merely told "Yes they have been a problem this year". No apology, no discount offer on that stay or a future one. I'm pretty certain this is a major health code violation. I was put off that the response was completely unapologetic The literature provided in the cabin says that you are "in the wilderness" and should expect to see a furry visitor or two. Fine. Multiple rodents scaling the walls and drowning in your dishwater is perhaps a little much to expect your guests to deal with?
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Val Richard, General Manager at Milford House
Responded Oct 6, 2020
I can assure you there were no RATS in your cabin. Mice, however, have been an on-going problem for us this season. A fairly open, warm winter and an early summer seem to have exploded the population locally. Many local people have mentioned their own mouse population explosion. We do our best to keep their numbers down. We have traps in all the cabins, out of sight and out of reach for pets and small kids. We don't use poison because of the hazard it is for pets and kids. We can go days without hearing of any, then another bunch will show up. Food left on counters and tables will attract them. I do apologize, but we are doing our best to control the population.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rustic cabins by the water, friendly staff, quiet lakes 'as they used to be' great for canoe and kayak, decent food, library with book exchange, croquet, volleyball net etc for kids, rafts in the water, paths to walk. Close to picturesque Annapolis Royal and Keji National Park. A great place to relax.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Book early as so many return customers year after year.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Val Richard, General Manager at Milford House
Responded Sep 6, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to post this review. Glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you come back next season!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Recommended to us by friends who had previously stayed. If you like rustic and a place with history, this is a good choice. We enjoyed our cozy, retro cabin with it's wood burning fireplace. Breakfasts and dinners in the warm main lodge were welcome and very good. Wonderful reflections on the lakes, nice trails, and perfect for dark skies star gazing. Convenient to Annapolis Royale. On our 2 week holiday, this stands out as a favourite place to stay.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the CROWE Cabin, it was amazing. With the leafs at peak and the cabin is so rustic. The stone fireplace is amazing. We had to have drinks with the wraps in the screened in porch. Truly an gem, will go back for sure.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Book way in advance for peak season.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm giving it 4 stars because of the location. As for service...the location alone earns it 4 stars.
Service is unexpectedly inconsistent and often disorganized. There was a definite difference between the way new guests were treated and the way board members and annual guests were treated.
If you've never been here, it's important to note that if you want a peaceful stay, request a cabin far from the lodge. I didn't know and was given a cabin near other guests right in between three cabins full of very boisterous, loud groups. A staff member confided that she'd told the manager those groups were difficult in the registration process and proceeded to drunken partying into the wee hours.
The last night, one of the nice staff moved me to a quiet cabin that apparently hadn't been available before that night. I only wish I'd had the last night's cabin the entire week! She confided that front desk staff is rarely "on the same page." I encountered both a very rude front desk lady and a nice one.
The food quality was all over the board and the kitchen staff seemed harried, explaining they didn't get clear direction from the management who made changes since he was appointed. One moment he seemed concerned, the rest of the time he ignored guests' concerns. Some staff smoke outside near where you're sitting to enjoy the beautiful nature -- complete with their cigarette smoke.
But! The location is fabulous!!! If you go into your stay with the understanding that you can't rely on the type of service you might expect unless you're a board member or yearly return customer, and reserve a cabin far from the lodge and family cabins, it's a very quaint and lovely stay. I plan to return some day, rent one of the very rustic cabins (with lovely bedding, however) far from the lodge. I'll count on my own resources for meals and enjoy the solitude and peace away from the lodge.
Service is unexpectedly inconsistent and often disorganized. There was a definite difference between the way new guests were treated and the way board members and annual guests were treated.
If you've never been here, it's important to note that if you want a peaceful stay, request a cabin far from the lodge. I didn't know and was given a cabin near other guests right in between three cabins full of very boisterous, loud groups. A staff member confided that she'd told the manager those groups were difficult in the registration process and proceeded to drunken partying into the wee hours.
The last night, one of the nice staff moved me to a quiet cabin that apparently hadn't been available before that night. I only wish I'd had the last night's cabin the entire week! She confided that front desk staff is rarely "on the same page." I encountered both a very rude front desk lady and a nice one.
The food quality was all over the board and the kitchen staff seemed harried, explaining they didn't get clear direction from the management who made changes since he was appointed. One moment he seemed concerned, the rest of the time he ignored guests' concerns. Some staff smoke outside near where you're sitting to enjoy the beautiful nature -- complete with their cigarette smoke.
