A piece of heaven in Nova Scotia

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Entire home

The side view of house with ample decks and seating areas.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10269 sq m

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Barbecue grill

Washer

Gym

Parking available

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Antigonish Heritage Museum
10 min drive
Saint Francis Xavier University
12 min drive
St Ninian's Cathedral
12 min drive
Port Hawkesbury, NS (YPS)
51 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom One

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

The Artist's Beach House is situated on the Antigonish Harbour just ten minutes from the lovely university town of Antigonish This private and quiet retreat feels like it’s worlds away. The house is surrounded by water – and 6 acres of land. The beach goes on forever and is nicely secluded – swimming is excellent in the warmest waters north of the Carolina's. So is canoeing and kayaking on the harbour where there’s so much to discover. The grounds are spectacular with gardens everywhere. In season, the best lobster in the world can be had fresh off the boats nearby.

This architect designed house is ideal for entertaining with wrap around decks and porches complete with ample outdoor eating areas. We have a wheel chair ramp (available on request) on the back deck which makes the whole first floor with two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms accessible. Indoors you’ll be greeted with warm cherry wood throughout, walls full of original contemporary art, oriental rugs on the floors and sumptuous furnishings everywhere. All the amenities are there to pamper you during your stay. When the nights are cool there’s nothing better than curling up in front of one of two fireplaces with a good book or movie. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, colourful and artistic.

We can make the office available upon request, for those who will need to do some work during their stay. It's a private room with desks and a printer plus a good library.

Overall it's a rare and special property with many features such as private trails throughout the woods, a firepit at the beach and lovely gardens. All of our guests tell us that the photos don’t do it justice. It truly is a beautiful place!

Property manager

Tiiu Poder

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Similar properties

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Prior approval is required. Extra fees may apply.

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

This property accepts credit cards

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20

Note from host: Prior approval is required. Extra fees may apply.

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-2023-24-03271626202737488-384

About the area

Lanark

Located in Lanark, this holiday home is on the beach. Antigonish Golf and Country Club and Pomquet Beach Provincial Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ohio River Nature Reserve and South River Nature Reserve. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and horse riding.

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

Antigonish Heritage Museum - 10 min drive
Saint Francis Xavier University - 12 min drive
St Ninian's Cathedral - 12 min drive
Antigonish Mall - 13 min drive
Antigonish Arena - 13 min drive

Restaurants

‪Justamere Cafe - ‬13 min drive
‪Tim Hortons - ‬10 min drive
‪Tim Hortons - ‬13 min drive
‪Snow Queen - ‬13 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A piece of heaven in Nova Scotia pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at A piece of heaven in Nova Scotia ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A piece of heaven in Nova Scotia ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A piece of heaven in Nova Scotia located?

Nestled on the beach, this Lanark holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Antigonish Heritage Museum, Columbus Field Dog Park and Saint Francis Xavier University. Antigonish Golf and Country Club and St Ninian's Cathedral are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Geoff Q.

23 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Noca Scotia Gem

I can’t say enough about this property and the owners. Hugh was most accommodating and the property is very well appointed and very comfortable. If you want a quiet relaxing place to get away. This is it!

Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don B.

15 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful Vacation

The cottage was better than described and a joy to enjoy. It is in the countryside beside water but close enough to a city for the conveniences needed.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim A.

27 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A week by the water

Excellant property with outsatandiing hosts. Had great week and would recommend to anyone.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie S.

16 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Nova Scotia vacation

After driving 10+ hrs through a torrential rain storm, the house was warm and welcoming with lights lit. Beautifully appointed! The location is absolutely breathtaking. Tiiu could not have been more accommodating throughout our stay. The house was well stocked. A great central location to explore the highlands of Nova Scotia. Oh yes, those pesky mosquitoes!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela d., La Salette Ontario Canada

10 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Wonderful!

This house is gorgeous and located in the most perfect setting. The house has everything you could possibly need and it’s decorated with the most amazing artwork. This home is a gem located in an idyllic setting. Tiiu and Hugh are wonderful hosts and so incredibly helpful and kind. I cannot recommend this house enough. It was a perfect home for our family vacation. Thank you Tiiu! FIVE STARS!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Jola P.

6 Sept 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication

Not sure

5 adults, three children (11, 5 and 3) Aug 19 - rented for two weeks Inside: - plenty of condiments, spices and basic staples for use in the kitchen/bath/laundry. No need to bring anything in this regard - wifi working very well - there is a very comprehensive "book of rules" to follow - the owner addressed promptly the fridge light not working issue - there are 4 bedrooms, not five; there is a windowless/doorless room with a pullout in the basement in addition to two other bedrooms there - there is a musty smell in the basement and most rooms upstairs (especially bathroom) - the area rugs over the carpets are better to be avoided; easy to trip - the house is more like someone's home not a vacation property Outside: - nice water views - not suitable for swimming - relentless mosquitoes; we started a bonfire by the water but couldn't stay there; being outside equaled being bitten and attacked constantly. - to spend time outside we needed to drive somewhere else I recommend: - Pomquet beach - half an hour, Cape George Point (magnificent views) - half an hour, Antigonish (nice little town with all shops and eateries needed) - 10 mins unless the only road is being repaired.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

22 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful ocean-side location in northern Nova Scotia

This property is beautiful, relaxing, and quiet. There are extensive lawns and a long stretch of private rocky beach with many shorebirds. The house itself is large, with four enclosed bedrooms and one living area downstairs that can be converted to sleeping space. As described, the house is home to an artist, who lives next door to the property during the summertime. There are many works of art and items of unique character throughout the house. There were extensive instructions in the welcome binder regarding cleaning, using the dishwasher and washing machine, recycling regulations, and conserving water in the event that the hand-dug well begins to go dry during a hot summer. (As this was a wet summer, we had no issues with water during our stay.) It is important to carefully read the detailed instructions and to adhere to them, as additional fees or charges may apply if the instructions are disregarded. The house was well-stocked with dishes and cookware, toilet paper, paper towels, pantry items, and hand soap. The heat pump that provided cool air on humid days was much appreciated. There is ample seating, and linens and towels are provided. If we could suggest one thing it would be to add a clothesline for bathing suits and towels, or for more eco-friendly drying of clothing. Our interactions with our host were positive and friendly and she was quick to welcome us to the property.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

15 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house with amazing views

All 3 generations of our family enjoyed our stay in this lovely home, full of character and art. Tiiu and Hugh were very welcoming and accommodating. While the weather and mosquitos were challenging, we look forward to a return visit some day! The McGuire's, Taylor's, and Burgert's

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

13 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location

Great spot for a family get together. Stayed for a week while visiting family in the area and we had a great time. Ocean access and a wonderful grass yard for kids to run around in. Ocean access is rocky but they do have adult size shoes to make it easier.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jay C.

3 Oct 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Must Stay

Beautiful property right on the water, beautiful home, all within 12 minutes of wherever you need to go. A "Must Stay" when you are in Antigonish or surrounding area. Truly home away from home with all the amenities. It's my #1 place to stay twice a year when I visit Antigonish. The owner (Tiiu) could not have been nicer, what a wonderful host.

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jen L.

27 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We had a wonderful week in Antigonish! Tiu’s home is lovely. The location is beautiful!

We thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to Nova Scotia! Tiu was very welcoming. Her home is in a beautiful spot. It is warm and relaxing. Lots of room to spend time with family and friend.s. We enjoyed the kayaks and canoe and just sitting on the decks. We also enjoyed exploring the local area. We were even lucky enough to see bald eagles fly right over the house!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn H.

20 Oct 2018

Perfect Home for a Family Gathering!

Tiiu’s home is the ideal place for family or friends from near and far to get together. The house itself is lovely and spacious and the setting is beautiful. We were able to take turns preparing meals and the well stocked cupboards meant that we didn’t have to bring all the basic supplies with us. Tiiu was friendly and welcoming and made sure that we had everything we needed.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

David M.

3 Oct 2018

Beautiful, welcoming, serene...

Tiiu's property has everything you need and so much more. Thank you so much!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin R.

11 Sept 2018

Nice quiet retreat!

We loved our family vacation at The Artists cottage. The house is very spacious and fully stocked, we had everything we needed when we were there. We especially loved using the canoe and kayaks provided. This house is the perfect distance from town, you still feel like you are away from the city but it’s only a short drive away. The host made herself easily available to us via email for any questions we had and was gracious and came to introduce herself. If we vacation in Nova Scotia again we would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

RN N.

7 Aug 2018

A Wonderful Stay

This place was absolutely wonderful for a family visit and a graduation week. The property and views are wonderful, the surrounding area is just beautiful, the people of Antigonish are so welcoming, and the host is accommodating and an absolute pleasure to deal with. Hope to be back again some day.

Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Stacey L.

5 Aug 2018

"A Slice of Heaven" is really A Slice of Heaven!

The house was exactly what we needed! 10 of us travelled to Antigonish for the Special Olympics games being held at the university. It was awesome for all of us to be able to stay together in this beautiful 5 bedroom house, which is only 10 minutes from town. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful mornings sitting out on the patio overlooking the water. The property is immaculate and the hostess is wonderful! I would 100% recommend this lovely property.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

1 Aug 2018

Our Family Had a Great Time in Antigonish@

The house was lovely and nice and clean and ready when we arrived. Tiiu was away but made every effort to help us and be there via e-mail and phone. We were able to meet her on our last day and were so glad we were able to do so! She was a pleasure to work with and her house is lovely. The property is fun and we all really enjoyed the canoe and kayaks and just relaxing on the deck and enjoying the views. We were able to do some day trips as well but always enjoyed getting back at the house to relax. Nova Scotia is a lovely province. Thank you for sharing your home with us and for allowing us to make nice family memories.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

6/10 Okay

Connie M.

