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Daily Record
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Siobhan Macdonald

Colin and Justin battle 'hellish' ice storms to launch new 'The Shining' hotel early

Scots style gurus Colin and Justin have defied the odds and opened their brand new Canadian hotel early.

The interior designers battled "hellish" ice storms, sub zero temperatures, power cuts and problems with suppliers since taking over the property in Louisbourg to renovate and relaunch.

The pair said at times they felt like they were "living in The Shining", in reference to the creepy fictional Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's 1977 bestselling novel and movie of the same name.

But after months of hard work and lots of blood, sweat and tears, the property entrepreneurs are ready to open 12 weeks earlier than they planned.

The Louisbourg hotel will relaunch in 2022 under its new moniker, North Star.

The stunning property is made up of about 22 bedrooms, a beach house, staff quarters, two restaurants, a stage for entertaining, and five acres of ocean-facing grounds and a private beach.

Colin and Justin triumphantly took to Instagram to tell fans about how happy they were to have finished their "toughest challenge yet".

The pair shared updates of their completed hotel (Instagram)

"Mother Nature? Go stick this up your chilly, ice cold ass: we were NOT beaten.

"We’ve endured what felt like re living The Shining. Secluded and lost to the elements: our sub zero reno has been our toughest challenge to date. But we did it. We’ve got this. It takes a village... and in that regard we have had SO much support here in Louisbourg.

"On the bitter, windswept coast of Atlantic Canada. Your HELLISH storms battered our Cape Breton hotel, undermining us daily. Your ice storms tried their best to ruin us.

They said its their "biggest challenge yet" (Instagram)

They continued: "Supply chains which you helped scupper torpedoed ALL our early planning. You screwed with transportation links to such an extent that our ‘perfect’ organisation was spoiled from day 1. But WTF?

"Against all the the odds (against ALL THE FRICKIN’ ODDS) we've finished EVERY bedroom, TWELVE weeks ahead of schedule.

"But wait - what’s with all those illuminated windows across EVERY elevation at North Star*? What’s going on? Well... we’ve... actually... opened... early for a surprise corporate booking that has taken every room for two weeks! We’ll dish on all that shortly. But for now: we’re having a rest.

"We’re locking down for our ‘trial run’ opening - our ‘soft’ opening. 20 guests.

"An adventure. And the ultimate practise run before we close AGAIN... and then reopen on June 3rd.

"It’s been CRAAAAAAZZZZZY!"

Fans took to the comments to tell the pair how impressed they were with what they were seeing.

One wrote: "The summer will more than make up for this bitter winter. You two are warriors indeed!"

"In this crazy world you guys make me laugh out loud. Thank you!," another commented.

A third penned: "Wow!!! Congratulations to you both ! You are truly magic! Good luck with your “ soft “ opening. It will be a success I know! Look after your precious selves. Thank you for sharing your magical journey and for inspiring us with your courageous spirits! You’re simply the BEST!"

"What a crazy, amazing journey you guys have been on! You guys are incredible!" another wrote.

A fifth joked: "Looking good guys!! What’s with the snow! Looks like you’re sending some our way, to Scotland tomorrow, just when we thought Spring was here!!"

Earlier this year, Colin and Justin had to face the extreme weather themselves after getting locked out of their house.

The duo revealed they'd been locked out of their house, after the sub-zero conditions caused their door to freeze up.

They ended up stuck outside in their pyjamas for almost an hour.

They posted on their Insta page to tell fans of their dismay, saying: "Just spent a jolly 40 minutes outside trying to get back into the house, the locks of which were frozen due to salty -20 ocean winds.

"Fortunately our electrician John arrived on site with a loosening can of lock de-icer.

"Note to selfs: Never put the garbage out in sub zero temperatures, wearing Deputy Dawg Pyjamas and Garfield slippers.

"Even the friendly local fox looked askance as we tussled with the frozen portal."

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