But! The location is fabulous!!! If you go into your stay with the understanding that you can't rely on the type of service you might expect unless you're a board member or yearly return customer, and reserve a cabin far from the lodge and family cabins, it's a very quaint and lovely stay. I plan to return some day, rent one of the very rustic cabins (with lovely bedding, however) far from the lodge. I'll count on my own resources for meals and enjoy the solitude and peace away from the lodge.
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Date of stay: July 2012Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Make sure you get a cabin far from the lodge and other cabins if you want peace and quiet. Go to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The setting, the cabins, the lake and the wildlife all as magical as can be, but, for the price they charge, the service lacks attention and warmth. We stayed at the Hallow this past summer for 7 days and was impressed by everything but the service. It seemed very hard to get answers from anyone about prices of canoes and how exactly the meal plans worked remained a mystery until the last day. The reception was very lacking and folks were notably treated differently. While our neighbours had their canoe delivered to them we had to paddle ours in the rain to one of the furthest cabins. The kids looking after the tuck shop couldn't answer questions our waitress giggled uncontrollably but didn't say much else. We felt like we were being a bother when we approached the front desk. If they learn about true consistent customer service I would give this place 5 stars. We wanted to come back next summer but couldn't justify spending that money on such unprofessional service so we decided to book a weekend this upcoming November to see how things go. So far it is not looking good. The lady answering the reservations is unpleasant and seems annoyed by our questions about the differences between the 2 accommodations available. My card was also rang in with the wrong expiry date even though they have the right one on file and I was sent an email that the card was declined, I was concerned so canceled a morning meeting to resolve the issue after a while the credit card people found that the Milford house made the mistake. When I called them back the sorry was quick and sharpe and insincere. The web also states our cabin holds 7 people so we invited our best friends and their 2 babies for a total of 6 but when I got the bill I was charged $80 extra for guests. When I called to ask about it she snapped "I told you last night." Hmm not really service fit for a "retreat". So apparently we are paying $400 for two days of scenery. I'm hoping the service is better during this upcoming visit. I would love to book again next summer if they shape up a bit.
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Date of stay: August 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â If you want true privacy ask for a cabin away from the others.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is located in one of the most beautiful settings in Nova Scotia but unfortunately they haven't kept things up. It has such potential but it's obvious they aren't updating anything but merely trying to get as much $$ out of what remains. The cabins are outdated and border on unsafe (in my opinion) - wiring looks shotty, 24" centers for framing that is with 2x4's. I really don't know how they can remain open. That said, truly quaint settings in the woods with each cabin having it's own dock.
the meal plan, don't bother. The food was poor. Obvious they don't have a chef on staff but someone who took a food prep course and knows how to make food in quantities. They claim to use vegetables from their own gardens....obviously not true. My meal was tasteless and although plentiful couldn't bare to eat much of it. The brownie my husband got for dessert was crystalized - like fudge, not brownie. If you can't make a brownie....that's saying something.
We enjoyed canoeing and seeing the loons. Was tranquil and a true get away. Not sure how much longer the place will remain standing. Sad.
the meal plan, don't bother. The food was poor. Obvious they don't have a chef on staff but someone who took a food prep course and knows how to make food in quantities. They claim to use vegetables from their own gardens....obviously not true. My meal was tasteless and although plentiful couldn't bare to eat much of it. The brownie my husband got for dessert was crystalized - like fudge, not brownie. If you can't make a brownie....that's saying something.
We enjoyed canoeing and seeing the loons. Was tranquil and a true get away. Not sure how much longer the place will remain standing. Sad.
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Date of stay: July 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â As for a cabin secluded - otherwise you're bunched up in a public area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The cabins all have hooks on the inside of the doors, for just that reason!
If you would like to add the meal plan to your stay, you can do so on arrival. However you cant opt for the meal plan for part of your stay. If you're not sure which you'd rather, best thing to do would be to go without the meal plan, and just pay for what meals you have in our licensed dining room. Once you decide, you cant change it. And yes, 6 and under is free if you opt for the meal plan.
"Thomas cabin is close to Bud's beach, the playground and the Main Lodge. Full size fridge makes storing cold items a breeze."Read full review
"These are real cabins with stone fireplaces that have been up graded with electricity and plumbing !"Read full review
"Sikes cabin is adjacent to the main beach and directly behind the main lodge - not the most secluded location."Read full review
LOCATION
CanadaNova ScotiaSouthwest Nova ScotiaSouth Milford
NUMBER OF ROOMS
27
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Frequently Asked Questions about Milford House
What are some of the property amenities at Milford House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, free parking, and meeting rooms.
What food & drink options are available at Milford House?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is Milford House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 km away from the centre of South Milford.
Are pets allowed at Milford House?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Milford House offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Does Milford House have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.