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Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock

Photo gallery for Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock

Front of Kildare Cottage facing the Lake with many Waterfront Views
Open the Front Gate and Kildare Cottage welcomes you!
Waterfront property- private setting with over 600 feet of Cape Breton beach
View of Kildare main cottage, and guest suite from the beach and dock area
Historic Cottage 'Kildare'- shows outside steps to second story sleeping loft

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
  • Place, Bell Bay Golf Club
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Bras d'Or Lakes and Watershed Interpretive Centre
    ‪16 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Guest Cottage

1 King Bed

Master

1 King Bed

Upper Loft

1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Guest Cottage

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

House Powder

Towels provided · Toilet

Master

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Outdoor Shower

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upper Loft Area

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock

This charming getaway is located within walking distance of the village of Baddeck, and .3 miles from the local Bell Bay Golf course and less than an hour drive to Bandon Dunes "Cabot Links" and "Cabot Cliffs" courses in Inverness. Golfers can have the best of both worlds staying here.

World class views of the Bras d'Or Lakes are seen from every door and window. A private Cape Breton beach and dock are just steps away from the cottage.
Enjoy sightseeing and easy living- many local activities: golfing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and relaxing! The property is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. It is spacious, lined with hedges, trees, gardens and a tall fence making it totally private and peaceful. The waterfront porch is an excellent place from which to view the morning and evening sunscapes and the restful mountainside across the lake.
This property offers a modern kitchen, cozy living area with original stone fireplace, large dining room, master bedroom with king size bed, upstairs loft bedroom with twin beds, a full size bed, and half bath. Also, a separate guest cottage: king bed, sitting area, and full bath with shower.

Local Interests and Activities: This property is just a few miles from The Cabot Trail and easy access to daily Cape Breton Island sightseeing.

Baddeck is a major tourist destination: home of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, as well as numerous restaurants, shops,The Bras d'Or Yacht Club, a government wharf with tour boats, and Bell Bay Golf course (rated the best new golf course in Canada)

There are many ways to be part of these activities-rent a kayak, sail off the wharf, charter a boat, or take a ferry over to Kidston's Island Beach for a local swim!

Satellite TV included

Wireless internet included

Sailors and Seaworthy Crew: Sailors and those nautically inclined, will feel right at home watching colorful spinnakers on boats sailing down the Baddeck Bay along with kayaks, paddle boats and windsurfers- all able to be enjoyed from our waterfront covered porch!

Choose from:
1) Sailboat and motor boat tours in Baddeck at the Government Wharf
2) Charter vessels for the day or week from local villagers and businesses
3) Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats in the Adventure Center in Baddeck
4) Other nearby cruise options include Whale watching and Puffin bird watching tours

Celtic Colours October Festival: October features the Celtic Colours Music Festival. In Cape Breton, you'll also find interesting highland dancing and music all over the island. In cafes and restaurants, in concert halls, and churches, as well as on quaint street corners.

The change of seasons and beginning of the fall weather welcome visitors to experience all that the area has to offer!

When you've finished for the day, come back to our cozy cottage for a bit of quiet relaxation and beautiful waterfront views.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (35 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13-17
Please note outside stairs to loft
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number STR2627B5539

About the neighborhood

Baddeck Bay

Located in Baddeck Bay, this cottage is on the waterfront. Kidston Island Lighthouse and Gilbert H. Grosvenor Hall are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Bras d'Or Lakes and Watershed Interpretive Centre and Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledding.
View more Cottages in Baddeck BayOpens in a new window
Map
Baddeck, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

  • Bell Bay Golf Club - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Bras d'Or Lakes and Watershed Interpretive Centre - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Kidston Island Beach Ferry - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Gilbert H. Grosvenor Hall - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tom's Pizza - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Bean There Coffee Cafe - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Lynwood Inn Restaraunt - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Freight Shed At The Terrace - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock?

