Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautiful Place

Guest: Curt H.
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/13/11

It's almost misleading for me to review this cottage, because our time was so great and the weather was absolutely perfect. Cape Bretonites tell me the weather isn't always so good. Our luggage was lost, and we were without it for two days. Stewart was most helpful, and improvised a sign for American Airlines so that they wouldn't miss the driveway. And by the way, you won't go wrong following any of Stewart's suggestions for places to visit and things to see. The property was clean and well-maintained. The view and surroundings are so aesthetically pleasing and relaxing that we didn't feel that much like traveling. It was always a pleasure to return to the cabin, and gaze out over the sea, with its interesting beach and island on the south side of your view. I highly recommend this place, except someone who would have problems with an upstairs bedroom coupled with a downstairs bathroom might not like it.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An amazing spot!

Guest: Mark C. (Oshawa, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

We spent the third week of August of 2011 in this great cottage. The view from the deck is amazing. The cottage is well designed with comfortable touches including heated floors in the bathroom and comfortable beds. We were fortunate to have an excellent spell of hot weather during our stay. We spent our days exploring all the local beaches. Flying a kite on a cliff overlooking the Whale Cove beach is something that will be difficult to top! The cottage is close enough drive to explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We spent a few days exploring the park and taking in moose, bear, heron, pilot whales, dolphins, eels, cormorants, bald eagles, and foxes. Stewart and Bell were away the week we visited but able to be contacted if required. You can leave your worries behind when renting this beautiful cottage overlooking the ocean!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Awe Inspiring!

Guest: Gary C. (Scotia, New York)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

This was our first time visiting Cape Breton, and will not be our last! And we won't look for any where else to stay when we come back, because no place can be as lovely as Stewart & Bell's cottages at Chimney Corner! We spend two weeks in Cape Cod every September, and wanted to try something different. Always thought Scotland would be a beautiful place to visit, and a friend said try Cape Breton, very similar and a lot closer. We had the week after Connie & Galen, and the weather turned a bit, windy, rainy and in the mid 50's a few days, but it made absolutely no difference! Actually enhanced the magic, it was exciting to see the ocean whipped up, the cottage surrounded in mist, and having a lovely fire in the wood stove. The cottage itself is just lovely! Two sides of the main room are glass windows & doors overlooking the beach, a cozy loft above to sleep in, with skylights that open to hear the wind, and look at the stars. It's a just perfect combination of traditional & modern, I could live in the cottage! (My wide especially loved the heated bathroom tile floor.) The island itself is incredible, what breathtaking scenery! Everyone is so, so friendly, they make you feel like a neighbor rather than just a tourist. We loved going out to hear and see fiddle music at the Red Shoe Pub, the concert in the Barn at the Normaway Inn, and the dance afterwards. Great food & drink everywhere, the Dancing Goat was a favorite. We did a tour of the Glenora Distillery, and tromped around a bit in Margaree Valley, just a gorgeous place. We love to hike, and having Cape Breton National Park so close by was a huge plus! Great hiking trails, breathtaking scenery. We ran into a Momma moose & her baby, saw a mother bear & her three cubs, eagles perched across the bay, marsh hawks hunting around the cottage daily. And our hosts couldn't have been any sweeter. Stewart & Bell are beautiful, charming people who will go out of their way to accommodate you. Stewart was busy working on a third cottage that just opened up, and still had time to visit, chat with us, even took us up to the new cottage for a tour. And Bell is wonderful, we visited her pottery shop in Baddeck, what gorgeous pieces of art! Barb & I immediately fell in love with this wonderful couple.. :) Again, what a wonderful week, we can't wait for a return visit!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Returning Clients

Guest: Connie and Galen (Kansas City)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

Chimney Corner, on the western side of Cape Breton, is most beautiful. My friends and I chose this wonderful location for an encore visit. Our original visit, in June 2010, was so satisfying we wanted to return. This year, we lucked into a stretch of wonderful weather. The sunsets and stars were riveting. One clear night during our week, the view the Milky Way was amazing… it was unsullied by light pollution. The view of the night sky led me to reminisce about a starry night experienced during to my girlhood at my grandmother's farm in Gem, Kansas, circa 1965. When we come to Stewart and Bell’s cottage, we like to relax, listen to music, read, cook, visit the perfect beach nearby and take pleasant day trips around the area. This year, we discovered Sharon, the local lobster chef, at the Belle Cote Bistro. We would like to come back again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Loved every minute.

