Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley

We were looking for a place from which to explore Cape Breton, and the Potter’s Cottage turned out to be ideal for that. It was charming, peaceful, comfortable, and clean, with a well-stocked kitchen, and great décor around the cottage (also, be sure to stop by Bell’s studio across the property to view her beautiful pottery). The cottage is in a beautiful, serene location in the Margaree Valley, and it's conveniently located for seeing the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park (great views from the Skyline Trail hike). Just be sure to budget enough time to do the Cabot Trail (we took 2 days) - it's a 5-hour drive without stops, and there are no short-cuts through the park. If you’re interested in live Celtic music, the Ceilidh Trail is also nearby – we heard local musicians performing during lunch at the Glenora distillery and over dinner at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou (about a 50-minute drive). Stewart provided us with helpful information about the area before our arrival, and there was a wealth of additional information once we arrived. The two of us spent 4 nights there, but would gladly have stayed longer.

Our foursome enjoyed the accommodations very much. We found the cottage clean and everything in working order. The setting is very picturesque and the location is just right for exploring the Cabot trail. We were able to drive the west coast one day and the east coast the next day and thus keep the driving time down. If your group has some limitations along those lines, Margaree works very well

We very much enjoyed our five night stay at the Potter's Cottage in Margaree Valley. The house is well laid out, with two sitting areas, two places to dine and a spacious yard in which to play. We spent most of our days exploring the coast, but loved coming home to cook a good meal and play Scrabble. We loved stopping at the Dancing Goat (just down the road) for a fabulous breakfast before adventuring out - not to be missed! We hope to have a chance to return to the area and especially this cottage.

I'm so glad that I booked this cottage. The cottage has the old world charm that tells the story of the lovely Margaree valley. Very roomy, fits 6 people easily. The general.store done the road has everything you need to cook a decent meal. We made dinners and breakfasts during our stay and the whole family sit in the screened porch and enjoy them together.

We visited many places where only the locals knew- Chimney corner, Whale cove, Belle cote, and Margaree river right behind the cottage. Oh, check out the sunset at Margaree harbour!

There is about 20 mins drive to the beach, 45 mins drive to the national park, the scenery on the way is breathtaking.

We absolutely loved our stay.

Chun and family from Minnesota

The property itself and the Cottage are beautiful. Inside the Cottage, all your needs are met. There was not one time when I said "Gee, I wish this place had a - - -" -- it was there! Comfortably furnished and beautifully decorated, there were many of Bell's touches throughout the Cottage -- the stunning backsplash and tiles in the kitchen, the bowls. I loved the little lizard tiles in the sunroom. I loved the sunroom!!

Internet was great. Good strong signal. TV reception was perfect. Of course there was no cell coverage, but that it through most of rural Cape Breton. Not much can be done about that.

One thing I did appreciate very much, and I'm not sure if it's standard at Potter's Cottage, or if we just got lucky, but I was delighted that there wasn't a fridge-full of left-over food as is very common at most VRBO's we visit. I know people are reluctant to throw away "perfectly good food", but trust me -- I for one am never delighted to open a fridge only to find it half full of random condiments and dairy products -- especially since I always buy our own on our way to whatever accommodation.

Bell's pottery studio is on the grounds, but tucked away to the side, so privacy is not an issue. In fact, a visit to the studio is a wonderful benefit to being there. There's not a lot of traffic, and after the end of the day, you have the grounds to yourself.

Rooms are very comfortable. The bathroom is great, but here is something you need to be aware of. The bathroom is off the main downstairs bedroom, and when being used, you need to close two doors. It was not an issue for us, but if absolute privacy is a deal-breaker, just be aware so that you are not surprised and review negatively. It is private ... but close by, if you know what I mean.

For restaurants, should you choose to dine out, there's the magnificent Dancing Goat on the main road -- 4 kms from the Cottage. It's also near the Normaway Inn on Egypt Road -- fine dining and often music and dancing. There is a restaurant at Lake O'Laws where I had a lobster dinner -- two lobsters!! -- for $30.00. And we thoroughly enjoyed a lovely drive on a rainy afternoon to the Glenora Distillery, just a bit past Inverness. They have fiddle music from 1:00 - 3:00, great local beer, fabulous food (best fish cakes I've ever had) and of course, their award winning Glen Breton single malt whiskey.

I would recommend this property whole-heartedly and would return in a heart-beat.