As of Apr 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock on Sep 2, 2026 start from $346, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Baddeck: Waterfront Cottage & Guest House w/ Private Dock located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Bras d'Or Lake, Bell Bay Golf Club, and Kidston Island Lighthouse. Bras d'Or Lakes and Watershed Interpretive Centre and Kidston Island Beach Ferry are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

JEFFREY K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nothin better

We hit a ‘home run’ with this Home Away rental. It was well-provisioned, clean, well-appointed and conveniently located for our needs. We were in Nova Scotia for the Celtic Colours festival—something everyone should attend. The rental provided us a very comfortable stay for our plans. We could not have done better. The rental would be a great choice for a family gathering.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Well Worth the Trip!

We booked the house almost six months in advance for a two week stay. During the time between booking and arrival, the owners, Jan and Reid were in regular contact with us, providing lots of information and answering our questions regarding what we were wanting to do while there. We sailed our boat over prior to the start of our stay. Jan and Reid were extremely helpful in directing us to good facilities and even to assist in securing a mooring for the boat. Regarding the house, we arrived to an immaculately clean, tastefully decorated and well appointed residence and cottage. All I can say is that, upon walking in, it did not disappoint. Consideration to family travelers were obvious, as there were numerous board and card games, binoculars for wildlife, books, picnic table, hammock... the list goes on and on. Very helpful was a notebook that provided detailed information on restaurants, shopping, things to do, etc. We spent most every morning and evening on the porch looking out at an amazing view that encompassed the lake, hillsides and fields, and the marina. The view is also visible from the master bedrooms in the residence and the cottage. This place would certainly be at the top of our list if we come up with family again.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Celtic Colors Week in Cape Breton

The house and grounds are immaculate. Absolutely everything you need has been thought of and is in stock at the house. The view is perfection. The hosts are in touch when you need them but are also very respectful of your privacy. Baddeck is perfectly located for the Celtic Colors Festival. The upstairs loft room has no heat, but the hosts provide a good quality space heater for colder nights. All in all, the best property we have rented. It's a great space for family and friends to share. Each group has their own space to retreat to, and the common areas are perfect for gathering together for a meal, a glass of wine in front of the fireplace, or on the deck. Highly reommended.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Historic Cottage in Baddeck NS

This is a beloved, well-appointed property which is an excellent home-base for exploring Cape Breton. Our family would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow! A extremely unique rental.

This property was well suited to our vacation needs close to the town of Baddeck. Kitchen had loads of extras, beds were comfy and lots of space to hang out on the covered deck. Everyone loved the outside shower! Our family and friends enjoyed dinners around the large dining table. The listing was spot on and we were able to enjoy day trips and relax with a fire in the evening. Thank you Jan for all your great communications. You have a very special place at Kildare and we loved experiencing the history of your little piece of Cape Breton heaven.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

I’m blown away!

If you are looking to experience beautiful Cape Breton views and history - this is the place. The home is beautiful and has everything you need for you and your group. We spent a week at Kildare with my family in the summer of 2021 and made wonderful memories cooking, BBQ’ing, swimming, looking for sea glass, enjoying the fire pit, and exploring. Highly recommended.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maybe the best place we've ever stayed!

Jan's property was all that we wanted and much more. Although we were in Baddeck for only one week, we felt as if we were at home there. For a reader/writer, what can be better than walking into a lovely living room with one whole wall of books that are obviously well-read? And then the view! We were able to meet Jan personally, which was a lovely touch to a perfect vacation! I can't give this home enough accolades.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic

Fabulous location, well equipped, everything you could ask for. Janet was very helpful in satisfying all our needs. We had a wonderful time at Kildare cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

An amazing spot!

We spent a week in Baddeck. The owner (Jan) and the property was fantastic. The pictures don't do it justice. The house has lots of character and is very well taken care of. If you like to cook the kitchen is well stocked. We were lucky enough to have hot weather. The covered porch and the master bedroom had the nicest cross breeze so it was never uncomfortably warm. Baddeck itself is a cute town. There were some good restaurants, and we enjoyed visiting the different artisan galleries on the Cabot Trail. The lake and surrounding scenery is gorgeous. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne P.

