Motel Revival

Story by DANIELLE GRIFFIN

In 2017, moteliers Marc Daoust and Joseph Gogas bought the Lighthouse Motel & Cottages, just outside of Bridgewater and have transformed it into a modern retreat. After an inspiring road trip through Nova Scotia, the pair decided to leave behind the bustle of their corporate jobs in Toronto, in favour of something new.
Within the bourgeoning tourist industry on the South Shore, Marc and Joseph noticed a missing niche in the accommodations market. Thus, the vision for their motel restoration project was born.
Though motels have been notoriously dubbed ‘shabby’ in recent decades, they are now undergoing a renaissance. It’s a creative spin on an old idea: capturing the nostalgia of the drive-up motel, while transforming it into something fresh,
polished, and stylish. While large hotel chains (with their homogenous layouts and decor) were popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, modern travelers are now gravitating toward a more unique, elevated experience.
In speaking about the renovations to the Lighthouse Motel, Marc says that they “sought to embrace the retro revival of the mid-century modern structure while upscaling the interior to have the modern-day comforts of a boutique lodging establishment.”
While there is an overarching theme of tasteful, coastal Canadiana at the Lighthouse Motel, each room and cottage is unique. Marc and Joseph have carefully curated each room to create an inviting, contemporary getaway. As their website highlights, lodging options include 11 drive-up style motel units, a restored boathouse with 3 cottage studios and a large 2 bedroom riverfront cottage that can sleep up to six.
Marc and Joseph have also made methodical improvements to the outdoor space at the motel to showcase the beauty of their riverfront property. Within steps of each room, guests have access to cozy nooks appointed with barbecue grills, picnic tables, a large communal fire pit and Adirondack chairs out on a floating dock. The motel is charmingly located on a four acre property nestled along the LaHave River.
Anyone looking for modern accommodations that incorporate a truly authentic experience should look no further than the Lighthouse Motel & Cottages. It provides the perfect jumping off point for exploring Lunenburg County and some of the province’s most beautiful beaches; although guests might decide to just put their feet up and go nowhere at all.
Visit www.lighthousemotel.ca

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