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Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community

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wave watching right at the house
www.sailorsrest.capebreton.vacations
Exterior
Exterior
Aerial view

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Twin Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community

Get your discounted safe staycations for Scotians or Atlantic Bubble here at capebreton.vacations
The Sailors Rest House is located on the beautiful Isle Madame, the French Acadian heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (Eastern Shore). Originally built by the first settlers in the mid-1800s, Sailors Rest has recently been fully renovated and now offers comfortable rooms equipped with bright furniture and handcrafted driftwood beach art. Here you can enjoy two cozy rooms with twin beds (one extendable to 2x2m = 78x78inch) on the first floor or watch the sunset from the elevated couch on the ground floor.
You will immediately enjoy the L-shape deck, located on a 35,514 sq. ft. property, bordering the rocks and one of the 7 sand and pebbles beaches with lots of privacy.
Ask for our Hobie Adventure Island Trimarans. Learn how to sail in one day with our instructions.
After crossing the Atlantic and living on our sailboat for a few years we make a rest and renovated our private Sailor`s Rest House with lots of love.

Das Sailor`s Rest Haus liegt im Osten der Insel Nova Scotia, genauer gesagt auf der charmanten, franko kanadisch geprägten Isle Madame im Osten Kanadas, z.B. von Frankfurt aus in 6-7 Stunden Direktflug mehrmals wöchentlich erreichbar. Es gibt keinen atemberaubenderen und exponierteren Ort auf der Insel.

WIFI high speed Internet and linen/towels included

Security or Damage Deposit
A refundable security/damage deposit of 400 CAD is due at booking. We accept credit card or paypal. When warranted, the deposit (or portion thereof) is refunded within 5 days of departure.

Pet Policy, Deposit & Fees
Pets are not allowed due to bylaws/regulations/policies.

Cleaning on Departure
Cleaning is 95 CAD, property must be left clean. No dirty dishes, pots etc. Shall the property be left very dirty, the security/ damage deposit will not be refunded in full.

Bevore arrival we will contact you and send a pdf file with informations about key, garbage separation (due to recycling on the island) and POI.

Parking is free.
Our lovely old fishermanâ??s house sits on the rocks at the end of the quaint fishing village of Sampsons Cove and is surrounded by the ocean. Here you can enjoy a stunning and endless view in any direction, many walking trails just a stone throw away, or in 5 minutes drive the Cap Auguet Eco-trail with 4 different loops, or the huge sandy beach of Pondville Provincial Park in 10 minutes drive.

This area with Acadian roots breathes the history of the old days gone by. Find more about the origin at the nearby La Picasse University and Cultural Center with library.
Enjoy the taste of Nova Scotia, get very fresh food and vegetables at Pebble and Fern Market Garden in 15 minutes walking distance or pick your own cranberries on our property. The Rockloaf Farm offers good meat of well treated animals. The Corner Bridge Store with Canada Poste has a Bakery in Petit de Grat next to St. Joseph in 3 Min distance or get more food at Coop Supermarket in 10 min.
Petit de Grat and Arichat are well known for excellent seafood. Clearwater and Premium Seafood with market deliver worldwide.
Isle Madame, said to have been named for Madame de Maintenon (1635-1719), second wife of King Louis XIV of France, has borne this name since 1720. The island is roughly 16 km long (from east to west) and 11 km wide (from north to south). Basque, French, and English fishermen visited the island from the beginning of the 16th century
we offer sailing tours, instructions on our very safe Hobie Adventure Island Trimarans and fishing tours with our 17 ft aluminum 40 HP power boat. Please ask for infos and availability. We rent bicycles as well.
This reservation has a No Refunds cancellation policy.
There are no refunds given for this property. CanadaStays Booking Fees are non-refundable.
Our house rules: not suitable for children aged 2 - 12, primary renter must be 25 or older, no smoking, no parties or events, no pets.
We provide you with many infos, travel guides, how to get here etc. upon request.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Restriction due to the steps up to 2nd floor
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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
Power is included from Mai 1 to Sept 30. From Oct 1 to April 30 we charge 0.30 CAD per kwh usage.