Guest: Dick and Jayne (Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 09/10/10

Chimney Corner far exceded our expectations. The location is quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to explore the entire Cape Breton area. The cottage is charming, very well equipped, and clean. We booked for two weeks in August to escape to hot Georgia summer. Everyday was a treat. Eagles perched on a rock across the Bay greeted us each morning. We hiked in the National Park. Be sure to do the Sky Line Hike, as well as some lovely waterfalls. We played golf. Picked blueberries. Searched for sea glass. And, listened to music. Even the occassional rainy and windy weather was OK for reading all day. Bell and Stewart could not have been more helpful in steering us around the Island attractions. I don't think we missed a thing. The deck outside of the cottage is just wonderful. A sky show everynight at sunset. The perfect get away yet close to everything. We recommend this cottage to anyone.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

The Most Beautiful Place on Earth!

Guest: John and Rachal (Moravia, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 09/05/10

Imagine the most beautiful place on earth, waves crashing against rocks, bald eagles soaring, seals playing, hills and grassy meadows, meandering brooks… Now open your eyes, if you are lucky enough to have reserved a stay at Chimney Corner you are witnessing what I have just described. The cottage at Chimney Corner has an unobstructed view of the ocean; pictures cannot properly convey the beauty. During our stay we witnessed more nature than we could have imagined. The cottage itself is great, with a loft bedroom, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of natural light. The food in the area was wonderful, but due to the access to a good kitchen, we spent a lot of time cooking ourselves! Stewart and Bell go out of their way to make your stay wonderful, from a full range of music (now I am a huge Lucinda Williams fan!) to a varied collection of books. Stewart and Bell were on an adventure of their own while we were visiting, but still had the time to email us on a daily basis to make sure that we were enjoying our stay. Their graciousness as hosts was evident even though they were away. The cottage is a great place to stay while exploring the entirety of Cape Breton or if you are looking for a quiet getaway to read and relax. We brought a lot of books and spent a great deal of time just enjoying the view from the deck. When we ventured out into the community, we found everyone to be really friendly. Places to visit include Inverness (best lobster roll at the beach), Margaree (go to the Dancing Goat and visit Bell’s studio), Cheticamp (for a taste of Acadian fare) and don’t miss out on whale watching in Pleasant Bay. If you enjoy hiking, go to the Skyline trail. We saw a bear, two moose and observed a pod of one hundred whales from the top of Skyline trail! There was a lot to do and see, but we loved returning to the cottage, sipping a drink of choice and looking out at the sunset each night. We can’t recommend the cottage enough; we hope to return some day!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A piece of heaven

Guest: Satisfaction guaranteed (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 09/07/10

Stewart and Belle's cottage is set in one of the most beautiful locations in Canada and possibly the world. I grew up in Cape Breton and I think Chimney corner is definitely the nicest beach on the Island. You're guaranteed to fall madly in love with the person you bring there.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Return visit just as great as the first!

Guest: Lane (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/05/10

I not only thought about returning – like many reviewers have mentioned – I actually did so. It was the very first time in nearly 30 years of travel and vacations I chose to stay in the exact same place, and July 2010 was just as wonderful as July 2009. I’m usually skeptical of camera angles and superlative reviews, but the instant I stepped out of the car, I realized that the only thing better than Stewart’s pictures of the cottage, locale, and island, is actually being there. Stewart and Bell are exceedingly gracious hosts, the cottage and the views from the deck are outstanding, there is ready access to other spectacular scenery without the typical beach and vacationing crowds, wildlife galore (sighted eagles, seals, whales, fox, bear, hawk, moose, and a few harmless snakes), music (Normaway, Red Shoe Pub, etc), and the local folks are great. If you like hiking, the well-known Skyline trail is reasonably close, but I’d highly recommend going to the NE end of the island where there’s a trail that starts just as the road that goes into White Point ends (don’t just go to the point – continue along the trail as it hugs the shore going south for another mile or two). And make certain you stop at Bell’s place in Baddeck, and the Dancing Goat. Relax and enjoy!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heaven!

