See all properties
Entire home

Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley

Riverside cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley

Beautiful Hydrangia's by the front porch at Potter's cottage
view from living room, toward kitchen & veranda
lovely, functional kitchen with slate floors and cooking equipment
veranda- another view
master bedroom, daybed and ensuite bathroom with tub/shower

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Margaree Fish Hatchery
  • Place, Cabot Links
  • Place, Cabot Cliffs Golf Course

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley

This country cottage is located in the heart of Cape Breton's Margaree Valley, which is well-known for its lush beauty, its proximity to the Cabot Trail and the top-notch salmon fishing in the Margaree River. Located beside the Nile brook, this is the childhood home of renowned potter Bell Fraser, who for years had an established gallery in a barn on this property, and who now lives nearby on the coast in Chimney Corner.

The grounds are lovely and the trees put on a colourful show in fall. This home was built in the 1950’s, but has seen many improvements over the years; there's a renovated bathroom, hardwood floors, a fully equipped kitchen (with tile backsplashes executed by the potter). There are also a deck for BBQ’s, a living room, dining room, and a screened veranda, which is perfect on a summer night.

There’s salmon and trout fishing, and excellent craft galleries nearby. We offer satellite TV, premium Fibre-op Wi-Fi and more, so you can unwind after a day on the Trail, the beach or any other day trips. There is a Master bedroom on the main floor with a Queen bed and direct access to the adjoining bathroom. There are two other bedrooms upstairs; one with a Queen bed and AC, and a second with a double and single bed. There is also a good spin-washer and dryer.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area. The world-famous Cabot Trail is only 2 minutes away and offers some of the best scenery in Canada. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with trails, lookoffs and waterfalls, is only 50 minutes away. In addition to Chimney Corner beach (30 minutes away), there are other great beaches to check out nearby: Whale Cove (25 minutes away) at which you can explore a fabulous bluff by the sea, with great views north and south, Margaree Harbour (20 minutes away), with its beach and two lighthouses, the Broad Cove area, which offers a spectacular scenic drive, and a great beach.

Southwest of us are the gorgeous rolling hills of Mabou, the town of Inverness, which offer music, pubs and food; the acclaimed new Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses by the sea (which are only 20 minutes away), and offer a unique golfing experience in Inverness. There are also renowned crafters in the area; interesting quilting, rug hooking, and folk-art can all be found locally.


Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Exterior
Stunning Cottage and Ocean Views 3 min. to Beach, near Cabot Trail & Park
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space
10.0 out of 10, (87 reviews)
Stunning Cottage and Ocean Views 3 min. to Beach, near Cabot Trail & Park

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We do REFUNDS. -outside 60 days before arrival you forfeit 50% of the total; Within 60 days, 100% of total.

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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number STR2425B6905

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Margaree Valley

Located in Margaree Valley, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Margaree Brook Nature Reserve and Chimney Corner Nature Reserve, while Margaree Salmon Museum and Inverness County Centre for the Arts are cultural highlights. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in Margaree ValleyOpens in a new window
Map
Margaree Valley, NS

What's nearby

  • Margaree Fish Hatchery - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Margaree Salmon Museum - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Lake O'Law Picnic Park - 12 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Cabot Links - 46 min drive - 49.2 km
  • Cabot Cliffs Golf Course - 49 min drive - 46.3 km

Getting around

  • Sydney, NS (YQY) - 107 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Dancing Goat - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Big Intervale Fishing Lodge - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Normaway Inn & Cabins - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Potter's Cottage in Lovely Margaree Valley located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Margaree Salmon Museum and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Margaree Fish Hatchery. Doyles Bridge Pool and Lake O'Law Picnic Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 117 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at Potter’s Cottage. It’s a great base from which to explore the beaches, trails, and towns in the area.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

leigh t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful retreat! My sister and I loved this warm, cozy, artistic home. The kitchen backsplash tiles were amazing! We loved having these attractions very nearby: music at the Barn-Normaway Inn, Margaret Harbor Beach, The Dancing Goat cafe and bakery, the Salmon Museum, and two Macs for locally made gifts!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Camille J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at Potter’s Cottage. We felt right at home with the charming and "lived in" decor. Beds were comfortable, there were plenty of towels, lots of space for our clothes in the rooms, and the kitchen was well equipped. We definitely recommend this place for its nostalgic vibes and peaceful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Avra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This charming house has a few quirks due to age and design but the location is close to groceries, cafés, an art gallery, the Cabot Trail and activities. Music fans will be a short drive from the Normaway Inn and the Barn. A great base if you are most interested in exploring.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rita G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All good but could use a new mattress in the 1st floor bedroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy N.