Look no further - You will love this home!

You will read in the other reviews exactly what our experience was at this Baddeck cottage. Seven friends shared the main cottage and guest house for a week, and from the moment we walked in we knew we would probably never find a better rental anywhere. The rooms are all exceptionally clean, spacious, and well-equipped for whatever you want to do - games, books, CDs, a kitchen with abundant cookware -every detail has been thought of. The property is large and well-tended with an outstanding view of the water and the Beinn Bhreagh lands. The owner provided lots of additional information that made our trip that much better and was always thinking ahead of what else we might need. Baddeck has plenty of restaurants, shops, the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell museum, and is also a great location from which to make day trips anywhere around Cape Breton Island. However, it is tempting to spend every day soaking up the charms of this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

Kildare was fabulous!

We loved the house with all of the amenities and the beautiful porch that we spent lots of time on . We were even able to go swimming off the dock in September. It is super close to Baddeck which was great for restaurants and shopping. We would highly reccomend Kildare!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Linda J.

Fabulous! We did not want to leave!!

It is a delight to write a review about Kildare cottage at Baddeck.  Our holiday to Nova Scotia was 16 days, with the last week spent at Kildare.  We were thrilled on our arrival  - the cottage is so amazing! The owners, the Blynns, have thought of everything (and more!) that a person would need.  From our first contact with Jan to our arrival and stay at the cottage, we received helpful, thoughtful information every step of the way. The setting of the cottage is stunning.  We felt relaxed the minute we walked through the gate. Beautifully kept grounds and flower beds.  I sat on the deck each morning with my coffee and just absorbed the beauty and tranquility of the location. We spent many hours on the deck enjoying the view of the lake, sailboats, and the start of the fall colours.   The cottage is simply beautiful.  Obviously very well cared for and loved.  It is charming, cozy, yet roomy. The separate guest cottage is lovely and worked so nicely for our party of two couples.  The kitchen is huge and extremely well equipped. We loved preparing meals here - comfortable for everyone to sit, enjoy cocktails and discuss the day's adventures.   The information book with the history of the home, along with information on all of the local restaurants and attractions - was invaluable.  We really enjoyed the books about the local history too.   It is the perfect location for exploring Cape Breton Island.  We plan to return in the next couple of years and stay longer at Kildare.  It is a very special place.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Denis N.

I would rather keep this a well kept secret!... but...

I fear we must spill the beans for this is one of the most magnificent places we've ever rented. Kildare, as it was named by its original owner, sits both at the heart of Cape Breton and of historical Canadian events. On Baddeck Bay, right in front of the cottage, the first heavier than air flight in Canada took place in 1909 and a world record for boat speed was broken in 1919 on an hydrofoil. Both crafts designed by Alexander Graham Bell and his collaborators who lived in Beinn Bhreagh, the peninsula across the bay. Numerous other review posts have already highlighted what a perfect rental this is, so I won’t repeat everything. But the charm of the cottage, the quietness of the surroundings and the gorgeous view on Bras d’or Lake can’t be fully rendered by the pictures or the reviews. The Chinese have a name for such an harmony, it is feng shui. This kind of perfection does not happen by chance. Jan, the owner is attending to it. She was very responsive and always ahead of everything to make sure we had the best time possible while we were there. These were perfect family vacations!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pamela G.

