A SLICE OF HEAVEN IN NOVA SCOTIA

We were looking for a place in Nova Scotia that could house our extended family, including 5 children and a dog. We also wanted a place that was remote and had easy access to the outdoors. Well, this place had it all - space, kayaks, canoe, great yard, beach, etc. The view was spectacular and the accommodations very comfortable. The beds and bedding were some of the most comfortable I have ever stayed in and the upstairs rooms were exceptionally lovely. The wrap-around porch provided a great vantage point from which to watch the wildlife, take in the stunning vistas, and watch the kids and dog play to their hearts content. The kitchen was spacious and well appointed and the owner took care of most every other detail. While we enjoyed sight seeing a lot of what Nova Scotia has to offer, we all looked forward to just hanging out at the house and taking in all it and it's surroundings had to offer. This artist's cottage and Antigonish are a wonderful combination for a memorable experience. If you have a chance, it's definitely worth your while.

We were fortunate enough to stay at this beautiful property for a week this summer. There are so many special things about this property that it is hard to list them all, but I will give a few of the highlights.

1. Tiiu, the owner, is fantastic. She is a kind, gentle, good soul who we instantly felt a great connection with. She is so eager to tell you about her land or about special places in and around Antigonish.
2. All over the property you will find sculptures and benches made of fallen logs.
3. The kitchen is very well equipped and a pleasure to cook in.
4. The house was very clean when we arrived.
5. The bedrooms were all comfortable and well appointed.
6. There were kayaks and canoes at our disposal. We were fortunate enough to see a couple of bald eagles on one of our excursions.
7. There is a HUGE deck that is well equipped with two tables and lots of chairs.
8. There are beautiful woods to be discovered by everyone. There are even paths carefully tended that run through the woods that make exploring that much more fun!!

It is hard to do justice to this property. It is meticulously and lovingly maintained. We chose this property based on the reviews and pictures and we were not disappointed. After reading the reviews online and in the guestbook at the house, we realize that we are just one of many who have had a very memorable vacation here. We hope to make it back more than once to this jewel.

Our family experienced a fantastic PEI vacation in 2011 so we decided to visit the East Coast again. We spent time searching for another perfect location and discovered Tiiu's place. A grand total of 5 adults and 6 kids had a fantastic week laughing and playing together. Everyone had a cozy bedroom to sleep in after spending hours in the fresh air. We were even able to squeeze in a couple of friends who dropped in to say hi and then stayed overnight.

The kids experienced kayaking for the first time in their lives. Being in control of their own 'boat' was quite a thrill. Even the local bald eagle cooperated by allowing us to kayak almost right underneath the tree he was perched on. The kids spent hours inventing games with the toys thoughtfully provided. One particular game of ultimate frisbee that we played on the large grassy yard is still the stuff of family legend.

The shoreline shoreline provided us all with the chance to unwind and enjoy nature. Whether just sitting on the benches with our morning coffee or with our afternoon glass of wine, we could watch the kids exploring on their own. Water shoes were even available for those of who didn't bring any.

We were nervous about the number of art pieces and the exuberant nature of our children. Our fears were groundless as we played and ate outside for almost every meal - indoor time was almost exclusively for sleeping. It was unique to hear them discussing the pieces amongst themselves.

We had a fantastic lobster cookout one night in true East Coast style. We loved eating outside under the covered porch. Not even a rainy night could put a damper on our trip. The picture of the porch with the Muskoka chairs is perfect. It's just like it in real life.

Tiiu was available to answer our questions and even took on a personal interest in us. That's a real plus when you're in a new part of the country.

We have recommended this place to all of our friends and extended family. It's not often that you can say that that a location can bring families together, but it certainly happened with our 3 families from Montreal and Toronto.