Back Country Cottages

06/02/2026

A quick café update for everyone following along! ☕

The last major item before we can officially open is the installation of our new hot water heater. Unfortunately, shipping delays have slowed things down slightly, but the unit is on the way.

At this time, we are aiming for a June 14 opening date, provided the heater arrives in time for installation and final preparations.

Thank you all so much for your continued patience, support, and excitement as we work through these final steps. We will keep you posted with updates along the way!

06/01/2026

Dad teaching Bentley to swim! Hard to believe this was almost 4 years ago 💗

06/01/2026

What should you bring for your Back Country Cottages stay?

Besides groceries and your sense of adventure, we recommend:
• Comfortable clothes
• Hiking boots or outdoor shoes
• A good book
• Coffee for slow mornings
• Your favourite snacks for the fire
• A camera for the views
• And permission to truly unplug and slow down

Most importantly, bring a willingness to breathe a little deeper, stay a little longer outside, and enjoy the quiet moments we often rush past in everyday life. 🌲

05/30/2026

I was scrolling through old pics and having a major nostalgia trip about our totally epic journey so far, and I stumbled upon some 'back in the day' photos of the cabins when we first started. Comparing the before and after pics was like, whoa, we've actually accomplished something - it's crazy how blind you are to your own progress until you take a step back and go 'wait, we've come a long way, haven't we?', isn't that wild?

05/29/2026

People often ask why we chose the names Back Country Cottages and Stillwater Leadership Consulting.

The truth is, both names reflect the life we’re trying to build and the experiences we hope to create for others.

Back Country Cottages represents simplicity, nature, adventure, and the feeling of stepping away from the noise of everyday life to reconnect with what matters most.

Stillwater Leadership Consulting came from the idea that true leadership is calm, grounded, and intentional. Still water reflects clarity, reflection, resilience, and the ability to remain steady even during uncertainty.

Although they are two very different ventures, both were built from the same values: connection, balance, growth, and creating space to breathe, reflect, and move forward with purpose.

For us, these businesses are about far more than work — they represent a new chapter for our family and the kind of life we want to build together.

05/28/2026

Meet the real boss behind Back Country Cottages — Bentley AKA Mr. B 🐾

His responsibilities include:
• Supervising tractor work
• Enjoying boat rides
• Playing ball whenever possible
• Monitoring snack quality
• Ensuring proper work-life balance

While Grant and I may think we’re in charge, everyone knows Mr. B is really running the operation around here. 🐶

05/27/2026

The Heart Behind Back Country Cottages — Meet Grant Kelloway

While I shared a little of my own story yesterday, today I want to introduce someone who has been the steady foundation behind everything we are building — my husband, Grant.

Grant is the kind of person who quietly makes things happen. He’s hardworking, resourceful, dependable, and deeply connected to the outdoors and the simple values that matter most: family, integrity, loyalty, and perseverance.

Much of what Back Country Cottages is becoming would not exist without his vision, craftsmanship, and willingness to work tirelessly behind the scenes. From the land itself to the countless hours of planning, building, problem-solving, and dreaming, Grant has poured his heart into creating a place where others can experience peace, connection, and the beauty of Newfoundland.

What I admire most about him is his resilience and calm strength. Through every challenge life has brought our way, he has remained grounded and committed to building not just a business, but a life centered around family, purpose, and meaningful experiences.

Back Country Cottages and Stillwater Leadership Consulting are truly family dreams, and Grant is a huge part of the heart behind both.

I’m incredibly grateful to be building this journey alongside him, and excited for others to get to know the amazing person he is.

05/26/2026

The Heart Behind Back Country Cottages & Stillwater Leadership Consulting

Hi everyone, I’m Marilyn Kelloway — entrepreneur, leadership consultant, wife, mother, and someone deeply passionate about creating meaningful experiences and authentic connections.

Over the past few years, life has challenged me in ways I never expected. Those experiences taught me the importance of resilience, reflection, community, and leading with both courage and compassion. From that journey came two dreams that are now becoming reality: Back Country Cottages and Stillwater Leadership Consulting.

Back Country Cottages was created to be more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the beauty and peace of Newfoundland’s wilderness. A place where people can breathe again.

Stillwater Leadership Consulting grew from my belief that leadership is not about control or titles — it’s about self-awareness, trust, balance, and the ability to navigate uncertainty while staying grounded in your values. Through retreats and coaching, I hope to help others find clarity, confidence, and connection in both business and life.

Both of these ventures are deeply personal to me because they represent healing, growth, family, and the belief that something beautiful can emerge from even the hardest seasons of life.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. I’m excited for this next chapter and grateful to share the journey with you.

05/25/2026