One of the principle reasons my wife and I founded Cape Breton Estates.com Inc. was in order to provide both sellers and prospective buyers the opportunity of a far wider photographic experience on the internet, as well as a more detailed descriptive effort in print. As many will agree, Cape Breton is comprised of some truly remarkable scenery and a breadth of landscape that challenges the imagination to accept as being a part of the same smallish, roughly 100 mile by 200 mile island, at the north end of Nova Scotia. But National Geographic Magazine and other recognized travel professionals agree, ranking Cape Breton very highly as an extraordinary destination.
In that special context, this property is for a very special person. One for whom beauty, comfort and privacy is paramount. And for whom being remote, yet accessible by normal vehicle, accepting distance as an advantage and a privacy enhancing value, is desirable. The dwelling, on a ridge top about 370 feet above the ocean below, fits that description perfectly. Unique is one adjective, aerial is another, beautiful and even majestic can also be included, although the reality strikes subjectively. The accompanying photos are a poor two dimensional effort to illustrate a reality that is simply extraordinary.
Reached by a steepish drive that was blasted out of the rock face, once on top, the woodsy environs, dry rock walls, pleasing use of substantial hard maples amongst the crushed rock court yard and turn-around, lead invitingly to a multi-level board and baton weathered home that simply belongs there. Three sides of the building have decks that are above the trees, and provide breathtaking vistas of mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, soaring cliffs, long stretches of sandy beaches, and total absolute privacy - forever.
The guest house is actually part of the quadrangle court yard, doubling as an indoor firewood storage, with a work area, and a separate entrance to the complete guest quarters. There is a kitchen as well as living room in a tasteful milieu. A private potentially screened deck perches at the top of the drop-off and has its own gorgeous views.
The main house, snugly constructed on top of the living rock with concrete posts let into the outcrop, is designed to provide a comfortable setting in every area of the building. The ground floor entrance (one of two) is directly into a separate air-conditioned office, overlooking the court yard and driveway entrance. An adjoining complete bathroom and adjacent separate bedroom make this a very pleasant possible maid's or in-law's quarters. The stairs leading up to the main living area open onto the landing that is also the main entrance hall. Large living room and fireplace, library with wood stove, and Master bedroom all have magnificent views of ocean, beaches, mountains and soaring cliffs.
A functional kitchen adjoins another living area which opens on one of several decks, and a partially separate dining room. Another wood-burning stove provides plenty of warmth for colder days. The building faces east, over a patch of bald rock, lending its description to the name of the property - Bald Rock. Blueberries thrive in the small area below the ocean facing front deck, before firs take over, precipitously dropping to the roadway far below and out of sight.
Given the chaotic and unpredictable nature of global politics, economic and social conditions, and the relative scarcity of quiet areas far from prospective destabilized locations, this unique property combines a wide variety of features, any one or two of which make this a remarkable place.