Guest: Patty and Nick (New York City)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We visited last July and couldn't believe our luck in finding this place. The views and sunsets were magnificent, and the cabin was completely charming, a carefully designed place with a light, airy feel to it. There's terrific hiking on the Cabot Trail nearby-also whalewatching, moose, local color, tons of lobster-but you'll be tempted to just sit on the deck, listen to the waves, and stare at the ocean, which stretches more than 180 degrees in front of the cabin. It's one of the most serene places we've ever been, and Stewart is a good host - there when you want him, not when you don't.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Cottage at Chimney Corner

Guest: Connie and Galen (Kansas City)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/04/10

The cottage at Chimney Corner, on the sunset side of Cape Breton is a magical place. Designed in the maritime vernacular, it is an archetypal structure that exudes a freshness and vigor. It was built to withstand the seasonal high winds (Les Suetes) that are unique to the west side of the island in the spring. We experienced these winds one night and felt completely comfortable beneath the sheltering roof. Stewart and Bell (and Ryder) are gracious hosts and accommodated all our needs. The Margaree Valley is a locavore’s delight. Stewart’s recommendation of regional adventures was spot on. He even loaned us the use of his telescope so we could watch an eagle perched on a rocky outcrop at the nearby beach. A week at the cottage at Chimney Corner leaves one relaxed and satisfied, but with a deep yearning to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

lovely oceanside cottage with spectacular views

Guest: strawberryandtomato (wisconsin, usa)
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

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!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Breathtaking!

Guest: Lori D. (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA)
Date of Stay: 10/03/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

My husband and I just returned from spending the most amazing week at the Chimney Corner Cottage near Margaree Harbour on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Our stay and Stewart and Bell's hospitality far surpassed our expectations and we are already planning a trip back next summer. The cottage, built by Stewart, is amazing! There is no detail missing in regards to the comfort the cottage provides and the magnificent views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the sitting area, the kitchen, the porch, and the upstairs bedroom. We watched a bald eagle nearly fly up to the back porch, watched seals daily in the bay near the beach and a large pod of pilot whales moving slowly up the gulf. The location of the cottage is also on the Cabot Trail and provides easy access to explore all areas of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the East side of Cape Breton. We saw large moose on two occasions and completed the trail several times. You must also visit Cape Breton Clay and purchase one of Bell's beautiful art creations, shop at Two Mac's, eat at the Dancing Goat, and much more than we can ever list here. If you are even considering a trip to this magical and spiritual land, the perfect compliment is staying at this cottage.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely Home

Guest: Ypselchen (Trier, Germany)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

The presented cottage is a lovely home for everyone who is seeking great views to the ocean, calm and comfortable living standard, as well as individuality. We didn’t miss anything; you can even cook a complete menu if you like. For any question, Stewart had a helpful advice. Therefore, we recommend warmly this exceptional vacation property and its all-round concept.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sensational

Guest: Michael&June (Asheville, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 08/29/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

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. Steward 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.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

A perfect secret

Guest: Jody and Rick (Hancock, NH USA)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/01/09

We New Englander's are known to keep our very special places a secret, which makes us hesitant about revealing all of the reasons why we love this cottage and this part of Cape Breton so much. Aesthetically, it just doesn't get much better...simple, non-cluttered, tasteful, artistically pleasing is how we would describe the architecture and the decor of the cottage. The views are breath-taking. The weather is a constant "show" which you can easily view from inside or outside, depending on the wind and temperature. We rarely left at night, not wanting to miss a single heart-breakingly beautiful sunset. Cooking is a delight in the kitchen and we enjoyed dinners at the kitchen table with candlelight and music. Breakfasts were on the new deck, followed by day after day of exploring in all directions...horseback riding, hiking in the Highlands, visiting the "other-side" of the island (like the coast of Maine but "on- steroids"!), exploring the many "Margarees" and the rivers and trails that are less travelled. Leaving for home on Saturday morning was sad... although we know we will return and enjoy a reunion with our charming hosts, Stewart and Bell, and their irresistable dog, Ryder. Jody and Rick, Hancock, NH

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Magical Week

Guest: Hazlett
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 01/22/11

"Our time here in the Chimney Corner cottage has been truly uplifting. We went hiking nearly every day, took our kayaks out an a couple of different bodies of water, visited the Inverness Centre for the Arts, played with our son Grady (our two-year old) on the beach, relaxed while my husband painted a sea turtle on my ever-growing belly (at six-months pregnant), and a strawberry on Grady's, went whale watching, read good books, played Dominoes, took fabulous naps, made simple meals and ate out one evening at the Glenora Distillery... Yum! It was a perfect week...Thank you once again for such a magical week."

