Location: Chimney Corner, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada (15 minutes to Inverness, 1 1/2 hours to Sydney)
Accommodations: Vacation Cottage, Studio + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
This stunning cottage is located in Chimney Corner on a 150-acre oceanfront property, close to Margaree Harbour. It’s a gem which has been featured in Canadian House & Home and Victoria Magazines.
If you stay here, you’ll come to enjoy the fresh ocean air, and the sound of waves rolling in on the rocks below and the beach nearby. This is a perfect place to unwind, with easy access to most of the things you might like to see on Cape Breton. Although the west side of the island is incredibly scenic and inspiring, you can also use the cottage as base for striking out to parts of the Island further afield.
Our Cape Breton cottage was built on a bluff over the ocean in 1994-97 with a lot of thought and care. This architect-designed building was designed as our summer cottage. The idea of its design was to recall the best aspects of Maritime architecture and tradition, but modernize them a bit with an open-concept interior. It’s design makes it best suited for couples who do not need walled-off bedrooms, although the second floor loft offers decent separation from the living room and kitchen.
This cottage has an airy, summery feeling, with a vaulting 27-foot-high pine tongue-and-groove cathedral ceiling, and walls finished with horizontal boards and fresh white paint, in true Maritime style.
The floors are gorgeous 150-year-old pine boards of a width you rarely see today. There are lots of windows/skylights and ventilation and ceiling fans for when the winds don’t blow. There is a wood stove and electric heat if it gets chilly in autumn. There’s also a large new deck outside that offers space and privacy for BBQs, relaxing and taking it all in.
Our sunsets and skies will knock your socks off. The whole north-western corner of the building is windows. It is no exaggeration to say the views over the ocean, Chimney Corner cove and the beach are breathtaking. It is only two minutes to the beach itself, probably the best one on the west side of Cape Breton; clean and, because it’s not visible from the road, often empty, even on summer weekdays. As day turns to evening, and you can relax inside, listen to music and catch up on things you never have time for in the city. In the evening, if you look out the window, you’ll be reassured by the steady cadence of Margaree Island lighthouse blinking offshore.
Wake up in the morning to lobster boats and fishers hauling in their catch directly in front of the cottage, or to an eagle settling on a tree yards away. Deer and foxes visit from time to time, as do moose. Whales pass by in front most of the year; there’s salmon and trout fishing on the world-renowned Margaree River, just minutes away. Of course there’s lots more to do elsewhere on the Island, from local music and Ceilidhs, to museums, golf, craft galleries, and good eating.
Cape Breton was noted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine as the #1 Beautiful island and #2nd Most Friendly People. In 2005, National Geographic called Cape Breton Highlands National Park the #2 best national park in North America. Cape Breton was recently voted the Number 2 destination world-wide by National Geographic Traveller Magazine (March 2004). It was singled out by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2006 as one of the “World’s Best Islands” (one of four)
For shorter stays (3 days minimum), we have another property listed #236435 in Margaree Valley, Cape Breton.
The Celtic Colours International Music Festival runs October 9-17, 2009
The bathroom is quaint with a generous shower area and heated tile floors.
-kitchen fully equipped with new stainless Frigidaire refridgerator and stove.
*No Smoking inside please.
We offer week-long stays, or longer.
You will have a lovely stay here!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove: -also electric baseboards and efficient/quiet oil heater
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed: futon/frame
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: New stainless Frigidaire refridgerator and stove
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Full equipment
- Refrigerator: Frigidaire stainless
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Large new deck added this spring-offers privacy and space.
- View/Location
- Beach View: directly visible across the water- no obstacles.
- Oceanfront
- Mountain View: Mountains about 1000 feet behind cottage.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- ceiling fans, firewood, local activities guide, books.
- Suitability
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Canadian Dollars)
$1575/wk CAD May-October 2009(approx. $1500 US); $1700/wk 2010 Weekly minimum.
50% deposit + tax at time of booking by credit card.
Balance due on card 30 days before arrival plus a $200 damage deposit.
Full refund less $100 for cancellation up to 8 weeks prior, up to June.
No refund if cancelling after June.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1994
Bell grew up in Margaree Valley, about twenty minutes from here, while I grew up in Toronto. After graduating in law there, I changed course and headed to art school in Halifax, where I met Bell in my first painting class. The first time I visited Cape Breton with her, I fell in love with it, especially the west coast of the island, so being here makes a lot of sense for us. We lived and worked in New York City for some years, but eventually opened Cape Breton Clay, our pottery business here, in 1996 and we've been busy here ever since, with three galleries on Cape Breton. I am also a filmmaker and a photographer, and Bell is also a painter.
Why the Owner Chose Chimney Corner
Bell and I built the cottage in 1994 as a summer house when we hadn't yet settled permanently in Cape Breton. We are both artists, and when we decided to live here all year 'round, in 1997, we needed more room–we built another building to contain studio and production space and commuted between the buildings every day. Eventually, over the years, we migrated to the larger building permanently, and used the cottage for studio space and for guests. So, the cottage is a special place for us, and we laboured for years to make it right.
The Unique Benefits of this Vacation Cottage
Cape Breton is a spectacular place, and the scenery on this stretch of coast is particularly striking; it can also be dramatic, with 130 kph winds at many points of the year. One must keep a clean yard in such conditions! There is such a rich culture here, historically and musically, and life unwinds at its own special pace. We see some of the most dramatic sunsets anywhere, watch whales play in our front yard, and fishermen haul their lobster traps every year. Moose, eagles, deer and foxes are regulars. It's easy to meet people, and the daily rhythm here is slower than in most cities; we visit neighbors and friends whenever we can, as we are busy in the summer months. It's also nice to be in a place where you don't need air-conditioning; Cape Breton summers are warm-to-hot in the day, but perfect in the evening, and at the shore there are breezes to keep any bugs at bay. Chimney Corner beach is one of the finest on the island, but because it is not visible from the road, it's usually unoccupied during the week– we love to take our dog Ryder there for a good run.
