Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Explore the area
Riverport, NS
Hirtle's Beach
Place, Hirtle's Beach
7 min drive
Ovens Natural Park
Place, Ovens Natural Park
18 min drive
Bluenose II
Place, Bluenose II
22 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.
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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
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/biking trails.
St John's Anglican Church - 22 min drive - 23.9 km
Restaurants
LaHave Bakery - 23 min drive
Rose Bay General Store - 9 min drive
Becca's Bayport Pub - 11 min drive
Ol' Miner Diner - 17 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea on 9 May 2026 start from NZ$233, 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 Writer's Retreat: Privacy within sight and sound of the sea?
On-site parking is available at the 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.
A wonderful getaway location located above one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. The tree framed view of Gaff Point and West Ironbound Island was gorgeous and churn of the waves were a constant companion in a soundscape devoid of urban noise. The property is an authentic cabin, warm and welcoming, with everything we needed for our stay. Rosalie was a great host, responsive and helpful.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steve M.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 October 2021
Thank you so very much Steve. It was a pleasure to have you.
Rosalie
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Cheryl S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2021
Thank you very much, Cheryl.
About the host
Hosted by Rosalie Osmond
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