Welcome to Rita’s French River!
Close to Cavendish yet away from it all, this waterfront vacation charmer is right on the harbour in the heart of French River, one of the most photographed fishing villages in PEI. Minutes from the National Park, two lighthouses and a secluded beach, this historic house has been completely renovated. The bright décor and updated appliances make for a stylish, comfortable stay. But the original fir floors upstairs date from the 1930s.
Three bedrooms all feature luxury linens and stunning views of lobster barns, mussel buoys on the bay and rolling farms. From every room in the house (even sitting in the tub upstairs) you enjoy spectacular harbour views. The master bedroom has a king bed and ensuite half-bath; the other upstairs bedroom (queen bed) sports an amazing glass-railed deck with sleek oiled-wood furnishings. The downstairs bedroom (ensuite, queen bed) looks out over the lobster barns too.
With a well-appointed "cook's kitchen," you’ll appreciate the huge, wrap-around porch (bay views) complete with gas grill, Adirondack chairs and both outside and inside dining for 6. Buy seafood right off the boat at the wharves. After dinner, enjoy the fire pit from yet more Adirondack chairs.
With so much to see from the windows and decks, you may want to curl up with a good book. You’ll find an eclectic library tucked into nooks here and there. Games, TV/DVD and Internet are provided. But the location is ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, sailing, swimming, golf, and sightseeing with many close by attractions to visit and explore.
The French River estuary opens onto New London Bay, a popular body of water shared by fisherman, jet skiers, wind surfers and even a parasail operation. Kayaks launch from the wharf across the street.
Yankee Beach, the New London Bay Lighthouse, Yankee Hill Pioneer Cemetery and Tyron Lighthouse are all just a short walk away. Rita's French River is located along a quiet country road that ends at one of the best beaches on Prince Edward Island, which also overlooks Cavendish Beach. Surrounded by rolling hills, pastoral farm land, and some of the most beautiful photo destinations you'll find on the Island, you're close to hiking, kayaking, deep sea fishing, and eight of the finest golf courses are just minutes away.
You are right on one of the best cycling routes too! The 62km Cabot Loop is a delightful blend of scenery, where you’ll get to experience Island countryside, sea and sky. Your ride begins in your driveway and winds through Park Corner to Cabot Beach Provincial Park and back via Kensington.
Local artwork and hand-crafted furniture is everywhere you look. Tony Diodati's iconic Island imagery graces the walls throughout the house. His gallery is just across the bay. Commissioned from Birdmouse Designs, unique furniture pieces were reclaimed from a cattle barn's feeding trough, a 100+ year old house in Bridgetown, a century old piano and pump organ, an antique tabletop. Lenny and Heather posted a photo essay about this project. Complementing those works are prints in black & white by Sebastião Salgado.
With great beds, a cook's kitchen, books, furniture, artwork and flat screens, this 2-story, 4-season house sleeps six and is just perfect for your PEI getaway!
P.S.: Rita was Portia's grandmother. Read her story under "Owner Info."
