Our summer weather is great for
outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking,
painting, bicycling, birding, photography, and
beach combing. And rock hounding, of course!
During heat waves well into 30sC or 90sF on the
mainland, we have had clear skies, light breezes,
and temperatures in the 20s C or 70s F. Say
Ahhhh....
Stones2Gems Cottage
is a small island
holiday cottage owned and maintained by Greg and
Nancy McHone of North Head, on the island of Grand
Manan, New Brunswick, Canada. It is quiet, private,
very clean, and comfortable for 1 or 2 people, or a
third person could use the futon. The cottage was
completely renovated in 2009 with new floors,
furnishings, and beds. This is a place where anyone
can relax and enjoy a peaceful and inexpensive
holiday, as well as perfect for the amateur
naturalist, rock hound, writer, birder,
photographer, or artist, with scenery that has
attracted visitors for more than 150 years. Come to
our friendly, peaceful island, far from the cares
of your busy life.

We rent it by the week
(usually Sunday afternoon to Sunday morning), only to mature,
non-smoking couples and individuals. If you are looking for
just a few days on the island or a different week-long
schedule, we will try to accommodate you before
mid-June or after mid-September. Check the reservation
calendar below, then contact us for special
rates.
Rental seasons are
normally June to October, but if you wish to visit another
time, feel free to ask. The "high season" months are July and
August, and for then you should make your reservation as
early as possible -- see the calendar
below.
Rates for 2015 will
be $600 CND for a week with one or more days in July or
August, which is competitive with other island cottages. Our
price includes all taxes and fees. For weeks completely
in June, September, or October, the rate is $500 CND
per week. Reservations for more than one week have a
$50 discount per week (but you handle laundry and
necessary cleaning during your stay). As costs rise we
must raise the rent, but if you come back next year we
will charge you the previous year's rate.
Our
location on a quiet side lane has no ocean view because it
is set well back in a large private lot surrounded by trees.
But it is only a short walk down to Pettes Cove Beach
and Net Point, or up the hill to Swallowtail Head and
Light. Pettes Cove is unspoiled,
peaceful, and very beautiful. It is another easy walk past the
ferry landing and through North Head village, which has an
active fishermen's wharf, post office, restaurants, inns,
small shops, and handsome old houses. Slightly farther
west are the Saturday Farmer's Market,
Stanley's Beach, the drug store, North Head
Bakery, and island hospital.
The
cottage is small, one bedroom with two new twin beds, a
full bathroom with closet off the bedroom, and a front
room with a full kitchen and living area, including a
futon sofa and easy chair. It is not for large
families or for extra guests to stay over. A
well-mannered pet is OK, but you must agree to pay any
related costs for cleaning or damage. A TV in the
corner also plays DVD videos, with a small library of
movies and books, and a telephone for local calls (bring your
cell phone for long distance). We hope to have wireless
internet starting in May 2015. The deck is partially shaded
during the day, with chairs and a small table as well
as a charcoal grill. Charcoal and lighter are
provided. A clothes line is in the back yard --
no washer/dryer at the cottage, but a commercial
laundromat is available down the island. For folks who
find stairs to be difficult, please note there are 8
steps up to the deck and door.
It is
always beautiful on Grand Manan, with ever changing skies
and seas. Wild flowers are everywhere in June, including
fields of colorful lupines. The best weather usually
arrives in July, and it is commonly clear and mild
through September into October. The warmest
temperatures are in mid-July through mid-August, but
evenings are cooler, and air conditioning is not
needed or used by most island people. Breathe deeply --
our air has the moist, fresh, invigorating quality of the
North Atlantic Ocean.
You
will find no heavy traffic, no crowds, no tourist traps,
no ugly developments -- just friendly people, small unspoiled
villages, and outdoor nature activities. Wander with
your camera, go hiking, kayaking, whale watching, or
biking, or just relax at a beach or the cottage with a
good book. Most things you need can be purchased or
rented on the island. Life here is secure and
peaceful, with fantastic ocean scenery everywhere you
go.
The
stereo microscope on the small table can be used to
examine stones, plants, shells, sand, and other small
items. I collect and renovate microscopes, so let me
know if you are interested in one to take home.
Payment:
At this time (March 2015) the American dollar is higher in
value to the Canadian dollar, and we will calculate a
payment in USD to match what the bank will exchange to
CND (it constantly changes). Immediate payment of half
($300 CND) is requested to reserve the cottage, with
the remainder due upon arrival. Refunds are possible
up to 2 weeks before arrival (earlier notice is
appreciated). Reservations are first come-first
served, so contact us as early as you can for the days
you want. Payment is by personal cheque drawn on a US or
Canadian bank in USD$ or CND$ (made out to Stones2Gems), or by
PayPal. Or cash, but only in person. No business or bank
cheques, please. Sorry, no credit cards directly, but you
can use them in PayPal (james@earth2geologists.net
is the PayPal payment address).
Contact us via email
or postal mail for reservations and
to arrange payment. Our mailing address
is:
Greg and Nancy
McHone
Stones2Gems
9 Dexters
Lane
Grand Manan, NB
E5G3A6 Canada
Please use email if
possible; or call us at 506-662-3327 before 9 PM
Atlantic time.
Every rental cottage has
a few rules.
How
to get here? See these travel directions
Get
updates and information -- join our Stones2Gems Cottage
Facebook page (click the Like
button)
Nearby are many places of
interest.
What
to do when you visit? 25 activities
recommendations.
When
is the best time to visit? times to visit recommendations.
New
to Grand Manan? Spend some time looking over the island
website.
Here
are some Questions and Answers about
visiting Grand Manan
Here
is a brief History and Geology of
Pettes Cove.
See
this new travel video on YouTube, about a visit to Grand
Manan
scroll to the
bottom to see a calendar of reservations and
events