About
History of The Property
The Pictou Customs House was built for the federal government circa 1873 according to designs by Halifax architects Stirling and Dewar. The building was built to house the offices of the Customs and Immigration branch of the federal government.
The building is located on what was originally a spit of land in close proximity to the major wharves. The Second Empire structure features a double façade looking out to the harbour and in to the town.
The building also had a tower overlooking the waterfront. The massive building was a forceful statement made by the federal government of a young country, an indelible imprint on the town’s streetscape.
Photo right: The operational Customs House during the ‘days of sail’
The Pictou Customs House just happened to be properly aligned with the Pictou Bar Lighthouse. The Department of Marine received permission to exhibit navigational lights from its tower. The department’s report for 1878 provides the following information on the Pictou Customs House:
“A range light has been placed during last summer in the tower of the new Custom House, just above the railway station, in the Town of Pictou. It is a fixed white. The light is shewn by means of three argand gas-burners, each having 25 jets – two furnished with 15-inch reflectors, shews seaward, and one with a 12-inch reflector, shews across the harbor to southward. The light is under charge of the keeper of the Custom House building.”
In September 1954 Hurricane Edna caused extensive damage in Nova Scotia, its high winds destroyed the tower atop the customs house. A light was sts, shews seaward, and one with a 12-inch reflector, shews across the harbor to southward. The light is under charge of the keeper of the Custom House building.”
In September 1954 Hurricane Edna caused extensive damage in Nova Scotia, its high winds destroyed the tower atop the customs house. A light was still exhibited from the Pictou Customs House after the loss of the tower until at least 1959.
Credit: Text description above, and historic photo (right): Pictou Historical ill exhibited from the Pictou Customs House after the loss of the tower until at least 1959.
Credit: Text description above, and historic photo (right): Pictou Historical Photograph Society
Paintings by David MacIntosh
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Customs House - Way back in late 1800's
Painting created by local artist David MacIntosh, depicting what the Pictou Customs House looked like before the fire and loss of the tower.
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Landing of the Ship Hector
Another painting by David MacIntosh depicting Hector landing on the shores of Pictou.
There are a number of paintings by David on display in the Inn illustrating 1870s life.
The Present Day Customs House Inn
The property was purchased in 1995 by Dave and Doug DesBarres. In 1997 they extensively renovated the building to repurpose the property into a four star inn.
The original features of the customs house (large rooms with original fireplace facades, hardwood floors, high ceilings, intricate crown moldings, etc) were maintained while modern amenities were added.
The property has been updated and maintained each and every year since 1997 resulting in a property like no other.
Tour the Customs House Inn (9 photos)
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![Entrance to Customs House Inn with accessible ramp]()
Entrance to Customs House Inn
Entrance from parking lot with wheelchair / accessible ramp
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![View of exterior arched windows]()
Distinct tall corner windows
Gorgeous arched windows with stone keystone detail
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![Entrance vestibule with wood windows, arched doors, stained glass window]()
A grand entrance awaits you!
Arched wood doors, stained glass window above, wood trimmed vestibule, and shiny woods floors,
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![Details of wood carved handrail, newel and post]()
Carved newel post cap on spiral staircase
The original spiral staircase with caved posts, handrails, and balusters - all carefully preserved
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![Top of spiral staircase at Customs House Inn]()
Staircase and landing on second floor
Staircase leads to second floor rooms
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![View from the top of spiral staircase]()
View from the top of spiral staircase
Impressive view looking down as the staircase winds down three floors
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![Wood floors, wood doors leading to rooms]()
Handsome wood floors and doors
All original wood doors, floors, baseboards and trim restored and maintained
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![Chandelier in Customs House entrance]()
Ornate chandelier in entrance vestibule
Look up and see the chandelier, crown moldings, and window transom unit.
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![Checkin desk and hallway in Customs House Inn]()
Reception area with check-in desk
Once inside, you can access the contactless check-in and check-out area
