Customers since: April 2018
The ongoing support and maintenance CanSpace provides give us peace of mind, knowing that any technical issues will be resolved quickly, allowing us to focus on what we do best—providing an unforgettable guest experience.
Danny Lagacé and Jo-Anne Lagacé, Owners, Old Church Cottages
Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you are located, as well as about the Old Church Cottages and its principle mission.
My name is Danny Lagacé, and together with my wife, Jo-Anne, we’ve built something truly special here in New Brunswick.
After retiring in 2015 following 25 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, I found myself at a crossroads—unsure of what to do next. What I did know was that I couldn’t just sit still. I needed something meaningful, something that would keep me busy and allow me to make a difference. Little did I know that my love for history, antiques, and restoring the old into something new would lead me to an exciting new chapter.
I am what you might call a “preservationist” at heart. The more I immersed myself in reclaiming forgotten treasures and learning about the past, the more I realized that this passion could be combined with my desire to reconnect with my roots here in New Brunswick. My wife, Jo-Anne, a full-time administrative assistant with a creative side that loves restoring old furniture, has been my biggest supporter in this journey. Together, we’ve created two unique properties, each with its own rich history and charm.
We call them the Jones Brook Cottage and the Island View Cottage—two former churches that we’ve transformed into luxurious, four-season rental cottages. The first, located in southern New Brunswick in Boundary Creek, holds a special place in our hearts as it’s where our journey began. The second, in the small community of Flatlands in northern New Brunswick, offers a peaceful escape surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and river.
But we’re not just about creating beautiful places to stay—we’re about offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Our glamping domes in Flatlands are a truly unique way to connect with nature, providing an unforgettable stay right in the heart of the Appalachian mountains.
Our story is one of reinvention, passion for history, and the joy of sharing New Brunswick’s hidden gems with the world. We invite you to explore our properties and join us on this adventure. Whether you’re here for a quiet getaway or an unforgettable escape into nature, we look forward to welcoming you soon!
How big is glamping in Canada?
While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact number of glamping sites in Canada, one thing is clear: glamping is rapidly gaining popularity across the country. From the Maritimes to Quebec and beyond, glamping has become a sought-after way to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. In fact, even international tourists are flocking to Canada to enjoy this unique form of outdoor accommodation.
Here in New Brunswick, we are proud to offer something truly special. Appalaches Domes and Spa, owned by Old Church Cottages (https://oldchurchcottages.com), is a retreat designed exclusively for adults, providing a serene escape from the everyday. What sets us apart is that our domes feature a 100% Canadian-made design—making us the only glamping site in New Brunswick with this distinction.
All of our domes are built with cedar framing and bolted together using grade 8 steel hardware. All seams are beveled and mitred without using a hub system. Our domes are covered with solid paneling (1/8” acrylic or polycarbonate for clear panels and 3mm aluminum composite laminated to OSB for opaque panels). Our domes are built more like a traditional home than other domes that are built like tents.
To fully enjoy everything we’ve designed, we recommend staying a minimum of two nights to truly unwind and benefit from the peaceful surroundings and unique atmosphere we’ve cultivated. Whether you’re visiting from near or far, we look forward to providing an unforgettable glamping experience that’s unlike any other.
How and why did you choose to specifically get into the property rental business?
We saw potential in New Brunswick’s growing tourism industry, particularly in the idea of providing a unique, high-quality experience for visitors. The idea of transforming former churches into luxurious rental properties was born from both our passions—Jo-Anne’s love of restoring old furniture and my fascination with preserving history. We felt that the property rental business offered an exciting chance to combine our love for design and craftsmanship with our desire to make a positive impact on the local tourism scene.
Beyond just creating beautiful properties, we also saw an opportunity to become ambassadors for our beautiful home province. New Brunswick has so much to offer, from its stunning landscapes to its rich history, and we wanted to share that with others. We felt that the property rental business would allow us to introduce guests to the hidden gems of our province and offer them a memorable, authentic experience.
The decision to enter the property rental business was driven by our desire to make a difference, share the beauty of New Brunswick, and do something that combined our passions for history, design, and hospitality.
What’s the best thing about it?
The best thing about what we do is the sense of fulfillment we get from creating memorable experiences for our guests. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people relax, reconnect with nature, and leave with lasting memories of their stay. Whether it’s a couple celebrating a special occasion or a group of friends escaping the everyday, knowing that we’ve played a part in their enjoyment and relaxation makes it all worth it.
Additionally, being able to share the beauty of New Brunswick with visitors, both near and far, is incredibly rewarding. We love that our properties allow people to experience the natural charm and peacefulness of this province in such a unique and comfortable way. The fact that we’ve transformed historic properties into luxurious retreats, where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds—history and modern amenities—really brings us a deep sense of pride.
Lastly, it’s the personal connections we’ve made with people from all over the world. We’ve had the privilege of hosting guests from different walks of life, and their stories and appreciation for what we’ve created have been some of the most unexpected joys of this journey. It’s not just about the properties—it’s about the people and the experiences we get to be a part of.
For us, the best thing is knowing that we’ve created a place where people can truly unwind, recharge, and experience the magic of New Brunswick in a way that feels personal, unique, and special.
What does it take to be successful at what you do?
Success in the property rental and hospitality business requires a combination of passion, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences for guests. First and foremost, it takes a deep love for what you do. For us, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about crafting something special, from the historical preservation of our properties to ensuring every guest has an exceptional stay.
Dedication and hard work are also key. Whether it’s maintaining the properties, upgrading our offerings, or handling the day-to-day operations, there’s always something that needs attention. But it’s the love and care we put into every little detail that makes the difference. Whether it’s creating a comfortable, cozy atmosphere, offering personalized touches, or simply making sure everything runs smoothly, success comes from putting in the effort to ensure every guest feels valued and at home.
Being adaptable is also critical. The hospitality industry is always changing, and customer expectations evolve over time. Staying flexible and open to new ideas—whether it’s adopting innovative ways to improve the guest experience or expanding our offerings—has helped us stay ahead of the curve.
Finally, a sense of pride in what we’ve built is essential. We’re not just providing a place to stay; we’re offering an experience that reflects the beauty and history of our province. The satisfaction of knowing we’re sharing New Brunswick’s charm with others, and the personal connections we make with our guests, keeps us motivated and focused on what matters most: creating lasting memories.
In the end, success for us isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about making a positive impact on our community, showcasing our province, and ensuring our guests leave feeling refreshed, happy, and eager to return.
How does CanSpace solve the objectives you have for your website?
When we first started thinking about our website, our main goal was to create a platform that would truly reflect the unique experience we offer at our properties. We wanted a site that was reliable, fast, and accessible to guests from anywhere. That’s where CanSpace came in.
CanSpace has been instrumental in helping us achieve those objectives by providing top-tier web hosting services. Their reliable hosting ensures that our website runs smoothly, loads quickly, and remains accessible at all times—crucial for providing a seamless booking experience for our guests.
Thanks to CanSpace, our online booking system operates without interruptions, allowing potential guests to check availability and confirm their stay with ease. Their hosting also guarantees strong security measures, protecting both our business and our customers’ information. With full mobile optimization and excellent uptime, our site is always available for travelers planning their next getaway.
The ongoing support and maintenance CanSpace provides give us peace of mind, knowing that any technical issues will be resolved quickly, allowing us to focus on what we do best—providing an unforgettable guest experience.
Overall, CanSpace has provided the hosting reliability we need to showcase our properties effectively, streamline the booking process, and attract more visitors—helping us grow our business with confidence.
