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Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea

Escape to this peaceful retreat where you can stroll along sandy shores or enjoy meals al fresco. Discover nearby Lunenburg's charm.

Photo gallery for Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining
Unclassified image, 3 of 28, button
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea

Writer's Retreat is a rustic cottage on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Set well back from a narrow road, it offers privacy combined with sea views, a two-kilometer sand beach, and a walking trail around one of the headlands that protect the beach. The rustic exterior belies the comforts within--a kitchen with all modern conveniences (except a dishwasher), two full bathrooms, and three bedrooms. There is also a screened porch with table and chairs for meals al fresco but without bugs, and an open deck as well.To walk to the beach you have a choice of two well marked paths. It takes about ten minutes. There is also a lake back of the seafront with a small sand beach suitable for young children or swimmers who do not like the bracing North Atlantic waves.

Nearby is the beautiful town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also boasts a good number of excellent restaurants, ranging from fish and chips to fine dining. For supplies, there is a small grocery store about five km from the cottage, and larger grocery stores in the towns of Lunenburg and Bridgewater.

My own family have been coming here from childhood. The cottage is not available in late July or August because it will be filled with our children and grandchildren.

This reservation has a Flexible cancellation policy - refunds will be issued up to 30 days prior to the check in date.

A 100% refund is provided for travellers cancelling at least 30 days before check-in. A 50% refund is provided for travellers cancelling from 14 to 29 days before check-in. No refunds are provided for travellers cancelling less than 14 days prior to check-in. CanadaStays Booking Fees are refundable if you cancel within 48 hours of placing your booking request.

Our house rules: primary renter must be 25 or older, no smoking, no parties or events, no pets.

No smoking.

Property manager

Rosalie Osmond

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs

Similar properties

Miscellaneous

Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Captain's House

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor Space
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (11)
Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Captain's House

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number STR2425B3823

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Riverport, NS

What's nearby

  • Hirtle's Beach - 11 min walk
  • St John's Anglican Church - 23 min drive
  • Bluenose II - 23 min drive
  • Lunenburg Visitor Information Centre - 24 min drive
  • Risser's Beach Provincial Park - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪LaHave Bakery - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Becca's Bayport Pub - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Fishery Products International Ltd - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪LaHave Seafoods Ltd - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Ploughmans Lunch - ‬30 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Hirtle's Beach and within 9 mi (15 km) of Indian Path Commons and LaHave Ferry Terminal. Ovens Natural Park and Fort Point Museum are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place to stay
One of our favorite stops on our tour around the province.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable stay!
Great location and excellent accommodation. Kitchen very well equipped.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ayesha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely visit
This was our third time staying at Rosalie's cottage and it was as lovely as ever.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay in Kingsburg
This is our second stay here and it was great again. Cottage was in great condition when we arrived, and the privacy and proximity to Hirtle's Beach can't be beat. We're looking forward to visiting again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Tim S., Yukon Territory, Canada

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic Retreat
Quiet, ocean view, and ocean sounds. Comfortable beds.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay!
The place exactly how it appeared in the photos. It was very comfortable and we found it easy to relax. A short walk to Hirtle’s beach, and a short drive to Kingsburg Beach, the place is well situated. was convenient Having the washer and dryer was a plus.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private location, lovely view
Quiet, private location. Ten minute walk to the beach down a quiet path. Lovely beach. The cottage is vintage, picturesque, and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marah H., Halifax, NS

