Classic Cottage by the Ocean

About Stewart Applegath

I built the cottage because I always thought it would be an interesting challenge to build something from the ground up, all by myself. There was a lovely underused spot on the oceanfront property with spectacular views, and after settling on the perfect spot, I started in July of 2009 and worked through the winter and spring to finish. It was more work than I anticipated, but there were also great rewards. It was spectacular to look up from framing a wall to see a bald eagle passing overhead, or a wild hare go by on the new deck as I worked inside. There were also good times with friends and family, as they helped when there was need for more than two hands.

Why Stewart Applegath chose Chimney Corner

Cape Breton is a spectacular place, and the scenery on this stretch of coast is particularly striking; it can also be dramatic, with 130 kph winds at many points of the year. One must keep a clean yard in such conditions! There is such a rich culture here, historically and musically, and life unwinds at its own special pace. We see some of the most dramatic sunsets anywhere, watch whales play in our front yard, and fishermen haul their lobster traps every year. There are the gorgeous rolling hills of Mabou, and the town of Inverness, which offers music, pubs and food; the new Cabot Links golf course by the sea is only 20 minutes away (rated #43 in the world by Golf Digest) and Cabot Cliffs (#9 in the world) and offers a unique golfing experience. Moose, eagles, deer and foxes are regulars. It's easy to meet people, and the daily rhythm here is slower than in most cities; we visit neighbors and friends whenever we can, as we are busy in the summer months. It's also nice to be in a place where you don't need air-conditioning; Cape Breton summers are warm-to-hot in the day, but perfect in the evening, and at the shore there are breezes to keep any bugs at bay.

What makes this Cottage unique

Chimney Corner beach is one of the finest on the island, and it's mostly unoccupied during the week– in addition to the fine beach and swimming, there are interesting rock formations to explore nearby. Cape Breton is a spectacular place, and you'll find the scenery on this stretch of coastline particularly striking. There is no shortage of things to do in the area. In addition to Chimney Corner beach, there are other great beaches to check out nearby: Whale Cove (5 minutes away) at which you can explore a fabulous bluff by the sea, with great views north and south, Margaree Harbour (7 minutes away), with its beach and two lighthouses, the Broad Cove area, which offers a spectacular scenic drive, a great beach and a buffalo ranch. Cheticamp, about 20 minutes away, offers glimpses into Acadian culture. Only minutes from Cheticamp is Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with trails, lookoffs and waterfalls. There are the gorgeous rolling hills of Mabou, and the town of Inverness, which offers music, pubs and food; the acclaimed new Cabot Cliffs golf course by the sea, which is only 20 minutes away and offers a unique golfing experience in Inverness. There are also renowned crafters in the area; interesting pottery, quilting, rug hooking, and folk art can all be found locally.