Like many travelers, Bill and I have always loved exploring new places. But sometimes, a destination grabs hold of you in a way that changes everything—a place where you can truly reset and renew.
In 2017, we joined our dear friend on a journey home to Harcourt, Newfoundland. What started as a simple visit turned into something magical. We spent our days fishing for cod in the crystal-clear waters around Harcourt, then ventured north to the dramatic landscapes of Twillingate. From there, we made our way to the renowned Fogo Island Inn before winding back through the charming community of Musgrave Harbour and ending with a few memorable days in St. John's.
By the time we left, we were completely smitten.
As someone who's particular about where I stay—always researching the best boutique, curated, upscale accommodations—I couldn't help but notice a gap in the market. Where did travelers like us, who appreciate the finer details and seek places to truly unwind and renew, choose to stay in this incredible province? The answer wasn't clear, and that planted a seed.
Then COVID arrived, shifting everyone's perspective on life and priorities. During this time, my girlfriend and her partner made the decision to move back to Newfoundland. They stayed with us in Haliburton while renovating their home for sale and searching for their new place in Newfoundland.
The more I helped them research, the more I found myself wondering: could this be the right move for Bill and me too?
Bill was ready to retire, and I was yearning to make the leap from the corporate real estate world into something more personal—an elevated hosting experience that would build on my 16 years in Haliburton's hospitality scene. We were ready for our own reset.
In 2021, we set out to explore Trinity Bay, Bonavista Bay, Salvage, and the surrounding areas. The moment we arrived in Trinity, we knew we'd found something special. The historic charm, the stunning coastal views, the architecture and history—it all felt right. This was a place where we could help others find their own sense of renewal.
We started casually looking at homes for sale, but it was my girlfriend who discovered the perfect parcel of land. When we saw it for the first time—alongside my girlfriend, her parents, and our realtor—the feeling was instant and overwhelming.
I could see the vision clearly, the potential taking shape. Bill knew it too, though his reaction was more along the lines of "oh shit, this is it."
Buying land and building in a new province isn't simple, especially when you have specific ideas about how you want to live and work. There were countless hoops to jump through, permits to secure, and details to nail down to ensure we could build in a way that respected the historical building guidelines—all while creating something that truly worked for us.
Every pivot and change along the way turned out to be for the better. What seemed like obstacles became opportunities to refine our vision and create something even more special than we'd originally imagined. We weren't just building homes—we were crafting a destination where guests could reset and reconnect with what matters most.
Three years later, we're the proud owners of Warblers at Trinity—two extraordinary homes that have become a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking an authentic Newfoundland experience. The name itself celebrates our journey: every spring, yellow warblers make their incredible migration from Ontario to Newfoundland's shores, just as we did in May 2022. These small, bright birds represent joy, curiosity, and the courage to find where you truly belong.
Working with award-winning local builder Glen Vokey and architect Frank LaPointe, we honored Trinity's classic saltbox style while creating homes that feel warm, fresh, and uniquely ours. Each space blends treasures we've collected from France's antique markets and Britain's countryside with art from local creators, alongside all the modern comforts that make a stay effortless and relaxing.
But what truly makes Warblers special goes beyond beautiful architecture and thoughtful design. We've fallen deeply in love with Trinity's local heritage, folklore, and the storytellers who bring it to life—historians, shipbuilders, fishermen, makers, chefs, and neighbors with passionate connections to this place. Through our concierge service, we connect our guests with these remarkable people, whether they want to learn traditional boat building, immerse themselves in 500 years of history, forage and fish with local experts, or discover hidden gems only neighbors know about.
We handle every detail to make stays effortless: fridges stocked with local bread, French cheese, international wines, homemade moose stew, and more. Helicopter transfers, car rentals, custom itineraries—we coordinate it all so guests can focus entirely on experiencing this special place. Here, you can truly reset, renew, and rediscover joy in the quiet moments.
The journey from that first magical visit in 2017 to where we are now has been filled with unexpected turns, careful planning, and more than a few leap-of-faith moments. But standing here today, we've created exactly what we set out to find: a place where travelers like us can experience Newfoundland's remarkable beauty through authentic connections and exceptional hospitality—a place where they can step away from everything and find themselves renewed.
Sometimes the best adventures begin with a single trip that changes everything. For us, Newfoundland didn't just capture our hearts—it became our home, our passion, and our community.
Welcome to Warblers at Trinity, where extraordinary spaces and quiet meet Trinity's vivid culture and rugged splendor. This is where our journey led us, and where yours can begin.
