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Centretown Guest House Directions |
Your Hosts Serge Gionet and Stephen Parsons The house has been substantatively renovated from roof to basement (essentially everything was restored)—insulation, electrical wiring, bathrooms, plumbing; they sanded the hardwood floors, built a second floor ensuite, reconstructed the front porch and carport, added a large sun room with spa and, last but not least, Serge got his new kitchen. This is a test of any relationship that cements a bond like no other. Serge (Acadian and bilingual francophone) is chief chef at Sheriff Hall, women's residence of Dalhousie University during the school year. He is a human dynamo and a spinning top, constantly at work, here and there, on the go and on the cusp of all activities. Serge wakes at dawn to walk the dog. He saunters over to the local pool for his daily swim and is back before guests stir in the morning. Serge has lived in Halifax for over thirty years. He knows where to go, what to do. He has been a volunteer in a choir with the International Tattoo for fifteen years. He also enjoys the city's night life and is generally eager to show guests around town. Stephen, on the other hand, is laid back. They say he is an occasional eccentric. He is retired with a medical pension (hence the no scents and no smoking policy) from work with the Federal Government. Stephen has lived all over Canada, from the frozen north to Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick. He returned to Nova Scotia 15 or so years ago. His varied interests range from reading, designing, building, and restoration to writing, painting, stained glass, boating, and calssic/antique autos. You will see him around the place puttering at things or doing his hobby: art work. He disappears quickly at the slightest wiff of any scents, as this is critical to his health. He has been known to spin a yarn or two with guests, which is an old Nova Scotia past time. His life's dream was fulfilled a couple of years ago with the purchase of a replica 27-foot St. Pierre/Michelon motorized dory, the largest boat of its type in the Halifax area. It is spectacular to see in the water and is a tourist photo opportunity. In the spring and fall he and Serge haul and launch their beloved dory from land to the bay and then back again each season. The boat is moored at the end of the Arm off a mini-peninsula they call Horseshoe Island. They enjoy plowing the ocean blue; friends, neighbours and guests are welcome aboard whenever they set sail. Occasionally they see seals and whales on their journeys. They have also been known to catch fish and BBQ them for supper; now that's fresh fish! Both Serge and Stephen come from large families, a heritage which conveys a welcome and relaxed atmosphere at Centretown. Guests quickly learn the meaning of Maritime hospitality. Some guests slow down to a lobster's gait, chat a yarn or two and enjoy the ambience. Other guests try to cram in all the city has to offer. Whatever your preference, you are sure to leave their home with pleasant memories of a vacation well spent. Quiet and discreet accommodations with old-fashioned Nova
Scotia hospitality. |
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