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

Perfect place from which to enjoy the Margaree Valley

We’ll -equipped and lots of nice art on the he walls. We enjoyed our meals in the sun room.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

karen s.

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

Celtic Experience

Really enjoyed our stay. Great place to get away from everything!!!!! Loveld the beauty of Cape Breton with fall colors and fantastic music. Loved Celtic Colours Festival!!!!!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sara D.

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

Beautiful discovery

Cozy and charming cottage, perfect for our first family vacation in the region! We had plenty of space to hang out, were able to prepare meals with ease and were well situated to explore cities and beaches near by! Most beds were very comfortable. Rustic charm at it’s best!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Pierre M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Too expensive for what the place offers. It's very old, but functional. However, there is no water when the electricity is out, which was the case. A century-old house with equipment from the 80s. Also, we had to ask for smoke detectors to be installed. This was done the day after our arrival. Furthermore, some interior doors are locked from the outside, which scared my daughter! In short, too expensive, yes too expensive, for a clean place, but only adequate.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rich S., Bethlehem,PA USA

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

Peaceful vacation

Great location along the Cabot Trail. Nice home in a quiet setting. The bridge is out on the main road coming in and the detour is a very rough road. Breakfast at the Dancing Goat is a must. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin Y.

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

Very Enjoyable Stay in Cape Breton

The cottage was very peaceful and quiet, containing everything we needed. While not closely situated to the main attractions we were interested in, we thoroughly enjoyed our daily drives to the hiking trails and beaches. We would recommend this to others looking for a home base in which to explore the beautiful region of Cape Breton.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill L.

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

Margareee Vallry - p

The hosts were excellent, helpful and informative. This quaint and quiet cottage was perfect
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terrie G.

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

A beautiful location, charming home

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this charming, spacious home in the country. A beautiful property and well equipped home. We only wish there was a table and chairs outside so we hade a place to sit in the yard-but the house is very comfortable and the screened in porch was nice for breakfast. The owners were lovely and responsive!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

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

Potters Cottage

Lovely cottage. We cooked our own meals everyday we stayed there. They have everything you need and the grocery store is only about a 15 minute drive if you need anything. It’s a bit of driving to get to the beaches, but there are 4 beautiful beaches within 20-30 min of the cottage. So for the price they charge it is well worth it. And if you are a fly fisherman, well you can just walk right over to the river. We would stay here again for sure. Thanks so much for letting us stay at your cottage.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

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

relaxing stay in Cape Breton

we enjoyed a very relaxing stay in Margaree Valley at Stewart's place. it's well situated for visiting the Park, roughly an hour from the Skyline Trail, and also close to beautiful beaches (Whale Cove was a highlight), local establishments (The Normaway Inn, Old Miller Trout Farm), and other nearby towns of note (Inverness and Mabou). being there during a bit of a warm spell, it was helpful to have an A/C unit in one of the bedrooms. the 1 bathroom is located downstairs, so the bedrooms upstairs didn't have immediate access, but that was easy to accommodate. the kitchen is a bit rustic but had everything we needed--we really appreciated pantry essentials being available. Stewart shared lots of good suggestions for things to do/see/eat, and we were happy to have Bell stop by for a brief hello.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rob F., Halifax, Canada

Wonderful!

We spent a week at the Potter's Cottage in July 2009 and had a great time. It is very spacious, airy, with lots of light and good feeling all around. The property is well maintained and the interior is very clean, with nice beds, kitchen, TV, DVD, etc. Pretty well everything you need for a fine vacation is right here, or within a short drive, inclduing food stores and restaurants. A wee bit further away there are some cool beaches. Stewart and Bell were very warm and receptive. We were first timers to Cape Breton and the Margaree region was a real treat. I highly recommend this Cottage for families or couples.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Irmela F.

A wonderful week in a beautiful house

We came from the rough east coast of Cape Breton and arrived in Margaree Valley seaking for a similar pleasent home that we had just left. Potter`s Cottage was the perfect place to be for our little family: a beautiful house with very much space to be, a perfect kitchen and a dining room very similar to a winter garden. After a day it was just like coming home for us. Margaree Valley is not too far away from the sandy beaches of the west coast of Cape Breton and the nice little villages like Inverness and Cheticamp. In case of another holiday in that canadian region Potters Cottage would be again our favorite "home away".

