| After he and his wife visited Cape Breton, Mr. Moffett began building Castle Moffett in 1992 as an anniversary gift for her. On June 28, 1993, it became their summer residence when they officially moved in on their anniversary. In the summer of 1995, when they found themselves staying longer than a couple of months a year in Cape Breton, they decided to open some of the Castle as a bed and breakfast with full staff. This allowed them time to socialize with their guests and make new friends as both had retired early in their careers.
The Castle was an instant success. At that time, Cape Breton Island had very few up-market accommodations. After their third season, they were awarded Canada Select's Five Stars in the B&B Category. They were the first ones to receive this rating in Cape Breton. While developing the business, they pioneered multi-night packages on Cape Breton Island. Then as a convenience for their guests, they opened the Windsor Dining Room for evening meals, making Castle Moffett an Inn in 2003. They received the prestigious AAA/CAA Four Diamond and Canada Select's 5-Star Awards that year and again for 2004, and every season after that in the Inn category. Castle Moffett is the first and only Inn in the Atlantic Provinces with both the Five Star and the Four Diamond rating!
Even though they had never before been in the hospitality business, Linda and Desmond Moffett loved it, and it continued to be a holiday for them enjoying guests and friends from all over the world, including visiting dignitaries, sport celebrities, and movie stars. The guests enjoy the old-world ambience of their new-world castle. And, with the high number of employees to the number of guests, it allows a high level of individual guest services, yet keeping that feeling of comfort with relaxed luxury. Guests are made to feel 'at home' in 'their castle.'
The Moffetts have been fortunate enough to have had travel writers stay with them (many unannounced) and they have graciously featured or mentioned them in such publications as Bridal Guide, North American Inns, Via Rail Magazine, Conde Nast, doctor's magazines, and many more. Recently, Castle Moffett was in an article in Shape Magazine, February 2006. Castle Moffett has been featured on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and other television shows as well as the Moffetts have been interviewed on radio programs. But, their best recommendations continue to be "word-of-mouth."
Linda and Desmond Moffett also hosted the humorous writer, Ann Hines. While staying at Castle Moffett on a couple of occasions (in the Richmond Room), Ann completed her first novel, Fishing Up the Moon. Not only were both Linda and Desmond Moffett characters in her book, but Ann Hines even included them in her dedication.
In the Spring of 2006, Desmond Moffett passed away, but Linda Moffett carries on the warm tradition of hospitality and service of Castle Moffett with the assistance of her wonderful staff. Our guests will always remember his gift-of-the-gab and sense of humor.
You might ask what makes Castle Moffett so special. Well, here is a small sampling of comments from letters received from some of the hundreds of guests over the years as well as a copy of the Resolution that was presented in the General Assembly of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Linda Moffett wishes to thank all who have taken the time to write them and send photos. All of your kind words are greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much for making our stay at Castle Moffett so enjoyable. Steve and I have stayed at many places around the world, but none of them can compare to the friendly and caring nature of all of you. The attention to every detail is evidenced by the quality of the service we received in all aspects. The food was simply scrumptious! We look forward to returing in October 2006 and wish you a the best until then.
Holly Roth, Reston, Virginia
Thank you for your gracious hospitality. The Castle is the nicest place I have ever stayed and you both are the nicest hosts I have ever encountered. When next we visit Cape Breton, we will definately plan and stay at "The Castle" and will certainly advise friends to do the same. Thank you,
Dr. Robert Simon, Pelham Manor, New York.
We very much enjoyed staying with you and felt much more like friends than Inn guests. True hospitality. Great food. Best wishes,
Paul & Joanne Dorey, Knutsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Castle Moffett, with its enchanting antiques and impeccable decor, combined with the graciousness and warmth with which you sheltered us, was certainly a high point of our trip to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Though our memories of Cape Breton may fade with time, our desire to return surely grows!
Jesse and Melissa Vanek
Bless you both for all the happiness you bring to so many people!
Nadine & Ed King, Flagler Beach, Florida
Thank you for the glorious time offered to us during our honeymoon. You were such gracious hosts and your staff was quite professional. Thankfully,
Ronald L. Merritt, Jr., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Lee University, Cleveland, TN
Mah vel ous
Joyce Axelson Lorch, Westwood, Massachusetts
Thanks for making our stay a very interesting and fun time. We certainly miss the Castle, et al... I do hope my distance record for exploding champagne corks lasts quite a while!
Jerry and Maria Freeman, Raleigh, N.C.
Thank you for your hearty hospitality! We had very nice time in Castle Moffett!!
Yasuko Ishii (party of four), Kanagawa-Ken, Japan October 2004.
I would like to once more let you know what a lovely time Ed and I had at the "Castle." It certainly will remain in our memories as one of those special moments. I am sure that we will see you again and once more enjoy your hospitality. Sincerely,
Norma Doucet
Thank you again for your gracious hospitality and personal attention, the delectable delights in your dining room including the unforgetable Muir Salad, and for making our 30th wedding anniversary very special indeed. Sincerely,
Peggy and Herb Mandell, Wyncote, Pennsylvania
We haven't stopped talking about "our" castle in Nova Scotia. Thanks again for your hospitality and we hope we get a chance to visit with you again.
