Maggie and Duncan Keppie first took over the farm property at 2367 Ridge Road in 1974 after returning from three years in Zambia. They had a dream of having a part-time farm and a country property for their two young children to grow up on.
Growing hazelnuts and walnuts was something they started because it had not been done in Nova Scotia before and they wanted to have a crop that could provide a unique and nutritious contribution to the local economy.
Over the years, they put a lot of work into the property and in 2019 decided that they needed some younger members of the family to take over as it was getting too much for them to handle on their own. This was the birth of Our Celtic Hearth as an idea for community and healthy living. Beginning with family and becoming a centre for locals as well as people from away.
Declan and Ailsa are grateful and inspired by the groundwork that has been laid on this property and hope to continue to expand the legacy of the Grand Pre nut farm to include Bed and breakfast rooms, exercise classes and treatment options as well as gourmet mushrooms and garden products.
We hope to welcome and inspire you to join us either in person or virtually for our offerings here at Our Celtic Hearth beginning in 2021.