Shangri-La in Baddeck, NS

I have been renting homes through Homeaway and VRBO for at least 7 or 8 years now. This may be the best place I've ever rented. The home, its furnishings and its location on the shore of Bras d'Or Lake all combine to deliver a sense of peace and tranquility. In my aunt's words, staying in this home added "a whole new dimension to our experience" at the Celtic Colours festival of 2016. It is a premium property. The pictures are good, but don't really do full justice when it comes to conveying the ambiance of the home and property. The level of attention to detail, all for the convenience of a guest, is remarkable. As an example, there were three small pocket size flashlights hanging on a small rack in the kitchen, in case anyone needed them. The furniture, linens and kitchen fittings were not as good as home - they were often better! The kitchen is huge and has pretty much anything you could possibly want in it. There is a half bath off the kitchen. We were a party of five. Two people stayed in the guesthouse, which includes a king size bed and a full bathroom with a huge walk in shower. Two ( I was one of the two) stayed in the master suite in the main house, which also has a full bath off of it with a tub and shower combination. It also has a small walk in closet with lots of hangers, which was really appreciated! Finally, there is an attic that has been nicely converted to a sleeping loft above the main house, running the entire length of the house. It's accessed via an outdoor staircase. My niece had that space to herself, though there are 3 or four beds in the space; one in an area right by the entrance and the others at the farther end, with a half bath between the two areas. Jan, the property owner, was very accommodating, providing excellent instructions for reaching the property, tips for shopping ahead of arrival and she was available for any questions. She's also done a wonderful job of putting together information on the house, the town and Cape Breton. It is clear that she takes great pride in this property (as well she should), works hard to maintain it and wants her guests to enjoy it as much as she does. This is a wonderful property for a small group of adult friends, family or extended family group, especially with children who are a little older and who can sleep in the attic on their own (or have an older child or adult to sleep up there with them).
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

Could not get enough of this delicious cottage!

I came to Baddeck on a whim and could not have been luckier to have landed in such a warm and comforting place. The cottage, guest house and grounds are maintained in tip top shape. The porch was lovely for a cup of coffee, visit with a friend as we watched sail boats glide by and to watch a lovely (brief) downpour. You cannot believe the view until you are there - it is even better than the pictures! The living area is well preserved and so cozy. There are many books available that detail the local rich history and plenty of board games available should it rain. The fireplace came in handy on a particularly chilly evening and was easy to maneuver. The updated kitchen was better stocked than mine at home and had not slept so well in the king size bed in years! The location is perfect to be able to walk to town, but also to hop in the car and take an excursion. I look forward to returning and bringing more family members and friends. Truly a special place for all.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

April H.

Piece of Cape Breton paradise

Recently stayed at Kildare with 3 kids and my older parents who loved their own guest cottage. From everything you could need in the well-equipped kitchen, to the library of books, music and games in the family room, we wanted for nothing. We loved reading about the history of the cottage, and all the books on the shelves about Alexander Graham Bell (especially Mabel :)). The kids loved their loft away from everyone else, and I loved my own master with panoramic views of the lake, the sunrise, the morning mist, Beinn Bhreagh, the Amoeba sailing by, and direct access to the beautiful deck where you could sit with coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night and take in the natural beauty. Jan as the owner was a delight to correspond with, providing helpful local suggestions of things to see and do and was always available for any questions. Baddeck is the perfect base from which to explore all of Cape Breton for day trips, and the cottage was ideally situated for morning runs along the lake, or a brisk walk into town for coffee and pastries. Even when the weather misbehaved, we had wifi, board games, and the covered porch to watch the storms. The blend of the guest cottage, kids' loft, spacious grounds, the history of the cottage and area and the beautiful views means everyone was happy, which lead to a fantastic vacation. Jan - we will be back - there's so much more to see - and Kildare has left us with some very happy memories - thank you so much for sharing!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Antoine H.

Very Cosy, Well equipped, Perfect Location

We were a group of golfers and we had plenty of room to be comfy and enjoy your time off ! Kitchen was very well equipped ! Location was perfect for exploring the Cape's courses ! Thxs for everything !
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vikki H.

An amazing Celtic Colours week in an awesome home!

Our group could not have asked for more from our recent stay @ the Kildare property! From the planning stages of our trip, the owner, Jan, was so gracious with her time as she addressed all of our questions about the details and the amenities of the home. All her descriptions were spot on... a lovely home on a gorgeous scenic bay - so conveniently located to our music venues, the Cabot Trail, as well as to the quaint town of Baddeck. The property was very clean and extremely well maintained. There were 5 of us, so the separate sleeping areas were ideal. The family room, with a cozy fireplace was enjoyed nightly for our group gatherings. The porch was spectacular; the place where we all started our mornings; coffee mugs in hand. Jan provided us with great recommendations for local places to eat and activities to enjoy (such as the Amoeba boat tour). We would highly recommend Kildare as a great property to stay @ in the Baddeck area!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

The best of everything!

