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

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

Front exterior of cottage
front exterior of cottage
cottage at sunset
Double rainbow--view from cottage deck
Deer on cottage lawn

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Riverport, NS
  • Hirtle's Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Ovens Natural Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Bluenose II
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bunk room

1 Single Bunk Bed

Chief bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Gallery bedroom

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Main bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number STR2425B3823

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Upper Kingsburg

Located in Upper Kingsburg, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Fort Point Museum and St John's Anglican Church are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at LaHave Ferry Terminal and Bluenose II. Halifax and Southwestern Railway Museum and Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
Map
Riverport, NS

What's nearby

  • Hirtle's Beach - 10 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Ovens Natural Park - 20 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Bluenose II - 28 min drive - 23.5 km
  • St John's Anglican Church - 28 min drive - 23.5 km
  • Lunenburg Visitor Information Centre - 29 min drive - 23.9 km

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?

Checkout 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 miles (15 km) of Indian Path Commons and LaHave Ferry Terminal. Ovens Natural Park and Fort Point Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, quiet, close to wonderful Hirtle beach. Host provided us with helpful info in a timely manner.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leila T.

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

Perfect time

Beautiful place in the most beautiful area! Would love to come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two lovely weeks in July, a pefect location, and a cozy, well equipped cottage to come home to after days spent out and about in the area, including nearby Hirtle's Beach. We love the area so much, and Rosalie's cottage was the perfect combination of easy beach access and quiet R&R. Gorgeous views on clear days, and nicely screened from the nearby road. We miss it already.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely time at this well-appointed home. We were close to a great hike at Gaff Point and could walk to Hirtle’s Beach as well. Everything was very clean and as it was very chilly the night we arrived, it was wonderful to be able to sit in front of a fire and warm up. The rest of the week was warmer and we especially loved sitting out in the screened porch. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

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

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

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

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

Verified traveller

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

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

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

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

Verified traveller

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

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

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Writer's Retreat was a lovely spot to experience the wild beauty of the Riverport/ Upper Kingsburg area of Nova Scotia. The directions were patiently provided to drive to this house, which had a wonderful view of the water through the downward slope of the extensive lawn.Rabbits, deer, and even a badger were sighted while we were there! It was a comfortable house layout for 3 adults which provided 3 private bedrooms , and 2 bathrooms. A wood burning stove was an additional heating option, though we only used it a few times since the weather was Spring like through our stay in early June. The Rose Bay store was a convenient country store with a variety of foods to cook, as well as wine and cider to accompany them. There is also a restaurant on site to consider if the drive to Bridgewater,or Lunenberg for larger markets is not on the immediate schedule. We also enjoyed the views, beaches, and museums, just short drives away. There is a fun, brief ferry ride, while sitting comfortably in your own car as well. The house was clean and the pictures were accurate.A great choice to explore the region, just about an hour drive from Halifax!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025

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

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 traveller

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

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

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Rosalie Osmond

Host profile image
My husband and I purchased this cottage thirty years ago when we were living in England. It has been a summer home for us and our family ever since. I have written at least one of my books entirely in the cottage. Now our grandchildren love it as much as our children and ourselves.
We have now retired to a house in Lunenburg, so we rent the cottage when our family are not using it.

Why they chose this property

This property has been perfect for us because of its proximity to a wonderful sand beach, its spectacular ocean views, and its relative isolation. We have added considerably to it--an extra bedroom and a larger second bathroom, which can accommodate a front-loading washer and dryer. The area has become very fashionable since we bought our cottage, and most people buying here now are financiers, or otherwise very wealthy. We were fortunate to get this bit of heaven thirty years ago before it became so desirable.

What makes this property unique

The screened porch for eating is a real bonus. Long evenings spent watching the sea gradually disappear into the darkness, with only the splash of the waves remaining until the moon rises are unforgettable.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests