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A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds

Photo gallery for A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds

The side view of house with ample decks and seating areas.
Side deck and breakfast nook
Front entrance from driveway
Gardens at front entrance
Front porch

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10269 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

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

A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds

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!

Weddings and Special Events
The property is an ideal location for an outdoor summer wedding. Please talk to us if you'd like more information. Some photos are posted.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Prior approval is required. Extra fees may apply.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
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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 horse riding and hiking.
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Map
Antigonish, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

  • Antigonish Heritage Museum - 8 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Saint Francis Xavier University - 9 min drive - 10.5 km
  • St Ninian's Cathedral - 9 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Antigonish Mall - 10 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Antigonish Arena - 11 min drive - 11.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Justamere Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds?

As of 26 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds on 15 June 2026 start from AU$519, 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 A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A Piece of Heaven in Nova Scotia Private oceanfront setting on beautiful grounds 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).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 42 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best sleep I’ve ever had at a VRBO! Such a relaxing space, traveled with a group of 7 adults multi generational and everyone loved this home!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing. Beautiful spot. Perfect accommodations.We had relaxing moments and fun times with family in the area visiting us.Great vacation. I don't want to rate it so highly because it will be tough to book next year but really is amazing.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William M.

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

A fantastic place to stay

My family and I stayed for a week. The property was fantastic. He had a wonderful and relaxing time here. Tiiu was an amazing host, she went above and beyond, doing a lobster dinner for us. The dinner and location could not have been better.One of our top vacations for sure.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda P.

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

best holiday ever

Great place for small family get-together. Kitchen, bedroom, bathrooms supplied with everything one would need. lovely hosts, minor problem fixed immediately. short drive to Antigonish. beautiful setting and very private.Not tech savvy..cna't add photo
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle G.

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

Magical for kids!

Tiiu and Hugh were so exceptionally warm and truly made the experience more magical than just a property. We travelled with young kids - the rock beach was perfect for exploring - the kids loved finding treasures of oyster shells and crab claws. Tiiu was highly responsive to any questions and swiftly solved any problems that arose. This place will stay close in our hearts!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Marcy m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was lovely and filled with beautiful art. The description of the property was very accurate. Due to the lack of rain in NS this summer, we had to be careful about water usage because the home has a well. There were only 4 of us but it could have been an issue if we had more people. Our hosts were lovely people. The location was more remote than I expected but it’s not far from Antigonish. The mosquitos were a problem for us, especially in the morning and at dusk. The hosts had mosquito repellents available for us to use. Overall we had a nice stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim A.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoff Q.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn H.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie S.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris P.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela d.

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
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The best vacation property ever!

Our stay at this property truly was a slice of heaven. The house is filled with art and the abundance of windows everywhere fills the home with light. The beds were so comfortable as were the couches and other seating. The kitchen was better equipped than my own. My husband and I have fond memories of sitting on the beautiful deck and watching the sparkling ocean below. We didn't want to go home at all! The owner was warm and friendly and very helpful. Our group was able to relax and enjoy the serenity of the location. It was like being in the country, but minutes to the town of Antigonish.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jola P.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

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
Archival

10/10 Excellent

deborah m.

IF IT'S NOT BOOKED GRAB IT!! YOU WON'T BE SORRY.

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.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic family vacation

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay C.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen L.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Beautiful, welcoming, serene...

Tiiu's property has everything you need and so much more. Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin R.

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

About the host

Hosted by Tiiu Poder

Host profile image
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.

Languages:

English

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