As a frequent VRBO renter, I can honestly say that this house ranks as one of the best. The property lacks nothing -- a gorgeous setting, a beautiful home, excellent amenities, privacy, and yet proximity to the lovely town of Baddeck. The house has comfortable rooms, really nice artwork, books, music, and a deck that is a great place to eat meals and watch the sun set over Baddeck Bay. The bedrooms feature snuggly pillows and comforters, fluffy bathrobes (a nice touch!) and very upscale bathrooms. For the hardy soul, the outdoor shower with instantly hot water was delightful, even in 60 degree September weather. We love to cook, and the kitchen was stocked with every utensil, appliance, pot or pan that a cook could wish for. Plus, it's a great place to just hang out with friends, with its long island with seating for four or five people. The town of Baddeck is a central location from which to explore Cape Breton. We took day trips to hike in Highlands national park, with its jaw dropping beauty; toured Highlands Village, a very cool historic site where we learned to sing a song in Gaelic; toured the Alexander Graham Bell historic site right in Baddeck; spent a day on beautiful Mabou Beach; and attended a foot-stomping Ceilidh (a performance of traditional Celtic music). All of these were within easy drives of Kildare. Baddeck has an assortment of nice restaurants, cafes, and shops. A great micro-brewery called Big Spruce is a short drive away, and worth the visit. It's a fun place and the beer is delicious. Jan, the owner of the property, was very helpful prior to our arrival in recommending travel directions from Halifax airport, places to get groceries, and interesting things to see and do. I would highly recommend Kildare for couples, families and friends looking for a special place to vacation in Cape Breton.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann W.

Wonderful place to spend a vacation

Wonderful place in every respect. Perfect for a family vacation, and an ideal location from which to explore Cape Breton. Take note in the book left at Kildare for ideas of where to eat and places to see. Best pizza we've had, ever. Waterfall off the beaten track (don't be fooled by the scrap of paper given as directions - it's worth the visit). The house with its many beds is just like home, and even better in many respects. The view off the deck will be a happy place in our family memories. And paddling our kayaks off the beach with eagles soaring overhead was awesome. Thank you for a fantastic vacation. We didn't even turn on the TV.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Terri M.

FIRST CLASS/WORLD CLASS...SUPERB

This place…this Kildare…is nestled in the quiet countryside of Baddeck Nova Scotia. My husband and I stayed here for a week this August, 2014. We have stayed at a number of hotels, resorts and rentals over the years and many of them have been absolutely fabulous. But the bar has just been raised on each and every detailed level when we discovered and stayed at Kildare. Meeting a renters needs is one thing but exceeding all expectations is another. The home and the water views of the Bras d’Or Lakes are staggeringly beautiful. The home, inside and out was meticulously clean and stocked with everything you could need…and then some and some more after that (an absolute first for me as I’m very fussy) ☺. Not to be too repetitive of former reviewers, but it must be noted that everything in the description is even better in real time. The owner is ultra-professional and her attention and follow-up to all of our queries made us feel quite confident we had selected the perfect place. What we had this week is a wonderfully cared-for, world-class, historical home that provided private and peaceful views of Bienn Bhreagh, on the Bras d’Or Lakes. There were no unexpected annoyances or disappointments. Kildare is dripping in all the charm and character that even the most discerning renter would be extremely pleased with. For us (it was only my husband & I), it was a much-needed break from our busy lives. And nursing a back injury, I was quite content to plant myself on the covered veranda, drinking cup after cup of tea for the entire week…just watching the water…just being. The peerless views from inside and out are truly magical. No one moniker can capture its essence or beauty. But it’s certainly made an impression on me. Simply put, Kildare is mystical, a place of peace, calm…a good place to heal. Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your home. It has captivated us and we will want to come back, Thanks again, Terri & Graham.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rod D.