Recommended for:

an extraordinary experience

Guest: Edgar's Ma (New York NY)
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/28/09

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 response:With respect to our high-speed internet connection mentioned by our guests, Nova Scotia is in the process of installing a province-wide wireless network to be completed by the end of 2009. Our current high-speed connection was installed as a private, cooperative network until the province could finish its own system. As a result, at peak times of the day, when there is heavy use of the network, the high-speed service is a bit slower than the ideal. However, most of the time, it is operating at 1.5 mbps, which is standard for the province. By the spring of 2010, our cottage will have access to the new province-wide network, and as a result, service speed will be comparable to any other area of the province.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ideal spot for a romantic getaway

Guest: Nat and Alan - August 2009 (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/17/09

My spouse and I rented this lovely cottage for a week in early August 2009. We were very excited about having our own little place on the water, on a 150 acre lot. The cottage definitely lived up to our expectations. It is a beautifully built structure with a lot of country charm, such as exposed beams throughout. It is also the perfect size to be both roomy and cozy. The cottage is very well equiped, has a lot of interesting reading material, and even bolsters some beautiful pottery. We got very hot weather while we were there (close to 30 degrees celcius with humidex) which means that the cottage got pretty toasty during the day, but lucky cooled off in the evening. Sunsets at the cottage were amazing. Our only disappointment was the fact that there is a house right behind the cottage (which I believe belongs to the owners of the owners of the cottage). This could not be seen from the posted pictures. This made it feel a little bit less private than we had anticipated. However, because the occupants were away on holidays that week, we did not see anyone around during our stay. In terms of location, the cottage is at a great spot. It is 45 minutes to 1 hour from the Canso Causeway that takes you onto Cape Breton Island, and a short drive (approx. 30 minutes) from the entrance to the Highlands National Park. There are a number of beautiful beaches in the area, including Chimney Corner Beach which is just a few minutes drive from the cottage. It was just the combination we were looking for -isolated, yet with easy access to the various touristic spots on the island.

Owner response:Even though we live on the property, this cottage offers our guests all the privacy they want, with a separate, secluded driveway and parking area, a deck with a privacy fence and an entrance which are out of sight of our house. As well, Bell and I work most days of the week in one of our three galleries, leaving our guests with the property to themselves.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Dakotah (Harrisburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

The pictures on the website don't lie, except that it's even better to be there in person! Stewart and Bell are great (helpful if you need it, not intrusive if you just want to veg). Don't miss Bell's Baddeck shop - one, if not THE nicest on the island - or breakfast/lunch at the Dancing Goat Cafe. Plenty of things to do within easy driving distance (mostly nature related), but you may not want to leave the cottage. Nirvana for those who want to get away from it all. My only caution is that given the cottage's proximity to a cliff, I'd think twice before booking if traveling with small children. HIGHLY recommended (just please leave a week or two open for me each year)!

Owner 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

Recommended for:

Excellent Experience!

Guest: TMP and MM (Vermont)
Date of Stay: 07/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

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.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Leave it all behind

Guest: Connor's Dad (Burlington, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/01/09

Stewart and Belle provided a wonderful home away from home for us during our vacation in Margaree Valley. They have thought of everything to make it easy on the traveler. They are just as nice as the accomodations they provide. If you have never been to this beautiful part of the world, this home is a perfect way to introduce yourself. The home is clean and well cared for. A wonderful place to relax.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Mark and Susan1 (Centennial, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

We were very fortunate to have found the lovely cottage at Chimney Corner. The views are amazing and the cottage was everything we had hoped for and more. Stewart and Bell offered such great advice on what to see and do and were so helpful with directions, etc. They helped make our first visit to Cape Breton a wonderful one and we hope to visit again and stay at this great place again.

