I never really understood why anyone vacations off-Island in the summer, as the Island is exactly where I want to be once the weather turns warmer. One of my all-time favourite things to do is to hop in my car and see where it takes me. With a stop for something to eat along the way, of course!
Turning off Highway 1A, which runs between Albany Corner and Traveller’s Rest in central PEI, onto Route 171, then turning right at the now-closed Bedeque Village Store and heading down Route 112 for 4 to 5 kilometers, one will find oneself at The Leard House.
When asked why anyone should travel to Bedeque to enjoy a meal at The Leard House, the answer came pretty quickly to owner July Edgcomb: “We are unique.” Manager Courtney Gallant added that “the Leard House has homemade, nourishing food that offers its diners a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Photo Credit: Grace Kimpinski
Although the menu changes with what’s in season and the cook’s mood, The Leard House has a handful of staples they offer daily. “The nachos and salsa are always on the menu. My husband is from Mexico and I have learned how to make delicious salsa from his family,” said Edgcomb. “The grilled cheese, the BLT, and the candied beet salad are also popular menu staples.” The Leard House also offers a vegan option to its customers and if you just want to pop in for a cup of tea, there is always a fresh-baked sweet or two to enjoy with it.
One of the most unique aspects of The Leard House is its historical significance. Once owned by the Leard family, and just a few minutes’ walk from the community schoolhouse, it was where Lucy Maud Montgomery boarded for a time and had a six-month long affair with Herman Leard (of whom Montgomery wrote about in her journals), the son of the homeowners. Patrons of The Leard House can go upstairs and see the room in which Montgomery stayed, dine in the room that Montgomery ate in, and even look at the same wallpaper that Montgomery herself would have looked at while eating.
Photo Credit: Grace Kimpinski
If the draw of delicious homemade food or Lucy Maud doesn’t take you to The Leard House, perhaps you’ll be enticed by one of the many events held throughout the year. The Leard House and its beautiful grounds play host to meditation retreats, reading nights, open mic nights, writing workshops, tea parties, healing clinics, and many other unique events, making sure to offer something for everyone young and young at heart.
“In addition to nourishing the body, we try to nourish the spirit as well,” said Valerie Farquharson, healing coordinator.
You can find out more about The Leard House on their Facebook page. Or you can hop in your car, travel off the beaten path, and discover everything it has to offer all on your own.
The Leard House is located at 2904 Route 112 in Bedeque.
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