Perfect home for a large family or 3 couples to stay on vacation or enjoy Celtic Colous

Three couples stayed at Kildare during the 17th Annual Celtic Colours International Festival and we all agreed it was like moving into someone's fantastic summer home for the week. The property description is very accurate and the pictures do not due the views from the porch justice - a perfect pace for morning coffee or a quiet read. The unobstructed views of Baddeck Bay and the Bras D'Or Lakes is one of the features that make this property very special. The driving instructions were excellent as were the booking arrangements. The Owners are very responsive to emails and are genuinely concerned that your stay meets your expectations. The village of Baddeck is a short 2 km away and can look after all your needs re groceries, bakery, restaurants, liquor, drug , hardware stores , service station, etc. We had concert tickets in Louisbourg, Judique, St. Peters, Sydney Mines, Sydney River, etc. and used Kildare as home base. The large, modern kitchen had everything - we all have stayed in vacation rentals previously but Kildare's kitchen topped them all with modern appliances, dishes, glasses, flatware to feed an army and everything needed to cook a big family meal or look after your own breakfast or late night snack. The large island had bar stools for five and lots on counter space as well as the dishwasher. The recycle chores were also made simple with very clearly labelled separate bins for garbage, glass, plastics, paper, compost, etc. There is a comfortable living room with books, games,TV, stereo, DVD player and the fireplace for cooler mornings and evenings or a for a nice place to read. The wifi worked flawlessly. The large separate dining room has a large table that seats 8+ and also has a fantastic view of the lake. There is lots of bedding, towels, etc. and a stacked washer/dryer in the kitchen. Everyone slept well. Bathrooms are all modern, bright and shiny. Soap and shampo The separate cottage with a king size bed and full bath works well with 3 couples sharing the property. While the loft has no shower it has a half bath and access to the other two showers/tub did not seem to be a problem. Parking is adequate for at least 2 vehicles with only a few steps to the kitchen door, loft or cottage. For a summer rental the lawn leads down to the edge of the lake with the dock for swimming and the outside shower after a swim. Staying at Kildare made the Celtic Colours experience very special - no surprises only great memories.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

Heaven's gates aren't "pearly"...they're green!

It is impossible to overstate the beauty and charm of Kildare Cottage. When we stepped through the green gate, our first view of the property was magical. It literally took our breath away. As others have said, as pretty as the photos are, they don't do it justice. My husband and I desperately needed a few quiet days away to decompress, unwind, and rest. Kildare was everything we'd hoped for and more. Our usual style on trips is to race from one attraction to another to make sure we don't miss anything. At Kildare we had very little interest in the outside world. We did manage to drive the Cabot Trail, take a sail on the Amoeba, and visit the Bell Museum for a couple of rainy hours, but mostly we just wanted to hang out at the cottage. Kildare itself became the main attraction and we didn't want to miss an inch of it. We spent hours exploring every nook and cranny both inside and out, marveling at the attention to detail throughout. It's not possible to create such an amazing atmosphere by accident. Jan and her family have outdone themselves. It's truly a special place. As wonderful as the rest of the property is, there's something magnetic about the porch and the view of lake. We repeatedly found ourselves out on the porch, drawn to the beauty of the lake with Beinn Bhreagh in the distance. We had morning coffee out there. We ate meals out there. We read out there. We sat and talked and did nothing at all out there. We had no desire for televisions, computers, or telephones. For the first time ever, I came home from a vacation feeling like I'd had an actual break and feeling restored by it. I can honestly say that Kildare taught me the value of doing "nothing" and that sometimes "nothing" is everything. Book your stay at Kildare. You won't be sorry.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

diane m.

Outstanding!

