By Vivian Collings
For a century now, the Bonnie View Inn has been a staple business in Haliburton County, welcoming generations of families to stay at the iconic lodge on the shores of Kashagawigamog Lake.
It was founded in 1924.
Back then, it consisted of one small cottage with a stone foundation, and is now the lobby today.
In 1945, the main inn and 14 additional cabins were ready for use.
The basement was used as a speakeasy during prohibition in the 1950s, and if you catch a peak in the basement today, the Scottish paintings are still on the walls.
Eventually, the suite building was built along with a dockside patio.
Andrea Hagarty began working at BV in 1991 at age 19 as a waitress.
“It was just a summer job at the time, but then the managers quit, and the owner asked me to run it for a while. I went out exploring for a few years and ended up managing it in 1995 until buying it in 2005 with my ex-husband, Monty Miscio,” Hagarty said.
Miscio was the chef at the time, Hagarty continued to manage it, and their now-adult two kids spent most of their childhood there.
In 2015, Hagarty bought the inn herself.
Since her teenage years, she said she’s always had plenty of energy and the ability to multitask, traits that served her well for owning and managing a large operation.
She stands as the longest owner in all its history.
“It really was the hardest thing ever. Looking back, I’m not sure how I managed all aspects.”
Ryan Yates, his family, and the Brandt family bought the Bonnie View Inn from Hagarty in 2020, with Hagarty staying on for the past four years to help with the transition.
“There is no chance we would’ve survived without Andrea sticking around and also an extended family that has put time and energy into it,” Yates said.
It was a long process for Hagarty to find the perfect family to take over the beloved Inn.
But as soon as Yates walked in the door, she knew it was a perfect fit.
“I didn’t know anything about Bonnie View when I came in. All I knew was that it would be a busy lifestyle based on what Andrea told me, and she sure was right,” Yates laughed.
The transition happened less than a month before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so the team worked together to pull through those years of uncertainty.
“The combination of the two of us has made sure that it’s still here,” Yates said. “I feel so lucky to be part of it.”
Yates, his wife, and four kids lived in Haiti from 2010 to 2019 before moving to Oakville.
He began looking for a project near the ended of 2019, and Andrea’s listing of the BV caught his eye.
“I used to cottage on Little Boshkung Lake and ran the Wedgewood Marina snack bar as a kid. I loved the area, and based on all the feedback I read about the Bonnie View, I knew it was something worth looking at,” Yates said.
Hagarty opened up a couple of rooms for the family to stay in and get the full experience, and after a few nights, they were sold.
“It’s definitely been an awesome experience for the kids to be here. We all love it so much.”
The Bonnie View offers accommodations, dining, and a space for weddings and events.
Bookings for 2025 are open. Visit www.bonnieviewinn.com for more information.
On Sunday, Sept. 1 from 12 to 6 p.m., the community is welcome at the Bonnie View for a 100th birthday party.
The Ya Babys will play some tunes, old photos and artifacts will be on display inside, there will be a photo booth, special 100th anniversary merchandise, and it will be the last day for their lakeside patio for the season.
“Come out and celebrate the place we love most, learn about its history, and connect with old friends,” Hagarty said.