Tidal Treasure Guest House

The Tidal Treasure estate is located on the edge of the historic St. Croix River - which boasts some of the world’s highest tides (20-30 feet every 6 hours), and also acts as an international boundary and time zone between Canada (AST) and the USA (EST). This unique property is designed to welcome and pamper guests from around the world in an effort to showcase the southwest region of New Brunswick. The property itself has some serious wow factor but more than anything, you will discover - day or night - Tidal Treasure Guest House will catch your breath every time it comes into sight.

Tidal Treasure

Tidal Treasure is situated at 78 Todd’s Point Road, just minutes from downtown St. Stephen, on a breathtaking 14-acre property teeming with local wildlife. When my friend Lucie first drove down the winding driveway, the welcoming committee looked up from where they were grazing. I asked owner Tom McFarlane if he orchestrates a ‘cue the deer’ moment to make guests instantly fall in love with his place. He laughed, but said we should get used to it, as his property has an abundance of wildlife that frequents the area, including a resident eagle that has built a nest atop a tall tree next to his majestic home.

Guest Accommodations are Second to None

Tidal Treasure is a state of the art 22,000 square-foot grand lady, designed as a partial private residence and a partial private resort. It was built from 2003-2006. Gary Simmons, the brother of Tom’s late wife was the architect on this project. He owns Lindberg & Simmons Chartered Architects, a leading architectural firm in Bermuda, and has designed several award-winning homes, and commercial buildings for Tom there. Tom & Gary spent two years designing this property, and Tom shared there are very few regrets. Tom knows what he likes after 27 years background experience in sales, production, and management of the stone industry, and 17 years experience as project manager of both residential & commercial projects. He has micromanaged both residential & commercial renovation, and new construction projects, and it shows. This is not Tom’s first rodeo. He is the supplier of high-end finishes, such as custom-built cabinets, stone countertops, hardwood floors, wood staircases, and similar items supplied by overseas factories. Tidal Treasure stands as a showcase of the level of construction and finishes that Tom’s Sticks & Stones Fabricating Inc. company offers to build and develop for homes in the area to a high-end clientele. Tom’s mission was to create guests accommodations second to none at Tidal Treasure Guest House.

St. Stephen

Tom has another little project in the works. He is also the President of Spur Line Properties Inc., and the Developer of the Best Western Premier Complex in St. Stephen, which will complement the newly under construction multimillion dollar Garcelon Civic Center. Both projects are instrumental in rejuvenating and acting as a catalyst to move forward a strong economic development plan to revitalize the downtown core of St. Stephen on both a local and international level. Tom was born and raised in St. Stephen, but also resided in Bermuda for several years, where he has gained a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur & developer on an international level. Tom has continued to expand and grow his markets internationally in Atlantic Canada, Northern New England, USA, and Bermuda. His building projects and business operations have won several prestigious awards, and this small town boy has big plans for St. Stephen.

Must Love Cats…

Tom also has big plans in store for Tidal Treasure. When I say, he has thought of it all, and has given great attention to every single little detail, I am not kidding. Everywhere you look, you will find quality - and maybe a cat ornament, too - but that’s another story. I was told the cat ornaments are a shrine to Tom’s late wife Carol who adored cats. When she and Tom needed to move from Bermuda with four cats, he told her that they would need to downsize to a single living cat, although he promised he would buy her as many cat decorations that they could find. He’s eating his words now as there are now over 200 cat decorations throughout the guest house. So when I say, “must love cats” - you now know why. Tom is good to his word, and Chief, the one resident cat they brought to Tidal Treasure, may be spotted during your stay. Rocky, Tom’s dog & best friend (and resident squirrel chaser), may also be seen, too, but he is a gentle boy, and sticks very close to his dad.

5-Star Rating

The grandeur of the building and property, the statement front doors, the grand staircase - all make quite a first impression. The high ceilings, woodwork & moldings, and the incredible stonework features throughout the guest house are absolutely stunning. The fireplaces and overall size of the common rooms and outdoor spaces, are very indicative of warm large gatherings. Windows are plentiful bringing in lots of natural light, and they showcase Tidal Treasure’s setting on the edge of the St. Croix River. Every comfort and luxury one could possibly desire is available in the guest suites, from the quality furnishings and the sumptuously comfortable beds, to the modern amenities in the bathrooms, down to heated towel racks & toilet seats, and bidets. Pampering guests is utmost on Tom’s mind, and good reason for their 5-star rating and the continual top notch guest reviews. Tidal Treasure started greeting guests in mid-2019, and has seen many return for a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times. For Tom, this is the most rewarding part as it speaks volumes about guest experience.