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Highly Recommended!

Guest: lfj (vancouver)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/20/09

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.

Recommended for:

Gorgeous cottage

Guest: Alex and Phil (New England, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/27/09 Review Submitted: 11/10/09

We spent a week in early July at this tasteful cottage with the breathtaking view. Every detail of the house is aesthetically pleasing and practical and comfortable. We found the kitchen very well equipped for cooking. The linens and towels are good quality and quite new. The house was spotlessly clean. Stewart was helpful but not intrusive. He went out of his way to provide us with excellent tips on what to do in the area. The nearby beach is secluded and off the beaten track so we had it to ourselves. It is a lovely sandy beach with nice calm waters for swimming (though this must be weather dependent). We highly recommend this spectacular spot.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

How fortunate to find this lovely place

Guest: N & T (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 07/26/09

We stayed at Stewart & Bell's Chimney Corner Cottage the third week of June 2009 on our first time visit to Cape Breton Island. How fortunate to find this lovely place. The cottage interior has such grace. The high vaulted ceiling and many windows create an open and airy space. Everything, wherever the eye falls, is pleasing to look at, reflecting Stewart & Bell's visual skills and their generosity in equipping the cottage for the comfort of their guests. And then there is the ultimate luxury of stepping out to an unimpeded vista of sea and sky. Some of the highlights of our week: our first lingering Chimney Corner sunset; falling asleep under a star-filled Cape Breton sky visible through the large skylight over our bed and waking to sunrise through the opposite skylight; the splendor of Cape Breton Highlands National Park on our day trip to Ingonish and back; meeting friendly locals over delicious soup and sandwich lunches at the Dancing Goat bakery; the music, the music - traditional Scottish at Inverness, Cape Breton fiddlers at the Red Shoe in Mabou and The Barn in Margaree Valley; our chats with Stewart - always helpful, informative, entertaining - he and Bell really care about this special place and it shows. Thank you for the opportunity to savor it. N & T, Columbia, Maryland.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/08/09

I have stayed at this delightful property a few times, most recently with my wife and two kids in June 2008 It's an absolute dream, for a number of reasons. First, the house itself is charming, comfortable and spotlessly clean. As the owners Stewart and Bell explained to me, it was designed and built to resemble a traditional Cape Breton cedar-sided house. You can feel the authenticity. It also had everything we needed. Nice kitchen space with new appliances. There's a little living-room area with lots of wall-high windows overlooking the sea. There is a spacious bathroom and good sleeping spaces. Sleeping up in the loft is especially fun. Second, the view. Cape Breton generally is visually stunning, and this little cottage sits on one of the most stunning spots on the western side of the island. It's near the edge of a cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can watch fishing boats go by out front. And if you're lucky you'll see whales from the living room window (as we did). As well, there's a great little public beach, (that few people know about), that is just a short walk (or an even shorter drive) away. Third, the owners, Stewart and Bell. They're great. Friendly and knowledgeable about Cape Breton and happy to share what they know (or to leave you alone if that's what you prefer).

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/01/08

We stayed at this cottage for a week with our 14 month old daughter and couldn't have been happier. The pictures don't do justice, inside or out. Stunning views of the cliffs and ocean are pretty common around Cape Breton, but it is very cool to be able to come home to your cottage every day with such a beautiful setting and spectacular view. Inside, there is a sweet kitchen with all the appliances and utensils you'd need and the décor is warm and stylistic (in an artistic, minimalist sort of way). We loved the location -- very close to some cool towns to explore close by and a good launch point for day trips around the island. The owners (Stewart and Bell) live in the main house close by (they used to live in the cottage, which is probably why it is so warm and liveable now!). They are responsive and helpful (especially regarding where to go and what to do, if you want help), without being intrusive in any way. Lovely people. Getting to know them was a nice bonus. As we toured around Cape Breton, we didn't see any other place that came close -- we're very glad we stumbled across this gem and highly recommend it. J & L from Seattle.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/25/08

We had a wonderful time staying at the Chimney Corner gottage for two weeks. It is peaceful, unbelievably beautiful, utterly lovely. The views are amazing. The area of Margaree is charming. Stewart and Bell (and their dog Ryder)are wonderfully helpful and hospitable.

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