6/10 Okay

Sara K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Good place to disconnect

If you're looking to be off the grid for a few days then this is the place to do it. There is no cell coverage at the cottage, but there is Wi-Fi with an okay connection, so you're forced to go outdoors and explore the nature which is the point of visiting Cape Breton. This location is not the closest location to the Highlands as you need to drive at least 40 minutes to the nearest trail just above Cheticamp. But, it's a good home base if you're exploring the rest of Cape Breton. You are looking at a minimum 40 minute drive in any direction, so if you're after exploring the Highlands, you'd want to stay in Cheticamp or Ingonish as majority of the trails are in the North-West part of the Highlands. If you're staying here, make sure to visit the Uisge Ban Falls that are nearby. (45 minute drive still but that's because of the road) Overall, this rustic-looking cottage provides all the basic amenities and it provides a decent home-base to anyone looking to explore Cape Breton and its nature. We did feel it's a bit pricey for the type of accommodation the cottage provides.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Geoff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location when you come to fish the Margaree River or for an overnight stay when touring. Building and grounds are good for children with lots of space and set back from the road. If you don’t cook you need to drive 25 minutes or so to go for evening meal.My only critique of the cottage would be that in my opinion the beds need eventual upgrading.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Barry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house in a quiet peaceful area near the river. The only negative is the distance to find a restaurant.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage, very secluded and quiet area. Ample room to accommodate everyone in the house. Nice layout of the place and great selection of amenities!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A charming, cozy cottage that provided both a great base for exploring Cape Breton and a comfortable place to relax in the evening with my daughter and her college friends. Highly recommended :-)
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd & Adele A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very well maintained and spacious. A great to call home for a few days. We would definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

S D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious home for 4 adult sisters; all had own sleep space; kitchen well equipped for meal prep; enjoyed option to take meals at table in covered porch. Stewart very responsive to any queries. Check in/check out simple and convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammy C.

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

Beautiful property in Margaree Valley

My husband, our 13 year old daughter and I used the cabin da our home base to visit Cape Brenton and the Cabot Trail. With some longer days driving and sight seeing the Potter’s Cottage was a cozy space to return to. The property is gorgeous, with a creek nearby and the home was well maintained and equipped for our family. It was a good start to our time in NS.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by stewart applegath

Host profile image
Bell's father built this cottage in the 1950's for his growing family. Bell eventually took the property after her mother and father passed away. By that time, we had already built a house in Chimney Corner, on the coast. We still use the barn on the property during the summers to operate a gallery for our work, Cape Breton Clay, but the barn is far enough from the house to still afford complete privacy.

Why they chose this property

This cottage is only two minutes from the Cabot Trail, and in one of the most beautiful, pastoral spots on Cape Beton. There are big lawns, lots of flower beds, trees, and a babbling brook which runs beside the property. The cottage is set back quite far from the road, with lots of privacy and greenery, and there is a generous driveway. You will also be close to a number of excellent eateries- good for brunches or excellent dinners. (The iconic Dancing Goat Bistro is 2 minutes away; it has gained a reputation Island-wide as the 'go-to' eatery, serving fresh, delicious breakfasts and lunches, along with all kinds of coffees, pastries and other fresh-baked goods). You're also a stone's throw from one of Canada's finest heritage rivers, the Margaree River, renowned world-wide for its salmon and trout fishing.

What makes this property unique

There is no shortage of things to do in the area. It's twenty minutes to the coast and three lovely beaches: Chimney Corner, Whale Cove and Margaree Harbour beaches are all spectacular! Chimney Corner is great for kids, with a gradual drop-off in the water; Whale Cove (5 minutes away) at which you can explore a fabulous bluff by the sea, with great views north and south, Margaree Harbour (7 minutes away), with its beach and two lighthouses. The Broad Cove area offers a spectacular scenic drive, a great beach and a buffalo ranch. Cheticamp, about 20 minutes away, offers glimpses into Acadian culture. Only minutes from Cheticamp is Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with trails, lookoffs and waterfalls. There are the gorgeous rolling hills of Mabou, and the town of Inverness, which offers music, pubs and food; the acclaimed new Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Cliffs golf courses by the sea (respectively #43 and #9 in the world, according to Golf Digest), which are only 20 minutes away and offer a unique golfing experience in Inverness. There are also renowned crafters in the area; interesting pottery, quilting, rug hooking, and folk art to be found locally.

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback