Rocklynn Inn Bed & Breakfast

It has been quite the year for Rocklyn Inn Bed & Breakfast owners Lesley and Michael Telfser. They arrived in Grey Highlands in February 2019 and began extensive renovations on the unique century home. Built in 1891, the home was previously in Michael’s family and run as the Rocklyn Inn approximately 22 years ago.

In June 2019, the Rocklyn Inn Bed & Breakfast held a grand opening celebration. Not ten months later, COVID-19 changed everything. With both personal and business travel ground to a halt, Rocklyn Inn Bed & Breakfast had to shut down their operations completely.

But adversity breeds innovation, and Lesley and Michael decided to repurpose the front of their bed & breakfast to create a new business: The Rocklyn Inn Ice Cream and Snack Shop. On June 27th they opened the doors and began offering a wide array of Chapman’s ice cream, assorted snacks & beverages, local baked goods, and sandwiches and salads made in-house. They installed picnic tables with umbrellas and a portable toilet with a handwashing station, creating a comfy and safe resting stop for farmers, cyclists and other visitors.

After being unable to find business relief through programs such as CEWS and CEBA, the Telfsers also eventually found temporary aid through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. In June, when short term rentals were permitted to resume operations in Ontario, the Rocklyn Inn Bed & Breakfast reopened. They are now operating both businesses and have already served their first bed & breakfast guests.

Both Lesley and Michael understand the unique challenges ahead for the tourism and hospitality industry, but they will continue to do what entrepreneurs do best: taking a step back and pivoting when needed.

For more information about the Rocklyn Inn Bed and Breakfast and the Rocklyn Inn Ice Cream and Snack Shop, visit rocklyninn.ca or find them on Facebook or Instagram.