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy stay in Upper Kingsburg
We had a great four-day stay at Rosalie’s cottage. The weather didn’t cooperate so we very much enjoyed the wood stove. The cottage is very clean and rustic with all the modern comforts and an amazing view with sounds of the ocean.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Olivia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Family Vacation!
We had a wonderful family vacation here! It was a great home base which allowed us to discover Nova Scotia's South Shore and location allowed day trips to Halifax and Peggy's Cove. Hirtle's Beach and Sand Dollar Beach were both convenient and lovely. It was clean and had lots of space for everyone! Owners were easy to communicate with and responsive to questions throughout our stay. It had everything we wanted and more!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bob B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming quiet cottage
Set in rolling hills with views and sounds of the sea and surf, this cozy, clean, well-equipped cottage deserves its many 5-star reviews . The master bedroom and the loft, each with a full bathroom, were perfect for two couples. There are two interesting paths to the beach. We delighted in the outdoor warm water shower for salt and sand removal and the spectacular dark sky views of stars and the Milky Way. Rosalie, a writer and university educator, was a pleasure to work with (her books are now on our reading list). We look forward to our next visit to Writer's Retreat. Thanks, Rosalie.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roslyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Privacy
Very private and quiet. Reminded me of a cabin my family had when I was younger. Well-supplied and owners very accommodating. One would be hard- pressed to find another property as unique.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Spring break in upper KIngsberg
Authentic family holiday cottage. The house is very comfortable and full of character and personal touches. The view of the waves crashing against the rocks on Goff Point is spectacular. Hirtles Bay beach is a joy to walk along. Lots of wildlife -deer, porcupines, ospreys plunging into the bay to take fish! A wonderful place!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melinda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Rustic Cottage
Overall, this rustic cottage was a great place to stay. Daily walks to the beach were fabulous as was the beach itself. The walking paths to the beach might be challenging for some and it took a bit to find the access points. The screened in porch was nice and the southern exposure deck has a lovely view of the ocean. One of the bedrooms is an open loft area. It was definitely very private and relaxing with the sound of waves in the distance. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Cheryl S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
South Shore visit
The cottage was very nice - not fancy but comfortable and homey. The pictures on the site were very representative of the reality. It was quite private and very quiet. I think my favorite part may have been falling asleep to the soft sound of the nearby ocean. Our hostess, Rosalie, was easy to reach by phone or message and responded promptly to the couple of enquiries we had.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely time away with family
We had a lovely multi-generation get away at this property. We all really enjoyed the layout of the cottage. And we had a great time playing crib games around the circular wooden table. We tried walking to the beach but the uneven rocks at the end of the trail were a little much for my 80 year old mother. We opted for driving to the beach and enjoyed many walks and waves. We also enjoyed a nice day trip to LaHave bakery and pottery shops; an easy drive from the cottage. Lots of lovely family memories built here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ayesha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
beautiful and relaxing ocean view cottage
This is the second time we've stayed at Rosalie's cottage and we had a lovely time! The cottage is very clean and well-cared for. This is a lovely place to watch the ocean from a distance and relax in the Sun. Its a short walk or drive to Hirtle Beach (though you should look out for ticks if you do walk). The only issue we had this trip was a leak coming through the roof during a very intense rainstorm. Rosalie was very responsive when we let her know and it sounds like it'll get all fixed up soon! We would definitely stay again and recommend the cottage for others.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jacob B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay At Writer's Retreat
My wife and I had a wonderful week at this rustic and well appointed cottage in Upper Kingsburg. The place was clean, comfortable, and has a completely outfitted kitchen. Most importantly, the bed in the master bedroom slept well. The location is gorgeous. The sound of the surf on Hirtle's Beach was a constant companion. The hike around Gaff Point is a must. The scenery is fantastic and the trail is moderate with some sections crisscrossed by tree roots. Stay safely back from the eroding cliff edges - if you're sensible you'll be fine. If the fates allow it, we'll be back some day for another stay, without question! PS. Don't miss having a meal at the Rosebay General Store. The lobster roll there is the best I've had anywhere.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Nova Scotia
Comfortable and well equipped cottage with an extraordinary view. Sitting in the sun on the porch and viewing the cove, wildflowers and evergreen trees was a beautiful experience. The host provided all the information we needed for a wonderful visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

bonnie r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property
A true home away from home fun cottage. A bit of manoevering to get to the beach but well worth it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous location!
Had a wonderful few days at this comfortable cottage that is beautifully located! Host was very responsive- thank you!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Country idyll
Perfect country cabin. Every convenience with the atmosphere of a family home. Excellent centre for exploring the Lunenburg area. We watched birds, walked trails, paddled in the sea and panned for gold.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin
This cabin is beautifully done, with great views and nice decor. Has everything you need and is close to a great general store and a wonderful trail to Gaff Point. Also convenient to Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Secluded, quiet restful place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay in Upper Kingsberg.
We had a wonderful stay at the property close to Hirtles Beach. The house was very comfortable and well equipped. We’ll look forward to a return visit.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane O.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot, as advertised
A wonderful place to get away from it all. The cottage came as advertised; very clean and well-stocked (a new vegetable peeler in the kitchen would be nice!). Location is wonderful for solitude and relaxation. Look out for deer - they are everywhere, and we came inches from hitting one in the fog one night. Rosalie (and Oliver) was very attentive to our needs, and responded very quickly whenever we had a query, like finding the key to get in.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay!
We really enjoyed our stay at Writer's Retreat - it was very clean, comfortable, and well-stocked with everything needed. The privacy, wonderful views and surrounding area exceeded our expectations!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022