September 7, 2000

At 4:00am a neighbour called 911 to report a fire at Milford House. Guests were awakened by the sound of fire engines from Annapolis Royal, Bear River, and Liverpool. The old building was totally engulfed in flames. The community opened its hearts and doors to the guests who witnessed the disaster, and to all assisting with trying to extinguish the fire. Without a main lodge and kitchen facilities, meals were served to Milford House guests at the local Community Hall.

Everyone rallied to help in the rebuilding. A Donate a Dining Room Chair Campaign coordinated by guests Susan Woodbury and Peggy Hermann, raised over $25,000 towards reconstruction.

The "hotel" was rebuilt throughout the fall and winter of 2000-2001 close to its original site. By May 18, 2001 the lights were on. The new structure, was larger, more accessible and now had a modernized kitchen.

A special Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by more than 200 in the community plus guests who travelled specifically to celebrate this momentous event. Milford House opened for business as usual June 22, 2001.

The newly constructed "Big House" still has the feeling of the old hotel, especially when you enter through the double doors off the front verandah, or into the library from the side entrance. A large screened-in verandah off the dining room which faces Geier Lake is a welcome addition.