A Historic Inn Welcoming Travelers for Over 230 Years

ABOUT US

From riverboat guests of the 1800s to modern-day explorers, Pleasant View remains a place of rest, simplicity, and rural charm.

Pleasant View sits quietly on the shores of Belleisle Bay — a rural retreat where time slows down, the stars shine brighter, and the stories of the past still live in the creaking boards and sunlit rooms. Built in the late 1700s and expanded through the early 1900s, it remains one of New Brunswick’s oldest continuously welcoming inns.

Today, Pleasant View offers simple, rustic rooms and the warm hospitality of a countryside home. Updated for comfort but intentionally not renovated, it’s a place where guests can step back, breathe deeply, and rediscover the charm of uncomplicated living.

Welcome to Pleasant View

A Quiet Escape on Belleisle Bay

Pleasant View is not a hotel in the modern sense — it is a lived-in historic home that opens its doors to travelers, families, work crews, and anyone looking for a quiet rural escape. Here, mornings are peaceful, the air is fresh off the Bay, and the atmosphere feels more like staying with old friends than checking into a commercial inn.

Whether you’re exploring Fundy, attending a local event, traveling for work, or simply escaping into the countryside for a night or two, Pleasant View offers a place to unwind and feel at ease.

Our Story: From 1790s to Today

1790s — The Beginning

The earliest part of Pleasant View was built in the late 18th century, not long after the arrival of the Loyalists. The first structure was simple — one main floor with a sleeping loft. It stood just a short walk from the original Davis and Spragg family homesteads, whose histories are closely tied to the early settlement of Hatfield Point.

 

1800s — The Riverboat Era

During the 19th century, riverboats became the lifeline of Belleisle Bay and the St. John River. Paddlewheelers tied up at the wharf in front of Pleasant View several times a week, bringing traveling salesmen, mail, holiday visitors, and local produce heading to the city.

Men would disembark, take a room for the night, enjoy breakfast, rent a horse and cart from the nearby livery stable, and travel the countryside before returning days later for supper and a warm bed.

 

Early 1900s — Expansion & Busy Seasons

As travel increased, the inn expanded.

  • In 1912, a second storey was added to accommodate more guests.

  • In 1919, during the peak of the lumber industry and the building of Riddel’s Mill, a third storey was completed to house millworkers and spring log-drive crews.

Pleasant View became a lively centre of community life, full of visitors, workers, and families passing through.

Mid-20th Century — A Summer Home

By the late 1950s, as riverboat travel faded and automobile tourism took over, Pleasant View’s role began to change. For several decades it served as a cherished summer home for multiple families who loved the peace and beauty of the Bay.

 

2000 to Today — Restored, Updated, and Reopened

In the early 2000s, Pleasant View was winterized and updated with new windows, insulation, furnace, and plumbing. While the essentials were modernized, the original character — plaster walls, wood floors, classic country furnishings — was carefully preserved.

Today, Pleasant View once again welcomes travelers, families, wedding groups, and work crews. It remains a lived-in home that continues over two centuries of hospitality in Hatfield Point.

What Makes Pleasant View Special

A Quiet Escape on Belleisle Bay

  • A rare opportunity to stay in a true 18th-century inn

  • Peace, quiet, and space to breathe — without streetlights or city noise

  • A lived-in, historic atmosphere untouched by modern hotel renovations

  • Rooms that reflect the 1920s–1950s era of rural New Brunswick

  • Verandas, sitting rooms, and a country kitchen for gathering

  • A beautiful property on Belleisle Bay with water access and sunsets

  • A welcoming environment for travelers, families, and work crews

Pleasant View is designed for guests who value authenticity over luxury and who appreciate the charm of simple, rural living.

The House Today

Rustic Bedrooms

Pleasant View offers nine simple bedrooms across two upper floors. Each room includes fresh linens, blankets, pillows, and natural ventilation from Bay breezes. Bathrooms are shared, and additional towels are always available.

Shared Spaces

  • Two comfortable sitting rooms with plenty of space to unwind

  • A formal dining room

  • A country kitchen with a fireplace

  • Verandas and decks perfect for morning coffee or evening quiet

  • A wharf and beach area ideal for kayaking, swimming, or simply enjoying the view

Who We Welcome

  • Pleasant View regularly hosts:

    • Couples and families seeking a peaceful getaway

    • Travelers exploring rural New Brunswick

    • Outdoor adventurers and winter guests

    • Wedding groups and family gatherings

    • Long-term workers — drillers, linemen, geologists, surveyors, genealogists, artists

    The home is flexible and spacious, making it ideal for both short stays and longer assignments.

Our Location

Pleasant View sits on the western shore of Belleisle Bay in Hatfield Point, New Brunswick — one hour from Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton. The countryside is quiet, scenic, and beautifully remote. There are no nearby stores or streetlights, so guests are encouraged to bring what they need and enjoy the natural peace of rural life.

A Warm Invitation

Whether you’re staying for a night, a week, or the season, Pleasant View offers something rare in a fast-paced world — simplicity, history, and genuine rural hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to Belleisle Bay.