Tidal Treasure Guest Master Wing

I was honoured to be hosted in the Guest Master Suite quarters and after doing so, I think I need to heed a firm warning to anyone who stays here in the future: you may never want to leave! Tom honestly ruins you for real life after a stay here. The Guest Master Bedroom has a king bed, with an additional queen sofa pullout and large ensuite marble bathroom. This wing also enjoys two private decks. One with a firepit and the other with a hot tub (we enjoyed this so much that it is the only thing I forgot to capture a photograph of). The Guest Master Den has two single beds available, and is within the Guest Master Wing area. My friend Lucie and I had this whole wing to ourselves. If it is in the budget, I highly recommend booking it all.

Let the Games Begin!

On the lower level, there is an indoor Bermudian pool that overlooks the river, plus a weight room, and a separate fitness centre with a treadmill and exercise bicycles facing the river. A massive games room with a pool table, ping pong table, air hockey table, and a gaming centre will keep you and your family entertained for hours plus there is a golf simulator room - which also doubles as a movie theatre, which can be rented for additional fun. Let the games begin!

Massage Therapy

On the second level, guests can privately book a massage therapy or treatment with a local therapist. I had a tour of the massage room sanctuary and was very tempted by the hot stone massage treatment option. So, you know must understand my never wanting to leave dilemma.

A Full-Time Chef, Dining on the Ocean Floor, a Wedding Venue and More…

“Not enough,” Tom says, so he has more plans. Tom is currently in the process of adding a commercial kitchen, that will allow Tidal Treasure to offer guests a full menu, as well as catering services for his new wedding facilities. A full-time chef will also allow Tidal Treasure to offer fine dining to additional areas including exciting plans for an ocean-floor dining experience. While I was visiting, work was being done on a dungeon tunnel, and wine cellar space on the lower level, which will complement an Old English style bar, and intimate dining space in front of the wood-burning fireplace. Landscaping plans will follow and will include developing opportunities for guests to get out and enjoy water activities here, too.

Pirates Were Here

Enjoy wandering the beautiful 14-acre property. There is a direct access for beachcombing for sea glass, and driftwood at low tide. Keep an eye out for the pirate rock - it is a sure sign of shipping, and perhaps that these sea rovers were here.

Darren’s Room

Guest 1- Darren was Tom’s son Darren’s room, and it has a queen bed, with an ensuite bathroom.

Secret Room

Guest 2-Robert was Tom’s son Robert’s room. It has a queen bed, lovely bath, and a bonus secret room accessed through a bookcase. It delightfully opens up into an additional room with twin beds. You will not find this in the original plans. This magical space was originally closed in between trusses, but during construction Tom’s sons asked if they could open it up and make it into a secret room. It was a study space for the boys when they lived here, and then it was converted into a bedroom for guests later. This is one of the most popular rooms booked by families with kids. It also can be enjoyed by two couples.

The Loft

Guest 3 - Loft has a bedroom with a queen bed and a larger outer living space with three queen futon-style beds. This space has two large bump out skylight windows for observation of the St. Croix River and is very popular with groups of 6-8 guests for larger groups like bridal parties. Note: this is the best place to get a good view of the eagle’s nest, too.

More Guest Suites to Come…

Under renovation now, is the Guest 6-Bridal Suite that is equally appointed, and comparable to the Guest Master Suite - having a king bed, and private deck with a fire pit overlooking the St. Croix River. This space has an even larger marble bathroom, and an adjacent massage therapy room. Also coming soon will be the Guest 7 - Hangover Room on the lower level behind the theatre. It will accommodate guests with a queen bed and ensuite bathroom.

Carriage House

Guest 8 - Carriage House is a separate building on the property that has a queen bed, kitchen, and sitting room that has a queen sofa bed. This space has its own private hot tub, fire pit, and is pet-friendly.

Book Now…

Tidal Treasure is there - just waiting for you to arrive. It is just a stone’s throw from downtown St. Stephen, New Brunswick located at 78 Todd’s Point Road, in Dufferin, New Brunswick. This is a Bed & Breakfast Inn, so enjoy breakfast with your stay, too! Click on the Tidal Treasure room of your choice to book your stay. Tell Tom the Maritimes Maven sent you. Note: the aerial photographs below are the property of Tidal Treasure.

Southwest New Brunswick

Boat tours, whale watching, and shark fishing is available in the area, and the Ganong Nature Park - is just down the road. It offers amazing views, trails, birds, wildlife, and many seasonal activities & special events.

This post was sponsored by Tidal Treasure Guest House, and Coastal Charlotte Region; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Threads & Twitter. Be the first to receive my latest articles by clicking on the ‘subscribe’ link at the top of this page. Share the Maritimes Maven articles you love to help me showcase, There’s No Place Like Home!