Nova Scotia's Premier Oceanfront Vacation Rental
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Dar Ix-Xemx, Maltese for House of the Sun, is a luxurious retreat nestled in a three-acre ash grove perched above Antigonish Harbour, a picturesque tidal bay that flows from the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern shore of Nova Scotia.
I designed the house to capture the many moods of the sun as they change throughout the day. Most of the main spaces, including the deck, face the west, perfect for watching the sun sink over the bay while sipping an aperitif. More than 50 large windows and 21 skylights offer stunning views and create an atmosphere as close to nature as is possible indoors!
Strolling through the front door:
The main floor is 1500-square-feet of open-concept living that revolves around the kitchen, the traditional focus of Maritime homes. I love to cook and I think it shows. The only “wall” in the kitchen is a bank of windows that overlooks the bay. Solid maple countertops measuring 35 feet - including one just for baking - snake around the room.
Quality appliances include a Jenn-air convection stove, built-in refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, trash compactor and a gas BBQ. You’re sure to find most equipment you need and some extras. When you’ve finished preparing your feast, you can eat in the kitchen or at the table in the window-flanked dining room.
The kitchen flows into the sunroom which, facing south and west, is plastered wall and ceiling with oversize windows and skylights. The room stays relatively cool in the summer without air conditioning, as does the rest of the house. Even in the winter the room feels cozy, due to a radiant in-floor heating system.
I have furnished the house with old materials wherever practical. Wide antique boards panel most of the floors. Doors are 150-year-old solid refinished wood. Many light fixtures are antique too, as is most of the furniture. Original artwork adorns the few walls not occupied by windows.
Adjacent to the sunroom, I designed the oversize living room for relaxation. Furnished with overstuffed, leather couches and an authentic Persian rug, it’s a great place to host an impromptu Scrabble tournament. On crisper evenings, throw a few logs in the Vermont Castings stove and settle in to watch a film or satellite TV. A hidden entertainment centre holds a TV, DVD/CD player, VCR and record and audio cassette players. Five speakers provide surround sound for a theatre effect. There are also speakers in the dining room and on the main deck. Videos and music are provided.
Also located on the main floor is a laundry room and a walk-in coatroom to shed sandy shoes and other bits after a satisfying stroll on the beach.
Taking it to the next level:
Upstairs are three comfortable bedrooms. The master bedroom is a spacious open-concept retreat unique in design. Awaken to forest and ocean views from eight windows. Built into the room is an antique claw-footed pedestal bath – ideally positioned to watch the sun take its evening dip in the bay, perhaps after you do! Also integrated into the main space is a European-style bathroom with a washbasin and toilet. There is a walk-in shower with five windows and a skylight, too. The queen-size bed is wrought iron and comes with the softest sheets imaginable. The rest of the furniture is antique. Two generous step-in closets and a comfortable reading nook complete the room.
The second bedroom has a double bed and bunk beds and faces west, overlooking the water. The third bedroom has a double bed and overlooks the front garden. Each has ample closet space. They share a full bathroom.
If more bedroom space is required two private, fully self-contained apartment-suites are available for rent during the summer months. Each comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and private bathroom. The bedrooms and the living rooms have beautiful views of the water through large, full-size windows. Each bedroom has a queen or double bed and a full closet. There is also a futon in each living room for additional sleeping space. A generous deck graces the sunset side of each apartment. The apartments are located below the main floor and each entrance is completely private and secluded. The suites can also be kept unoccupied to ensure your complete seclusion.
Lastly, additional hangers-on (!) can be further accommodated on a blowup mattresses that can be made available. There is also the option of renting one of my neighbouring properties which allows large, multi-party groups to be accommodated while giving each party space and privacy.
Another unique feature is an indoor observation deck, inspired by the balcony terraces of Parisian apartments. It sits on a level of its own, 40 feet up. Eat breakfast a deux and enjoy expansive views of the harbour. If you’re lucky, you may glimpse a seal or one of the eagles that nest on the bay’s islands!
Moving outside:
Back downstairs, a tri-level deck hugs the sunset sides of the house. The deck has a custom built picnic table and a patio set for al fresco dining and relaxing. There is also a newly built screened-in porch which allows guests to be outside either when it rains or if it gets buggy (sometimes around sunset.)
I am pleased to offer the use of a 19-foot sailboat as well as canoes, kayaks and a row-boat.
Welcome to my home - be prepared for an unforgettable vacation stay!
Keywords: Secluded Custom-Designed House
Property Type
- 3 story
- Chateau / Country House
- 4000 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Children Welcome
- Pets Considered
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 16, Beds for 10-16
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Bedroom 5
- Attached Unit
Bathrooms
- 4.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Catering Available
Amenities
- Parking Off Street
- Linens Provided
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
Entertainment
- CD Player
- Television
- Video Library
- VCR
- Stereo
- DVD Player
- Music Library
- Foosball
Communications
- Broadband Access
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Churches
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Surf Fishing
- Water Tubing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Rafting
- Skiing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Racquetball
- Hiking
- Golf
- Sailing
- Mountain Biking
- Cycling
- ATM/Bank
- Fitness Center
- Shelling
- Miniature Golf
- Playground
- Synagogues
- Winery Tours
- Live Theater
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Beachcombing
- Bird Watching
- Tennis
- Eco Tourism
- Paddle Boating
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Whale Watching
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Gambling Casinos
- Swimming
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a reviewRates
April - May............$1475/week June.................. $1975/week July to Sept.......... $2875/week En-suite Apartments... $125/night (each) Most pets very welcome:$20/day pet fee. Fully enclosed deck available All Rentals require a $500 Fully Refundable Damage Deposit and $135 cleaning fee The rental charge includes all linens, towels, etc...
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Owner info
About the owner: I'm a father, educator, outdoor enthusiast, builder, sailor and entrepreneur. I currently manage my own hospitality business and also teach at St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. My doctoral and research work is in the area of management learning as it relates to sustainability. I live close by the properties that I own or manage, right by the ocean that I love, surrounded by land I cherish and people I care for. Chris Galea
Contact us
- Primary: (902) 863-2829 (Nova Scotia, CAN)
- Tertiary: +1 9028634733
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - Link to our beautiful vacation property
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Spectecular Custom-Designed Oceanfront Mansion
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House of the Sun Facing the bay-50 yds away, photo taken from water's edge
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Watch a perfect sunset from the deck... or when strolling by the shoreline
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This listing was first published here in 2002.
Date last modified - Wednesday, April 10, 2013
(902) 863-2829 (Nova Scotia, CAN)
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