The Writer's Retreat -- An Idyllic Escape in Nova Scotia

Antigonish 3 br Vacation Rental Home

Nestled on a private 18-acre peninsula with sweeping views of Breen's Pond, St. George's Bay, Cape George, and the Cape George lighthouse, this contemporary three-story waterfront home (and optional writer's studio/guest cottage)is an idyllic, inspiring retreat. Every room and deck has such a lovely view of water and sky, it's like living in a watercolor. Peace and quietude abound, but you're only a few minutes from the village of Havre Boucher, where you can buy fresh lobster (in season) right off the boat, ten minutes from Cape Breton with its famed Cabot Trail, Celtic Music Interpretive Center, whale watching, and Gampo Abbey, and twenty-five minutes from the charming university town of Antigonish with its fine restaurants and shopping.

Everything you need for a perfect getaway is waiting for you. In the morning you can sip your tea or coffee on one of the five decks and watch the mist rise on Breen's Pond or the lobster boats coming and going on St. George's Bay. In the afternoon, you can walk down the path to the half-mile of waterfront where a canoe and kayak are waiting, or walk the private trails or out to Cape Jack Beach where the swimming is excellent. In the evening you can sink into the couch and watch the fire, the sunset, the lingering Celtic twilight, the Cape George lighthouse, and the constellations overhead.

Outdoors, you’ll be welcomed by an extraordinary array of wildflowers, wildlife, and birds that share this unspoiled place–-bald eagle, arctic tern, marsh hawk, kingfisher, and blue heron, just to name a few.

Indoors you’ll be welcomed by warm birch floors, elegant furnishings, original art, and the unique sea-blue concrete countertops, hearth, and Celtic mural between the kitchen and living room. The high-end kitchen has everything you'll need for entertaining, even a wine cooler. The dining room seats 8 around the antique pine table and lazy susan. A glass-front Jøtul woodburning stove warms the living room which looks out on the main deck, Breen's Pond, and St. George's Bay beyond. Interior glass French doors lead to the family room/2nd bedroom with leather club chair and ottoman, sunny window seat, queen-size L.L. Bean sleeper sofa, and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Sliding glass doors lead to the screened porch, complete with porch swing, glider, and bistro table and chairs.

On the upper level you'll find the spacious sky-lit master suite with its carved Caribbean four poster bed, and private deck. The master bath has a two-person whirlpool jacuzzi with a spectacular water view. There's an office area, too, and a large upper deck--the perfect spot to kick back and count shooting stars.

On the lower level, a turquoise concrete floor flows to a private bedroom with antique mahogany sleigh bed and dresser and walk-out water view. There's a full laundry room on this level, too.

Inside or out, it's a wonderful place to enjoy nature, entertain your family and friends, or just relax. As our guests have said many times, it truly is a magical place.

And should you want more space, there's a charming writer's studio/guest cottage ($150 a night or $750/$900 a week (high/low high season)with a unique hand-made queen-size four-poster birch bed under a soaring, sky-lit ceiling, a glass-front woodburning stove, and a big private deck overlooking the water.

Whether you stay in the Writer's Retreat or Writer's Studio or both, you'll have a vacation you won't soon forget.