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
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number STR2425A5215

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Sampson Cove

Located in Sampson Cove, this cottage is on the beach. LeNoir Forge Museum and Marache Point Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pondville Beach Provincial Park and Janvrin Island Nature Reserve. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Sampson CoveOpens in a new window
Map
Sampson Cove, NS

What's nearby

  • Forest Lake - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Joshua Park - 6 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Little Dry Lake - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Gurneys Island - 10 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Babins Lake - 10 min drive - 10.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Island Nest - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kenny's Pizza Arichat - Jeantie's Mini-Mart - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Groundswell - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪La Goélette À Pépé Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Mr T's Pizzeria - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community?

As of Mar 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community on Apr 23, 2026 start from $144, 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 Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sailor`s Rest House On The Cliffs Of Petit De Grat In a French Acadian Community located?

Nestled on the beach, this Sampson Cove cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Petit-de-Grat Island, Mouse Island, and Henris Island. Joshua Park is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

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. 10 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

10/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The view is spectacular. Pictures don’t do justice. Robert was an incredible host. If you’re looking to experience the charm of a small fishing village while staying in a building with history and character, this is the place for you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David L.

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

location,location.location

A cabin by the sea. What more can be asked for
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Tranquil Time

We enjoyed our stay at Sailor's Rest. So close to the oceanfront that we were lulled to sleep by the waves each night. A good location for exploring the grandeur of Cape Breton Island.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky L.

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

Picture Perfect

This is one of the best stays we have ever had. The location is just like a scene from a movie. The house is an old house with so much character and quirky. In the mornings you can watch the fisherman check their lobster traps. There is a private beach on the property where we found sea glass. Bob was the perfect host. We enjoyed talking with him and learning about the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family of 3 did 10 days, you will be rewarded with a longer stay. You get a chance to slow down snd enjoy the quiet life. Glorious sunrises, ocean breezes and sounds, and dark star-filled skies. It’s a quirky place. Duck if you are tall and moving from room to room, but after all it wasn’t built for us now. It was built in a different time, for a different people. Regardless, we loved it for what it was: a place for a peaceful rest.
Morning during the lobster season as seen from the living room.
Access to rocky shore.
They family enjoyed the views too.
A lobster boat after hauling in their catch.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn W.

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

Relax at Sailor's Rest

Just returned from a lovely week in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. We can honestly say that we received a warm welcome from everyone we met in Canada. Sailor's Rest is a quaint, rustic cabin that truly reflects life on the Cape Breton shore. Being able to sit in the living room and look out at the beautiful shore and in the morning, watch the lobstermen check their traps right in front of you makes this a lovely stay. The house has a nicely equipped kitchen and the rooms are comfortable. This not a five star hotel but a relaxing get away that truly reflects the area. Getting to the second floor if you have mobility issues might be a bit tricky but for most people not difficult. Robert is a wonderful host. He was extremely helpful when we had questions and a delight to speak with. I would highly recommend this property to anyone who wants to get a taste of life on the Cape.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Clara W.

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

Restorative Place

We enjoyed our stay here very much. We appreciated the beautiful rock bound coastal setting and the rustic charm of this house. The scenery is very restorative. We enjoyed taking back roads to various places and enjoying the views. The owners were excellent hosts and very kind. They answered our questions and helped us find seafood and lovely places to explore. The bath mat and new fan were greatly appreciated. The drying rack was super helpful, rather than using the line. We know this place is a work of love. The house is best suited for people who are flexible with their plans and physically able. The stairs to the second floor are quite steep but the railing on the left side is helpful.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sailor's Rest was awesome. We found the house to be as described; and the host was communicative and responsive. As the pictures show, the house is hard by the ocean, with a little cove just a two minute walk away.There is lots of wildlife - bald eagles, deer, grouse, and of course gulls, guillemots, and ducks. Beautiful sunrises and moonlit seas. The house is at the end of the road in a small village. While there is good wifi in the house, the area has limited cellular coverage. The house was comfortable and cute - but is a 150 year old house, so the rooms are small, the ceilings low, and the floors a little uneven. Nothing is fancy or high end, but all of this provides an authentic Petit da Grat experience. We cooked most evenings and mornings and had everything we needed for simple meals. The area is very interesting. There is a strong Acadian French influence, nice little parks with beaches and lighthouses, and it is still largely a region based on fishing. The small town of Arichat is a ten minute drive and has a grocery store, gas station, pharmacy and a few local restaurants. Check opening days and hours closely as not all are open all the time. We highly recommend Sailor's Rest for those looking for an "off the beaten path" vacation. It was an easy drive from Halifax, which has lots of airline connections. Good options from Sailor's Rest to explore Cape Breton Island. You will not find a more beautiful view and relaxing spot!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Perry M.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Things I wish we had known

