Large country home for family and friends retreats.
Welcome to a true nature lovers retreat. that your kids will love as much as you do.
Located 2 hours outside Halifax, This 4500 square foot home is located alongside the gentle meandering Diamond brook, nestled in the middle of the Qobequid Hills, in upper Nova Scotia 25 mins from Northumberland Straight. The home is nestled in the woods by the brook, but close to so many wonderful day trips. We are located approx 25 minutes from Pictou. If you are looking for a relaxing location to recharge and reconnect, than look no further.
Built as an artist retreat, this home has views of the beautiful surroundings from every room. The main floor kitchen has a professional 6 burner gas stove. Prepare dinner while you hear the gentle sound of the brook that is located just past the back yard. Also on the main floor is the great room with 12’ ceilings for both dining room and living room. As well as there is a relaxing Den / Library tucked off the south side of the house.
There is a main floor bedroom for those who may not want to travel the stairs, with a comfortable Queen size bed and full en suite. The first of the two bedrooms on the second floor is breathtaking. This bedroom has a king bed that looks out to the back forest with full floor to ceiling window and full en suite, including a 2 person jacuzzi tub. The second bedroom (Kids Room) is a wonderful A frame design with two queens and a full size bed, again with a full en suite. The incredible third floor bedroom has its own fireplace, queen size bed and full en suite including a jacuzzi tub, and a balcony overlooking the brook and hills.
Kids will love to explore the great outdoors and hiking up and down the brook.
The night sky really comes to life out here in Diamond. On a clear moon free night, the stars come out to put on the most incredible display. Due to the lack of light pollution, you can even see satellites and the space station with your naked eye.
The home is the perfect jumping off point for many options of day trips. We have numerous breathtaking beaches less than 20 minutes away. With more warm water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada the Northumberland Straight is a beach lovers paradise. These long sandy provincial park beaches offer boardwalks, change houses, washrooms, and picnic area's.
The local climate also lends itself well to the local wine industry, which is anchored by Jost vineyards, the provinces oldest and largest winery. Savour a glass along with some delicious local cheese as you overlook Jost's lush vineyard.
Northumberland shore is a great place to get of the beaten path and find your own unexpected discovery. Enjoy the fragrant aroma of rolling lavender fields at Seafoam Lavender farm. Stop at Lismore sheep farm to visit the animals and learn how the wool is spun into beautiful fabrics. Discover the magic of maple at Sugar Moon Farm, a behind the scenes look and taste of how they make some of Nova Scotia's finest maple syrup.
Not surprisingly fresh local lobster is the food of choice available at local fish markets and restaurants.
Chowder is also another the specialty of the region, with the famous Chowder House in Tatamagouche. While The Dock, serves delicious chowder and local fare in New Glasgow.
The ferry to PEI is also just outside Pictou which is 25 minutes away. Take the 90 minute relaxiing ferry ride and discover PEI and then head back home to your wonderful retreat.
This home is a green retreat as the home is run fully off grid with a seamless solar array power system for electricity, with the added peace of mind of a full generator backup for when the sun has been tucked behind the clouds for a while.
Home Truths
Just so we do not disappoint, we want to be clear that high speed or even medium speed is not available at our house as we are In the country and can only access internet via satellite. We can only get up to 10-15 mbs download. We are sorry if that is not enough for you. Same with cel, the cel signal is weak but we do have a cel booster and you can make and receive calls in certain rooms of the house. But again , if you have a need for heavy cel use and internet use, then this is not available at the moment unfortunately.
There are mosquitoes all over Nova Scotia apretty much all of Canada, and our house is no exception. We have a fire pit in the front yard that you can use to have a low fire during the day to keep some smoke around. Like all of Canada, mosquitoes are worse in early summer and get better as the summer progresses.
As the house runs on solar power, There is no air conditioning, but each bed has a fan.
