This mansion was first built as a church by the Lutherans and Presbyterians of Middle LaHave on the edge of the LaHave River. It was in later years relocated, hoisted onto skids and moved across the Lahave. At a crossroads in its history, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod decided the church would become an orphanage. The building was raised once again and drawn by oxen up the frozen river to the Bridgewater government wharf - its final resting place situated about two miles from the town centre. Renovations began in 1889. The Bethany Orphans' Home began accepting children in 1906. It housed between 22 and 25 children at a time. Rev. W.H. Little was the house father until 1907 when Rev. C.H. Little arrived from North Carolina. The orphanage closed in 1916. Subsequently it was used as the farmhouse for what was, at that time, the largest dairy farm in Lunenburg County. Today the house sits on 3 acres and in more recent years was known as the Bethany Inn, with its 7 bedrooms and 7 baths. Though at present it functions as a private home, it would certainly adapt well as a rural Inn, well located adjacent the Golf Course on the outskirts of Bridgewater. The house retains much of its original character, including covered verandahs, observatory, large country kitchen with pantry, large reception rooms and grand original staircase. The house has both a wood and oil burning furnace and an industrial 25 ft x 35 ft garage. Located two minutes off the 103 Highway adjacent quality premium homes, golf course, Canadian Tire and Walmart. The ideal candidate for a good old fashioned country inn. One hour and fifteen minutes to either Halifax or the airport. There is additional land consisting of 55 acres partially touching on the Osprey Ridge Golf Course also available. After all these years, this historic structure still retains a remarkable presence as one rounds the curve coming up the road. A unique property.