The view from this place is spectacular. We saw lobster fisherman checking their traps every morning right up close. Unforgettable. Also unforgettable is the fact that you are not allowed to flush any toilet paper and the toilet toilet paper goes into poop bucket next to the commode, why they don’t install a composting toilet I will never know. The floors are very uneven because it’s such an old building, but if you have any balance issues forewarned also if you plan to use the upstairs, please note that there is no railing on the outside of the stairs , this seems to be a liability issue as it would be easy to just fall because the stairs are very steep. Perhaps the other renters mentioned these things in their reviews but the reviews are all in French so I missed it if you enjoy roughing it indoors this is the place for you Again the view is what makes this place spectacular not the place itself
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Liz V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Things you need to know prior to renting this cottage!!!The view from this place is spectacular. If you like glamping, this experience is close to that. You are not allowed to flush any toilet paper, and the toilet toilet paper goes into poop bucket next to the toilet.The toilet is in a little space between the wall and the shower,It is a challenge, to say the least.If you are a larger person, this could be very problematic. The upstairs is meant for shorter persons(not 6 feet tall lol!)Please BE AWARE that there is NO railing on the outside of the stairs , this seems to be a liability issue as it would be easy to just fall because the stairs are very steep.There is no television, no big deal unless that is important to you.The beds are short and very hard, and bring a topper if you like a softer bed. The bed upstairs is 2 twins pushed together, and the bedding is the bottom sheet with twin comforters/ duvets.The wiring is old, lots of extension cords.There is an air conditioner/heat pump in the kitchen that works great .The views from the Livingroom raised sitting area are beautiful!The walking paths are very unkept, but if you are roughing it and a hiker, they are great!The Pondville beach is a short drive away , it has a lovely beach with a very well kept outhouse that is big enough to use as a change room There is even a tote full of beach toys balls for you to use!The people are very friendly!Port Hawksbury is a 30-minute drive and off
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Heidi F.

Kleines Paradies am Atlantik

Das Sailor`s RestHouse entspricht voll und ganz der Beschreibung und ist ausgestattet mit allen Dingen, die man für einen gelungenen Aufenthalt benötigt. Das Haus ist sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtet und mit Maritime Art dekoriert. Die herrliche Lage direkt am Atlantik ist kaum zu übertreffen. Aus fast allen Fenstern kann man das Glitzern des blauen Atlantik geniessen. Wir liebten das Ausspannen auf der Terrasse, dem Wellenrauschen zuzuhören und den Geruch des Meeres - ganz einfach traumhaft. Hervorragendes seafood ist täglich im lebendigen Fischerhafen zu bekommen und neben einem kleinen Laden um die Ecke ist sogar ein Supermarkt in ein paar Minuten zu erreichen. Man muss die Insel überhaupt nicht verlassen…. Vermieter sind sehr nett und antworten zeitnah. Vielen herzlichen Dank und wir werden bestimmt wieder unsere nächsten Ferien im Sailor`s Rest verbringen.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Christel H.