I can affirm all of the previous reviewers' comments. Kildare is even more lovely than pictures can convey, immaculately clean and well-maintained. The large modern kitchen is completely equipped and the washer/dryer are right there. Four could eat breakfast at the kitchen island, but we never did since the views from the porch are breathtaking. The dining room has a table that seats eight but we preferred the picnic table on the porch, except one evening that was too windy.The porch also has large, comfy adirondeck chairs, perfect for curling up with a good book. The living room has a very cozy feel with a sofa, comfortable chairs and many helpful travel books. The guest house and the upstairs loft with separate entrance gave everyone in our group of five adults the "space" they needed. Jan was very helpful in answering questions before the trip, and Norma, the caretaker, called us after we arrived to make sure everything was fine. Baddeck is a charming town, within walking distance, with a grocery store, bank, post office, liquor store and of course gift shops and restaurants. It is a good home base for driving the Cabot Trail and seeing the many attractions of Cape Breton. We went on an amazing whale-watching cruise in Cheticamp, hiked the skyland trail in Cape Breton National Park, visited the Alexander Graham Bell museum in Baddeck, attended a ceilidh at the Gaelic College (they also have a ceilidh every night in Baddeck) and watched the full moon rise while sitting around a campfire on the beach. I wholeheartedly recommend a Kildare vacation, but caution you that you will never want to leave.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kristy K.

Outstanding Home Away From Home!

A true home-away-from-home is the best way I can describe what Kildare was for me during the week I had the pleasure to stay there. The property exudes warmth and uniqueness on every level and you can feel it the moment you enter the green gate that runs along the border of it. I literally gasped at the beauty of the place when I walked through that gate—from the setting directly on the lake, to the big sky over head, to all the greenery and plantings, to the distinctive cottage architecture—it didn’t end and I wasn’t even inside the house yet! And the wonder and delight of Kildare just continued as I made my way into the main cottage. The house is spacious, flows well, and each room has interesting details including obvious ones like the gorgeous stone fireplace and wall of books in the living room, to more subtle ones like the diagonal latticework in the windows of the master bedroom or the tree trunk beams that are used on the ceiling of the deck. Whether large or small, attention to craftsmanship and quality have been paid to everything in the home. On top of all of that, Kildare is immaculately clean and tidy. It is obvious that a great deal of love has gone into both the building of the home and the maintenance of it. In terms of functionality, Kildare is top notch. The kitchen is so large and has everything you could possibly want in it to make big meals for a big family. The washer and dryer are new and work great. The windows and doors are easy to open and shut so bringing the air and sounds of the outdoor world in is a breeze. There is a beautiful deep tub in the master bathroom that is pure luxury, but I can say hands-down that Kildare’s outdoor shower is the best one I have ever been in. The setting, water pressure, spaciousness, and cleanliness make it absolutely perfect. And finally, in addition to all of the outstanding features of the home, a special note must be made about the deck that runs along the entire length of the cottage. There are different areas on it for doing different things—tables for dining, chairs for lounging, a bench for reading, a grill for cooking—but whatever the activity, the space is so inviting and allows one to truly take in the amazing beauty of the Bras D’Or that is steps away. On my final day at Kildare, over the lake I saw three amazing sights—a rising sun, a giant rainbow and a rising nearly full moon. Heaven and earth are available at Kildare. Go now.

About the host

Hosted by Jan Blynn

Host profile image
Our family has been vacationing and enjoying Nova Scotia for over 40 years. We love the location, the sights, sounds and people of Cape Breton. Our extended family is here and we invite friends and relatives to visit this special spot as well!

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

This very special spot is located right near the Cabot Trail as well as the village of Baddeck. It makes for easy touring, golfing hiking and exploring Cape Breton by day- where ever you might plan travel- then returning to a welcoming cottage location in the afternoon or evening, with all the comforts and luxuries you need to relax while on vacation, enjoying the waterfront views across the Bras d'Or Lakes.
Consider staying on the premises for a day and take advantage of a 'day off' spent reading on the picturesque porch or down on the renovated dock area for a swim, kayak or sail! Water crafts can be rented in town for the day or the week.
Plan on staying here at least a week and look forward to memories that will ask you to return again..and again!

Languages:

English

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