For those seeking a romantic escape with a special someone, or even a family get-away with your clan, we think this Attic Atelier on Prince Edward Island is worth your consideration.

Located in Charlottetown, PEI, The Black House is a bespoke fully-equipped three-unit dwelling which is available for short term rentals in the Summer months and monthly rentals in the Autumn and Winter.

Once a stately vintage manse dating from the 1880s, this property had been neglected until we purchased it in 2008 as a real estate experiment. Our experiment? To take a property on the brink of decay and transform it ‘no expense spared’ into an elegant income property, while generating a profit for our efforts.

Now, after a four year endeavour that included gutting, renovating, adding, and styling, The Black House’s three luxury rentals have been transformed.

Here’s our most romantic suite called The Attic Atelier, which is an airy two bedroom respite with room for a fifth in the separate living room.

Here’s the floor plan:

In the kitchen diner, a custom built-in banquette has storage underneath to hold the outdoor furniture cushions in the off-season. We chose a fresh striped fabric to upholster the cushion, setting the tone for easy breezy summer living. A round pedestal table and 4 elegant cafe chairs from Restoration Hardware allow everyone to gather round for meals or evenings playing cards.

In the living area, an oversized linen sofa can fit a snuggling couple, a family on movie night, or sleep a fifth guest if required. We purchased it, and several other pieces, at Moving Designz. We love the bright yellow sea horse and vibrant red crab cushions purchased at Cottage Industry. These shops are located steps from each other on Grafton Street in downtown Charlottetown. These two design shops are our favourites in the city. If you can’t find what you’re seeking, they’ll source exactly what you’re looking for so don’t hesitate to ask.

We kept the kitchen simple, clean-lined and open. With custom marine blue shaker cabinets, butcherblock counters, and open shelving with iron-forged brackets, there’s just enough nautical flavour to reference its island setting without reading as kitschy. The stainless steel appliances offer a hint of luxe, while the white beadboard fridge enclosure and backsplash keeps it visually light and easy to clean. This is one of two kitchens we’ve had built by Prestige Kitchens. They provide quality workmanship, attentive installation, and top-notch service.

We love how the two attic bedrooms are tucked under the eaves. With high thread count linens, light weight duvets, and a mix of feather and hypo-allergenic pillows, these cozy beds are perfect for cuddling. We found the desk and chest of drawers at Wicker Emporium, who have locations in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. While some of their products are cheaply built and sore on our eyes, we found several pieces of their Lunenburg line of furniture to be charming, of decent quality and good value. Our favourite aspect of these sleeping sanctuaries is the new remote-controlled operable skylights. With built-in blinds and the ability to open and close as much as you wish, they offer as much natural light and fresh ocean breezes as you desire. We find these rooms dreamy!

This suite has a pair of glass doors that open onto a spacious sky vista terrace. With seating and a propane barbecue nestled beneath the canopy of a 100-year-old ash tree, it’s a magical treetop perch ideal for evening stargazing. The property features a comprehensive outdoor lighting scheme, including two spotlights filtering up into the tree branches which casts a lush leafy glow through the evening.

Curious to learn more about this vacation destination? It’s perfect for a romantic get-away, avid golfers who want to tee up, or those craving an escape where they can focus on that long-overdue manuscript. Or if you’re taking a PEI contract, or enrolled in the Atlantic Veterinary College or Culinary School and need furnished accommodations for a few months, we offer great off-season rates.

There’s no way this could have been accomplished without so many of Charlottetown’s best trades, services and retail destinations including our contractor Paul Coles of Paul Coles Renovations, Cecil Kenny of Kenny’s Plumbing and Heating, Robin Yates of R. Cudmore Electric, Wade Clements and his crew at Mallard Painting, Steve Cote of Steve The Painter, Robbie Gaultier with Totally Tile, Hardwood Floors by Heritage Floors, Paul Holmes did the amazing floor finishing, Prestige Kitchens, Doirons Landscaping & Garden Store, Cottage Industry Modern Home Decor; Moving Designz Home & Cottage; Luna Eclectic Emporium; Moonsnail Soapworks; Emmett & Ellie’s & The Soap Drawer; The Dunes Studio, Gallery & Cafe; Details Past & Present Art Gallery;  + our House Manager April Clow and her team at Sparkle and Shine!

We have so much gratitude for your friendship, and all of your attention to detail and outstanding work. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!

Want to read how this all came to be? You can read the journey we’ve shared over the years in our series called The Tales Of Upper Hillsborough.

And here’s The Black House website!

~ Steven and James

Interior Photography By Katelyn Fraser