Property Photos
- Our Cottage overlooking Chimney Corner beach and the ocean. - Cape Breton Island Vacation Cottage
- Kitchen and sitting area with great views of ocean and beach - Cape Breton Island Vacation Cottage
- swim and picnic at beach just minutes away... - Cape Breton Island Vacation Cottage
- sleeping area on second floor
- visit by a friend
- large deck with fabulous views
Guest Comments (14)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #197014
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - October 25, 2009
Positive Rating
From our Homeaway Listing: Rating5 out of 5 lovely oceanside cottage with spectacular views strawberryandtomato wisconsin, usa Review Submitted: November 1, 2009 Date of Stay: October 2009 Its description fits this lovely cottage exactly...and even though we had unseason cool and wet fall Cape Breton weather, we could stay warm burning wood in the wood stove, and read, enjoying the fantastic ocean view through the tall and wide "wall of windows" facing the ocean..even saw rainbows and bald eagle. The new deck is large and will be lovely to sit in with the same view, weather depending!. Stewart's hospitality was very appreciated, and he was quick to answer any questions. Highly recommend this cottage, and looking forward to coming again!!
Positive Rating
From our Homeaway listing: Rating5 out of 5 Sensational Michael&June Asheville, North Carolina Review Submitted: October 31, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009 We can't say enough about this place. We enjoyed the coziness and architectural features of the cottage. It has a spectacular view towards the water that is absolutely relaxing. Stewart and Bell are charming, helpful folks. There is no TV or radio, which was refreshing. It really forced us to relax and get away from it all. We enjoyed the whole island, but we certainly would stay on that side of the island again. It is quiet and quaint and was just what we were looking for. We hope someday to return to the Chimney Corners cottage. It's absolutely lovely and stunning.
Positive Rating
Lori , Oklahoma City, OKLA
Positive Rating
Jody and Rick , Hancock, NH
Positive Rating
From our Homeaway listing: An extraordinary experience Review Submitted: August 28, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009 Edgar's Ma, New York, NY We had the pleasure of staying at this lovely cottage for one week in August 2009. It is architecturally so beautiful, and so impeccably maintained, it was indeed a sad day when we left. We enjoyed a variety of weather "events," from spectacular lightening storms to warm, sunny days. The beach nearby is only a few minutes drive down the road which was such a delight to swim in. Actually there are several beaches in the area, all of which are lightly populated and lovely places to spend the afternoon. We spent the days touring around and swimming, and every night had dinner on the deck while watching the sunset. Stewart and Bell were outstanding hosts in every regard. While their own house is nearby, they are very respectful of the guests' privacy - and to be honest it is nice to know someone is close at hand should you need them. Their presence is a great help, not a hindrance. I believe it is best for a couple or small family, as there is one bedroom. The internet connection is spotty, but it is sufficient to check emails, and one does not need a rapid internet connection when there is so much to do outside, anyway. It takes a bit of sleuthing to find things like organic produce on Cape Breton; if you have a special diet, be sure to bring those items with you. Overall we had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this property. If only all vacation homes were like it! Owner's response: With respect to our high-speed system, we are part of a rural cooperative network that is a temporary solution until the Province of Nova Scotia completes its plan to provide high-speed service to all residents by the end of 2009. Generally the speed of the connection is 1.5 mbs., which is standard here, and which allows normal browsing. On some occasions, temporary bottlenecks (resulting from heavy use at peak times) slow the system. However, by the spring of 2010, we will have access to the provincial network, which will eliminate these slowdowns.
Positive Rating
From our Homeaway Listing: Excellent Experience! Review Submitted: August 19, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009 TMP AND MM, Vermont My boyfriend and I stayed at the Chimney Corner cottage for one week in late July. The cottage was impeccably clean, tastefully decorated, and well-stocked with essential kitchenware, linens, books and music. The location and design of the cottage capture the stunning beauty and simplicity that make Cape Breton unique. Stewart, the host, was non-intrusive yet very helpful. He provided valuable information about the best spots on the island, ensured the grill tank was full, and on one occasion opened up the house so it would be cool when we returned home late in the evening. We have recommended the cottage to family and are looking forward to returning when the seasons change.
Positive Rating
From our Homeaway Listing: We stayed for a week in July 09 with our 12 month old and we loved it. The house is within walking distance of a great beach and the views from the house (and its great big sunny deck) are spectacular. The house is comfortable, it's clean and it's very quiet and private. It really feels like a holiday. We felt we were really far away from it all and yet we could drive into the Park gates within about 40 minutes. I would love to stay here again and will recommend it to friends and family.
Positive Rating
, Burlington, MA
Positive Rating
Lane , Harrisburg, PA
Homeowner Response:
This guest, whom we enjoyed having, is right to express concern about the cliff, but only for those parents who think their children will not listen to their instructions. The cliff is about 200 feet from the cottage. Most guests stay in the cottage or on the deck when they are not touring. There is also plenty to see on our property which is not near the cliff. We have had a number of guests stay here with children of ages ranging from infants to teens without any problems. (Obviously, infants are fine because they are not mobile.) Parents will be the best judges of whether their children will present problems in this situation. Stewart Applegath
Positive Rating
Mark and Susan , Centennial, CO