LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The path to opening Fort Simpson's newest bed and breakfast was a long one for the couple behind the project.

The Mackenzie Rest Inn celebrated its opening on March 6 with the arrival of its first guest. For owner Lois Martin and manager Reg Bellefontaine, 10 years of work went into reaching this point.

Reg Bellefontaine and Lois Martin are the manager and owner, respectively, of Fort Simpson's newest bed and breakfast, the Mackenzie Rest Inn. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Before they owned the house on 99th Street, Bellefontaine used to drive by and think that it was a beautiful spot for a bed and breakfast. The owners in the late 1990s, Gord and Marg Kjeldsli, were running the Mackenzie View bed and breakfast out of the house that overlooks the Mackenzie River.

When they offered to sell the property, Bellefontaine jumped at the chance.

Martin, who bought the house, said she supported the bed and breakfast idea on the understanding that it would be her husband's project. What ensued was 10 years worth of renovations.

"I'm lucky my wife didn't leave me a dozen times over during the years the way this house was torn apart," Bellefontaine said with a smile.

"Neither one of us realized how much work it was going to be to renovate this place."

Built in 1952, the building was originally an RCMP barracks and jail.

The renovations included modifying the roofline, creating a third floor and installing all new wiring, plumbing, central air, hardwood floors, drywall and a fire alarm system.

The end result is a well-appointed house with five rooms for guests where the attention to detail is obvious.

"Our slogan is 'your comfort is our business,'" said Bellefontaine.

"We feel the place will lend itself to a relaxing atmosphere."

In addition to panoramic views of the Mackenzie River, the house is decorated with an eclectic mix of old and new furnishings including many one-of-a-kind ornate wood pieces.

"I do hope that when people come here they really enjoy it," said Martin.

Guests have access to the kitchen for coffee and tea and will be served breakfast. Packed lunches will be available on request and guests won't be allowed to go hungry if they arrive late in the day when the village's restaurants are closed, said Bellefontaine.

Guests will also be encouraged to take advantage of the large sitting room and cozy alcoves in the house as well as the decks on both the front and back of the building.

The Mackenzie Rest Inn is a bed and breakfast in the traditional sense, a home that guests stay in with a shared kitchen and shared washrooms, said Bellefontaine. It joins two other operations that are already well-established in the village.

There is a market in the village to support three bed and breakfasts, said Bellefontaine.

"We all offer something a bit different," he said.