When they first spotted the 1878 stone farmhouse that was to become the site of their Bed & Breakfast business, David and Norma Collis had no idea just how special the house was. A surprise family connection and many serendipitous moments made each day an adventure. From quirky neighbours to Bruce Trail hikers and even occasional visits from the Canadian military, their business brought hundreds of guests through the front door, each with a special and unique story to tell. Welcome to Holly Cottage offers the reader a sample of these tales. The stories are told with humour, compassion, and in some cases as a cautionary tale. The book also answers the most frequently asked question posed by guests over the fifteen years that Holly Cottage was open: “When are you going to write a book?”

After thirty-three years of teaching, Norma Collis and her husband, David, launched their second career when they opened Holly Cottage B&B in 2001. In addition to being on call 24/7 with their business, Norma was involved in the Woodford Community Centre and the Meaford Scarecrow Invasion, as well as other community initiatives. Now fully retired to her hometown of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Norma and David continue to be involved in the community and enjoy small-town life.

Norma Collis' profile page