The Experience
Nestled in the heart of Rothesay, New Brunswick, over 150 years of charm and hospitality await you. This historic gem offers full-service convenience and amenities, award-winning cuisine, restful accommodations, peaceful seclusion, and friendly staff.
Guests can relax and enjoy a beverage, before and after dinner in our vintage and unique mahogany paneled lounge.
The Robertson Room restaurant offers both lunch and dinner year-round. In the warm weather, our beautifully hedged, private outdoor patio is very popular for long leisurely lunches and dinners under the stars.
The Manchester and Allison Rooms are favorites for all types of events, from family celebrations to business dinners.
During the warm weather, our canopied veranda and manicured gardens are favorites for gatherings and receptions.
When the winter weather brings us indoors, Shadow Lawn is known for our traditional yuletide atmosphere.
Rothesay, New Brunswick
The Inn is located about 15 kilometers east of the City of Saint John and 10 kilometers from the Saint John Airport, near the Kennebecasis river.
The Inn is in close proximity to many recreational activities including the Yacht Club, golf courses, beaches, walking/running/bike trails, tennis & racquetball courts, skating rinks and more.
The History of Shadow Lawn Inn
The Inn was built in 1870 by James F. Robertson for twenty thousand dollars.
Originally named ‘Karsalie’, the home has operated as an inn for over 60 years.
When it was ‘Karsalie’
King Edward VII passed through this part of Saint John in 1860 and the residents decided to name the area after his title, Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay. The tree-lined roadway that leads into the community and the beautifully maintained 19th-century mansions mark Rothesay as a wealthy extension of old Saint John.
It was here in 1870 that Mr. James F. Robertson built ‘Karsalie’, a stately mansion that he used as his summer home. Mr. Robertson was a founding partner and later president of MRA’s (Manchester, Robertson, and Allison), the largest department store in the City of Saint John.
When Mr. Robertson passed away in 1921, the house was sold to his nephew, Percy Thomson. One change Mr. Thomson made was to rename Karsalie. Over the decades, the cedar hedges, fully grown and their shadows with those of the birch, maple, oak, and elm trees that graced the lawns, were cast across the grounds.
The birth of ‘Shadow Lawn’
From this came the name ‘Shadow Lawn’. It was in 1946 that Shadow Lawn began to change from a family home to an Inn. The Fleming family, who purchased the property, began to provide accommodation to seniors and offer catering services. The next owners, Willie and Jean Ward began to expand upon the original concept of catering and hospitality and created a unique and enjoyable inn.
In 1986 the Inn was sold to Patrick and Margaret Gallagher. Under their guidance, Shadow Lawn has evolved into one of Atlantic Canada’s premiere inns with international acclaim.
On July 1, 2010, Patrick and Margaret’s son, James Gallagher, and his wife Mary Ann (McGuire) took over and with the help of their parents, they made gradual changes to the Inn and attracted visitors from all over the world.
Shadow Lawn Inn Today
On April 1, 2021, husband and wife Tracy Pitts and Martin St-Denis purchased the Inn and are working towards continuing its legacy of hospitality.
With almost 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, Tracy and Martin have started a new chapter of their lives as business owners and are enjoying being part of Rothesay and the beautiful surrounding communities.