Bill and Susan Stamatis, Middle Village, New York
Thank you both for your warm kindness and hospitality. Tor and I found your company at mealtimes was most stimulating and entertaining. We sincerely hope to return to your Castle in the future. Your staff were kind, courteous and very professional. The decor was tastefully exotic-with attention given to every detail. Our experience was truly beyond our expectations.
Tor and Sarah Jane-Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia
To say Lisa and I had a great time would be an understatement. This is the first vacation that has far exceeded our expectations in every way. I cannot even begin to say what a wonderful time we had and Castle Moffett was the crowning glory. We had already begun talking about going back, before we left! I have NEVER had food that good. Your staff did things that made our trip so enjoyable and these separate the good from the excellent. I have passed information about your castle to many people knowing that they will not be disappointed if they stay with you.
The Piper Biker, Ray Exten Chalfont, Pa
Debbie and I enjoyed our night at Castle Moffett and wish both of you continued success. Your home is truly unique.
Charles S. Paxson, MD, DDS, Plymouth, Michigan
We had a great time and thank you both for your hospitality and a wonderful stay! Stop by for a "wee dram" if you are in our neck of the woods You are aways welcome at Castle Heiman.
Mel and Donna Heiman
Many thanks for your warm hospitality during our visit with you. We have never felt more at ease at any place we have ever stayed. The dining room experience was well worth the trip. Keep doing your thing at the castle and we will return after Nancy retires.
Earl & Nancy Stone, Mobile, Alabama
Castle Moffett is such a unique and special place and where we celebrated our 30th Anniversary. We have raived to many friends about your unbelievable Muir Salad - that is worth a return trip to Baddeck for us! Tom & Gretchen Willis, Vienna, Virginia
Thank you for a wonderful vacation. Warm regards,
Andy and Elizabeth LeCompte, Dunbarton, New Hampshire
I just wanted to thank you properly for hosting our visit to your lovely castle. We enjoyed the stay very much--and the accommodations were the highlight of our trip. I wish you both continued success!
Jodi Solomon, Boston, Massachusetts
Many thanks for your fine hospitality during our stay with you. Lovely place. Very best,
Bruce and Susan Jones, Washington, VA
Dear Linda & Desmond, Mary and I just wanted to thank you and your staff for the wonderful time we had at your CASTLE. It was the most enjoyable and memorable part of our vacation. Cape Breton is spectacular!!
Jim Cronin, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Thank you for the wonderful hospitality and kindness. Mark and I are usually the type who would rather go camping than stay at a hotel, but you made our stay so very comfortable that we really enjoyed ourselves. Your five-day package was wonderful. We are both very happy we chose Nova Scoia for our honeymoon that we will never forget.
Trish ad Mark Sprague, Michigan
A year has passed since Shirley and I stayed at the beautiful Castle Moffett, and we were reminiscing over the wonderful time we had there. We have told so many friends of the beauty of your place and the tremendous hospitality of the Castle and the friendship we enjoyed from our exposure to the two of you. Best regards from the two of us,
Grant Pyle
Dear Linda and Desmond, Upon returning home, and reflecting on the various aspects of our trip, your Castle was one of the high points. In addition to all of the virtues of the Castle, you do attract some pretty special people and that will keep you on the top of many good lists. Best regards,
Stanley Goldstein
We just wanted to thank you for a lovely holiday-we truly enjoyed ourselves. Fondly,
Jackie and Dan N. (We stayed in the Richmond Suite.)
Greetings from Jacksonville, Florida! Thanks so much for making our stay in the Baddeck area so memorable. Your Inn is beautiful, and we will be pleased to recommend it if any of our friends plan a trip to your area. Sincerely,
Jan and Carl Dawson
We thoroughy enjoyed our stay at your gorgeous castle! We will enthusiastically recommend it to anyone thinking about visiting the island. Look forward to seeing you again! Cheers,
Natalie MacLean, Nepean, Ontario
Buzz and I had the best time at Castle Moffett. You and your wife gave us such loving care and we appreciated it.
Belle & Buzz, Massachusetts
Phillip and I just wanted to thank you both for your warm and welcoming hospitality. Castle Moffett and Cape Breton were such a unique experience that made our honeymoon even more special and memorable. We hope to return to Castle Moffett for one of our anniversaries and will surely recommend it to anyone!
Sincerely Melissa and Phillip
Dave and I just wanted to thank you, again, for making our stay with you so nice. Sincerely,
Marion George, Virginia
Just a note to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Castle Moffett this summer. The accommodations were superb, and your warmth and friendliness just made our stay that much more enjoyable. Fondly,
Elaine and Rich Stewart, Blue Point, New York
Thanks again for such a scrumptious stay! Happy to pass on the word. . .Until next time and with warm regards,
Karen & Ed Bassett
We enjoyed our stay so much at your castle and have such fond memories, that we plan to return.
Cher Ridell, Atlanta, Georgia
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay with you.
Trudy and Hub Mockler, Toronto, Canada
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