schönes Häuschen auf atemberaubenden Grundstück

Bei meinem Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Urlaub durfte ich als eine der ersten Gäste des Sailor´s Rest einige Tage in diesem außergewöhnlichen Häuschen in unbeschreiblich schöner Umgebung, direkt am offenen Atlantik verbringen. Ich habe mich soooo wohl gefühlt und wäre am liebsten noch viel länger geblieben. Das Haus hat eine ganz besondere Wohlfühlatmosphäre, ebenso die geräumige, verglaste, windgeschützte Sonnenterrasse. Sowohl drinnen im Haus als auch von draußen rund ums Haus ist das Meer zu sehen, zu hören, zu riechen und zu spüren. Einfach einzigartig. Wer wie ich diese tolle Natur liebt, die Ruhe und das Meer so nah, wird sich hier zu jeder Jahreszeit und bei jedem Wetter ganz sicher sehr wohl fühlen. Es gibt dabei so viel zu erleben, zu entdecken und schöne Wanderungen in alle Himmelsrichtungen zu unternehmen. Auch eine Wanderung immer am Atlantik entlang, bei höherer Luftfeuchtigkeit und etwas mehr Wind ;-) kann ich in entsprechender Kleidung sehr empfehlen. Auch diese Wanderung war für mich ein unvergesslich schönes Erlebnis. Im Oktober war ich hier nicht mehr im Atlantik baden. Dafür waren aber die Cranberrys leuchtend dunkelrot erntereif und unbeschreiblich lecker ;-) Geschützte Badebuchten gibt es aber direkt am Haus und immer wieder sowohl Richtung Osten als auch Westen. Ein schönes Häuschen auf atemberaubenden Grundstück in wunderschöner Natur, macht Sehnsucht aufs Wiederkommen.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Christel H.

schönes Häuschen auf atemberaubenden Grundstück

Bei meinem Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Urlaub durfte ich als eine der ersten Gäste des Sailor´s Rest einige Tage in diesem außergewöhnlichen Häuschen in unbeschreiblich schöner Umgebung, direkt am offenen Atlantik verbringen. Ich habe mich soooo wohl gefühlt und wäre am liebsten noch viel länger geblieben. Das Haus hat eine ganz besondere Wohlfühlatmosphäre, ebenso die geräumige, verglaste, windgeschützte Sonnenterrasse. Sowohl drinnen im Haus als auch von draußen rund ums Haus ist das Meer zu sehen, zu hören, zu riechen und zu spüren. Einfach einzigartig. Wer wie ich diese tolle Natur liebt, die Ruhe und das Meer so nah, wird sich hier zu jeder Jahreszeit und bei jedem Wetter ganz sicher sehr wohl fühlen. Es gibt dabei so viel zu erleben, zu entdecken und schöne Wanderungen in alle Himmelsrichtungen zu unternehmen. Auch eine Wanderung immer am Atlantik entlang, bei höherer Luftfeuchtigkeit und etwas mehr Wind ;-) kann ich in entsprechender Kleidung sehr empfehlen. Auch diese Wanderung war für mich ein unvergesslich schönes Erlebnis. Im Oktober war ich hier nicht mehr im Atlantik baden. Dafür waren aber die Cranberrys leuchtend dunkelrot erntereif und unbeschreiblich lecker ;-) Geschützte Badebuchten gibt es aber direkt am Haus und immer wieder sowohl Richtung Osten als auch Westen. Ein schönes Häuschen auf atemberaubenden Grundstück in wunderschöner Natur, macht Sehnsucht aufs Wiederkommen.

About the host

Hosted by Bob

Host profile image
I sailed across the Atlantic and immigrated in 2012 to enjoy sailing and living on a 70-square-meter 12-meter (38`) sailing catamaran. We love to explore the numerous dreamy bays, swim and get our dinner ourselves, fishing mackerels and collecting mussels.
After living aboard for a few years I make a rest and renovated our private Sailor`s Rest House with lots of love. You can rent our Hobie Island Adventure sailing kayaks with instructions how to sail and paddle.

Why they chose this property

There is simply nothing unique like this lovely old fisherman’s house on the rocks at the end of the quaint fishing village of Samson’s Cove, surrounded by the ocean. Here you can enjoy a stunning and endless view in any direction an hike behind the house on uninhabited hundreds of acres crownland.

What makes this property unique

Fully renovated and now offers air-condition, comfortable rooms equipped with bright furniture and handcrafted driftwood beach art. Here you can enjoy two cozy rooms with twin beds on the first floor or watch the sunset from an extendable queen size bed with memory foam mattress in the living room on the ground floor.

Languages:

English, French, German
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