23 July 2018

Lovely area and location.

The house did not seem as spacious as we’d hoped. We did not realize that two of the bedrooms were in the basement with the third being on open room with no door and a tv that didn’t work. The 1/2 bath that was advertised was essentially an outhouse. Kitchen was well stocked. Home was clean except for large ants in the living room. Beds were for the most part uncomfortable. We did enjoy our stay but this is a property we would not rent again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kris P.

13 July 2018

Peaceful haven

We had an amazing relaxing family trip. We had bonfires by the water, the kids fished and kayaked. We painted pictures, played bocce on the great lawn and grilled at night. There is nothing needed and an an amazing breeze. We drank coffee on the deck in the morning watching the eagles above. Definitely come here for a Nova Scotia retreat.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

2 July 2018

Beautiful home in absolutely pristine location

The house was clean and provided everything you could possibly need, plus recreational equipment. Very peaceful, comfortable, and beautiful. Thank you so much for your sharing your home with us, Tiiu!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Maureen M.

25 Mar 2016

Stop your search for the "magical spot".

Antigonish is the absolute epitome of what a Nova Scotia stay should be all about. This home provided needs for all levels of the family. Teens, parents, grandparents and friends. The beauty of this home is one that resonates in my daily thoughts. So look no further, book your stay. Can't wait till our next visit!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Greg H.

28 Oct 2015

A wonderful two weeks

Wow, what a great two weeks we had at your beautiful home! The location is just excellent allowing us to take numerous day trips. We especially enjoyed being able to purchase lobsters directly off the boats as they returned to dock. Of course being able to cook them right in the back yard was an added treat. The large open decks were a great place to drink our morning coffee as well as have happy hour. The kids really enjoyed the large yard to roam in as did the dogs. A well appointed kitchen was appreciated and an exception to what we have found at other rentals. Along with all the positives of the property itself I can't say enough about your hospitality and the time you spent answering our many questions. You certainly went out of your way to see that we had a great experience. Thanks for the memories which we will cherish until our next trip. You, your lovely home and Nova Scotia in general will always be remembered as very special.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janine C.

16 Oct 2015

We were lucky to have found the beach house

It was a perfect place for a group gathering. We were in antigonish for a family wedding and the beach house provided the perfect retreat for our own family. The decks around the house were fabulous and the property beautifully cared for. A stone beach surrounds the property and we were able to have a fire on the beach a couple of evenings. We drove into Antigonish frequently for food, restaurants etc and drove up the coastline to swim. We could see our wedding tent across the water and ended up there a lot but were very happy to come home to "a slice of heaven" at the end of every day.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

14 Oct 2015

A great family gathering place

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Artist's Beach House. It was large enough to accommodate our large family and provide something for everyone. The location is private and the scenery is absolutely fantastic. There is no place in or around the house that did not provide a stunning view.The yard was large and the children enjoyed playing there. The adults loved the porch and deck to sit, unwind and read. There is plenty to do around there. We stayed for 2 weeks and didn't feel we had enough time to do everything we wanted to do. Tiiu, the owner, was kind and hospitable. It is a great place to stay, play and relax!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

14 Oct 2015

Fabulous Oceanside Accommodation

We were visiting Antigonish for a family reunion. Our group included siblings, spouses, in-laws and adult children for a total of 7 in our party. The Artist's Beach House was the perfect place for us. Close enough to town for reunion activities yet far enough away to be our own wonderful oasis away from it all. There was lots of space for all of us and the house was immaculate, well furnished and had an excellent very well equipped kitchen for those evenings when we chose to host other family members for dinner. Long warm nights on the verandahs capped off the warm summers days. Can't say enough good things about this property. We would highly recommend the Artist's Beach House to anyone.

About the host

Hosted by Tiiu Poder

I fell in love with Nova Scotia as an art student in the 1970's. I returned to Ontario to complete my education and life took over and I stayed. In 1994 in a quest for peace and harmony I moved back with my young children. I was so fortunate to discover Antigonish and this magical property that I purchased in 1998. Since then I have been cultivating my friends, my house, and the surrounding gardens and I share my home with my wonderful and handy partner Hugh. He also plays the bagpipes! Now that my children are grown I'm delighted to welcome guests from around world to experience what I am lucky enough to enjoy every day.

Why they chose this property

You will experience total privacy communing with nothing but nature. Yet you're close to all of the amenities that the small town nearby has to offer. It pretty much has at least one of everything including art, theatre, music, great food and a good dose of highlands culture.

What makes this property unique

Being close to nature on the land and in the sea is a privilege that I am eternally grateful for. We watch eagles dive for prey from my windows and we welcome a pair of great blue herons every spring. A pair of pileated woodpeckers in the forest are a thrill to discover when they allow themselves to be seen. The sounds of the tidal waters are a dream and jumping into them after a day of outdoor work in the hot sun is about as good as it gets. As an artist I am most inspired by the profound beauty that surrounds me in this little piece of heaven.