When they first spotted the 1878 stone farmhouse that was to become the site of their Bed & Breakfast business, David and Norma Collis had no idea just how special the house was. A surprise family connection and many serendipitous moments made each day an adventure. From quirky neighbours to Bruce Trail hikers and even occasional visits from the Canadian military, their business brought hundreds of guests through the front door, each with a special and unique story to tell. Welcome to Holl...

Like entering the home of an old friend, Return to Holly Cottage is a second collection of stories from the beloved 1878 stone farmhouse, otherwise known as “the house that hugs you.” Located in Canada’s southern Georgian Bay near the famous Bruce Trail, Holly Cottage was a beloved country Bed & Breakfast frequented by fascinating guests and surrounded by quirky neighbours.Some guests were looking for love, others for a bit of peace and quiet. One particularly memorable Italian-spe...

Is it a good idea to run a business for six straight years without taking a vacation? Probably not, but that is just what the owners of Holly Cottage B&B did. When questioned about this decision, David and Norma Collis explained that they were waiting for a pattern of guest reservations to reveal when the "shoulder season" might be, to allow them to leave the business for an extended period of time. The pattern that emerged was that there was no pattern! Being located in a four-season tour...