For those in the know, Cape Breton has long been a haven for renowned artists seeking inspiration and refuge among the unspoiled natural beauty.

When New York city based painter and art professor John Beardman discovered this small island, it became a canvas for his life and art.    

Designed by architect Kip Serota of Minoru Yamasaki & Associates, the home was crafted in the classic New England style while also observing the principles of Feng Shui - in bilateral symmetry, with one half facing the mountains and the other half facing the sea.  

Built mostly by Beardman himself with the help of local workers, he collaborated with Serota on his drawings to complete it in 1990, using it as his summer retreat and studio until 2016. Letting the weather and seasons influence his work, visitors can now admire several canvases that remain in the house. 

Renovated under new ownership, this vacation home rental in Nova Scotia is a unique and storied place, that showcases the beauty of Cape Breton.

Perched atop its seafront bluff on the picturesque Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, this vacation home rental in Nova Scotia faces the Atlantic surrounded by forests and gardens of wildflowers. Set within five acres, the property is ensconced in privacy.

The first floor is a bright, open-plan layout with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cozy living room. Upstairs are three bedrooms, two of which share a large balcony with spectacular views of the ocean and beautiful sunsets. 

There are stairs down to your own private beach and adjacent trails and striking scenery to explore directly from the house.

NOVA SCOTIA'S MOST FAMOUS ISLAND 

Located at the eastern end of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island lies between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The famous Cabot Trail roadway encircles the island, passing through rugged coastline and forests and along the edges of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, taking you through spectacularly beautiful scenery. A breeding ground for migratory whales, the area is also home to a diverse and abundant array of wildlife. 

The house is located along the beautiful Celtic Shores and Ceilidh Coastal Trails section that leads from the Canso Causeway to Inverness, with it’s world-renowned golf course, great pubs, cafés and local music.

The small seaside community of Port Hood is a twenty minute drive and features miles of sandy beaches and some of the warmest waters in eastern Canada. It's host to the annual Chestico Days and Lobster Picnic festivals. 

With its mix of Celtic, Acadian and First Nations cultures, the island has a rich history and unique traditions with various music and cultural festivals throughout the year. 

LOCATION

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Nearest Airport: Halifax International Airport (253km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late Spring through Fall with the best weather during the summer months and spectacular Fall colors visible from late September to later October.