This house is meant for families that want to relax and reconnect together. Enjoy meals together, have fires in the front yard, play card games, ping pong in the basement. Go for walks in the small brook. There is no Starbucks down the road ;)
We are so happy to have been able to host families and their friends that have truly loved their time at our our home in the country. We just want to make sure that our home is the perfect fit for you.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I want this trip to be a wonderful time for you and your family and friends.
We hope that you truly relax and take in the wonderful sights and enjoy the truly friendly people of Nova Scotia. Please contact me with any questions or possible day trip suggestions.
Thanks so much.
Have a great day .
James Downey
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number RYA-2023-24-07121131364669758-283
About the area
Loganville
Located in Loganville, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Balmoral Grist Mill and Sutherland Steam Mill are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include DeCoste Entertainment Centre and Caspers Gifts and Crafts. Seafoam Lavender Farm and Intercolonial Railway Station are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
MacKay Brook Nature Reserve - 24 min drive - 13.5 km
DeCoste Entertainment Centre - 37 min drive - 35.5 km
Pictou Marina - 39 min drive - 37.3 km
Caribou and Munroes Island Provincial Park - 42 min drive - 45.2 km
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park - 59 min drive - 64.5 km
Frequently asked questions
Is Large country home for family and friends retreats. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Large country home for family and friends retreats.?
As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Large country home for family and friends retreats. on 10 Apr 2026 start from £297, 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 at Large country home for family and friends retreats.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Large country home for family and friends retreats.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Large country home for family and friends retreats.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Large country home for family and friends retreats. located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from MacKay Brook Nature Reserve and 9.6 mi (15.4 km) from Dalhousie Mountain Nature Reserve. Balmoral Grist Mill and Sutherland Steam Mill are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My family and I really enjoyed basing our exploration of Nova Scotia in this wonderfully secluded and well-appointed property. The hosts went out of their way to ensure our stay was very comfortable; we simply couldn't have asked for better hospitality and communication throughout. Our only regret was not being able to stay longer!
James M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Thanks James for staying with us. I am so glad you enjoyed your trip and that your family and friends had a great stay too.
The house was spacious and comfortable and the setting so peaceful. Our host was very responsive and offered meaningful experiences. We enjoyed being unplugged and enjoying time with family. Truly lovely.
Katherine H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. It was great chatting and getting to know you. All the best to you and your family!!
Beautiful property tucked away in the forest. We had a great time with our family. There were 8 of us and there was lots of room to spend time together or find a quiet place to read. Enjoyed it very much.
Sarah W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Thanks so Much Sarah for you kind review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your visit.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Leasha L.
21 Jul 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location
Good size, needs improvements.
Beautiful property, however location is in a heavily wooded remote area so we weren't able to enjoy the outdoors (massive amounts of mosquitoes). House is spacious and rooms were comfortable but up keep and cleanliness were an issue. Pump track was overgrown and dirt roads potholes were challenging to get to the property. Water isn't drinkable, limited slow wifi and poor cell phone reception. Sadly, we would not return.
Leasha L.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Hello Leasha:
I thank you for your cleaning notes that you gave our cleaner . We will have them check the toaster crumb tray moving forward. And I will have the painter put some white paint on the propane tank for the bbq.
The water is tested and is drinkable, and I am sorry we did not know that you had an issue with the water while you were there, as we would have made some arrangement to accommodate you.
In all correspondence and in the VRBO listing, I do mention that the cel signal and wifi does work, but is by no means the same as in the city. I am sorry that the signal we have was not enough for your needs. The plan we have is the best possible plan we can get, living in rural Nova Scotia.
Thank you for your feedback, it is our first year of multi week rentals, and are continually learning and adjusting.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lawrence S.
14 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Great property, in need of work
Beautiful property, very secluded. Great bones for a house, No AC, not a single working smoke detector on any of the 4 floors. There were a handful of the hundred lights on the property that actually worked. A few light fixtures hanging right out of the ceiling, exposed wires and cable running across the floors. Chairs and furniture in disrepair and unusable for some. Wifi is terrible and limited to 25mbps when it works and with a cap on usage, as is the cell reception but that goes with the location and the serenity of it. All in all with no working smoke detectors on premises and much of the furniture in disarray this property definitely fell short of expectations and is not worth nearly as much as being charged and should be de listed for the simple fact of no working smoke detectors. Property and house have amazing features though if the upkeep is done.
Lawrence S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
I am sorry that you felt that way about your stay, I will however have to correct some items you brought up.
There are 8 smoke detectors throughout the house that are 1 year old. They have a 10 year battery, and will flash once every ten minutes. I really wish you would have called either the caretaker or myself. We leave our numbers in the welcome book and in multiple emails, and we state that you please call us with any concern or question on the house, we could have cleared that concern up right away.
As for the light bulbs not working, the 8 new LED lights we had installed into the basement over the ping pong table for some reason had an issue while you were there, for which we did apologize for when you brought it to our caretakers attention, and she came right away and replaced them. When you contacted our caretaker after she came out and replaced them, you had even texted her to say thanks and that it was now great. None of the main floor or upper floors had any bulbs out.
The cables you mentioned that are hanging loose are pre wired boxes for ceiling fans up high in the peaks of the bedrooms that we are still deciding on installing or not, as every bedroom and every bed in those bedrooms has its own stand up fan and they work much better.
As for no air conditioning, we do not have air conditioning, and the house amenities on the VRBO site shows that we do not have air conditioning. We run on solar panels and we do not have enough electricity to run multiple ac units for a house this big unfortunately.
The furniture in disrepair, is not a fair description we feel. , no other guest has had any issue up until your rental. The caretaker did have to tighten the screws in the one chair that was loose and for that we do apologize.
Loganville is a beautiful property and well maintained. We enjoyed the peaceful location , wading in the babbling brook, gazing at the night stars with a bonfire blazing, chasing our granddaughter barefoot in the grass and watching the many butterflies and birds. We played some great games of ring toss and ping pong on the property as well! Thanks to James for the many suggestions for outings. We enjoyed Rushtons beach, the Lismore Sheep Farm, a trip to Tatamagouche and biking on the Great Trail from River John and Denmark. We loved the well appointed kitchen, meals around the dining room table and the many spaces to sit and relax with family. Thanks to Jane for her great welcoming tour and prompt response to our questions during our stay. The hosts genuinely want you to have a great experience at their unique property and are easily available for any questions or concerns.
Janet E.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Thanks so much Janet for staying with us. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time in Nova Scotia.
Our family of three adults stayed for 6 weeks in this remote but beautiful property. The house is large, light, with four bedrooms/bathrooms areas, with plenty of space for multiple families or several couples sharing it. The location is remote - the nearest farm is about 2 km away, but the peace and quietness can not be matched. The house is surrounded by lush pine and birch trees forests, trails, meadows, creek, which all add to the feeling of being in a fairy tale. The house runs on solar power, generator and satellite, so one can instantly cross from a fairy tale to the modern world of internet and cell phones. We enjoyed well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, plenty of towels, beach chairs, and all everyday supplies. James, the owner was just a phone call away easily to communicate with and his relative, Jane, the local young lady was extremely friendly and more than helpful, promptly responding to all our inquires and questions. The nearby picturesque town, Pictou, has well supplied grocery store, and several beaches and New Glasgow with more shopping are about 30 min away. We were sorry when the time came to leave and are looking forward to visiting again. Highly recommended for a special vacation experience.
Zora L.
Stayed 46 nights in Jul 2021
About the host
Hosted by James Downey
This home is owned by a family of three who have loved this area for years.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with this area the second we came to visit it. The property has been in the extended family for years, and when we had a chance to purchase this dream home, we made sure we did not miss the opportunity to own such a spectacular home in such a beautiful location