C $1,599,000; US +/-$1,139,700; € +/-1,077,200

This property is exempt from Foreign Buyer Ban.

Offering a perfect blend of civilization and nature, Spectacle Island is minutes from the mainland and showcases close to ten acres of private oasis. Over four hundred feet of sandy beach stretches along the western shore, setting the stage for ultimate sunsets. The incredibly rare landscape features a rich thicket of rosehip bushes rising behind the beach, and the two healthy tree-covered shady sheltered forest ends (55 and 75 feet above sea level) forming the lenses of this pair of giant spectacles.

As if the deck was dropped from the sky, the 60X60 platform serves as a raised surface to hold four structures, each with their own purpose. The concept was threefold; delineation from the precious natural environment, a structural deck anchor (36 beefy wood pilons, driven 12 feet into the ground) leaving enough space for a storm surge to pass underneath, and orientation providing island and sea views out windows from any side. The cluster of “fish store” style cabins finished in primary colours (red, blue and yellow) has turned into a destination beacon for sailors as well.

Eight years ago, the cabins were completed with the main building “The Saloon” offering a fully equipped kitchen, large dining area for entertaining, living room with fireplace and a sleeping area. Two additional sleeping cabins, “Bunk House” and “Square House”, both with fireplaces and a storage/amenity cabin has a washroom, outdoor shower, washer and dryer complete the property. There is just under 1400 square feet of living space in total.

Austin based architect couple Lucy Begg and Robert Gay, contractor Gordon McClain, as well as local wharf builder Mike Kelly were able to bring this vision to reality. The cabins are carefully arranged so you can always find a shady place between them. All structures were reenforced with steel, both vertically and horizontally to withstand hurricanes that occasionally make it to Nova Scotia.

Many attributes make this property a truly rare offering; the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets, sea air breezes so no chance of bugs, geographically, the island sits out of the foggy part of the bay, and due to shallow and protected waters on the western shore, the water temperature in the summer can reach a comfy 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the air can get into the high eighties on a sunny day.

The islands ecological health is evident with fields of rose hip bushes, raspberry bushes, chanterelle mushroom patches, tall grasses, and two large areas of grown evergreen and deciduous trees. A rich diversity in bird life is also present including ospreys, terns, and seagulls.

There are many utility attributes worth mentioning, including two dug wells at each end of the island (one currently in use), eight 100 lbs. propane tanks providing fuel for the water heater, washer/dryer, oven, refrigerator, gas fireplaces and barbecue, a silent run generator located behind the utility house is the power source for the lights, espresso machine and recharging all of your devices, and great cell phone reception from the mainland which is strong enough to access the internet for work including video conference online.

The property includes furnishings that have come from a fish shed in Mahone Bay, a Colorado resort in Dunton Hot Springs, and the sellers family’s estate in Austria. A rock ‘wall’ facing the Atlantic has just been reinforced at a cost of $11,000. The cottages are prepared for complete protection during the offseason, with wood shutters bolted to all windows.

If you are wondering whether young visitors will be entertained, the list of ways to explore is long. Sea life abounds as you snorkel. Close proximity to neighbouring islands via kayak (with a picnic) is easy. Swimming is a great way to cool off. Enjoy some of the best sailing on the Eastern Seaboard right at your doorstep. Even rainy days can be magical. Light a fire and watch the rain peppering the windows while listening to the waves crashing ashore.

The location of surrounding islands that provide shelter make Spectacle a safe island. Nearby, the three iconic communities of Mahone Bay, Chester and Lunenburg offer their own set of amenities including yacht clubs, grocery stores, restaurants, theatre, golf, and boat storage. From those communities Halifax and the International airport is around an hours drive.

Owning your private island is a common dream that folks around the world harbor deep down. It may be triggered by the excessive complexity, and all the “noise” we are typically surrounded by, in this busy world that appears to become busier and more intrusive with every digital gadget we purchase. Spectacle definitely matches those qualifiers where less is definitely more. But even more so, Spectacle is also part of a thriving coastal community in one of the most beautiful provinces of Canada.

Reference Number: 473

Address: Spectacle Island, Nova Scotia

MLS: 202414304

PID: 60232980

Directions: Closest access is from Indian Point (with permission), or Lunenburg Yacht Club, Gold River Marina, South Shore Marina, Chester Yacht Club.

Building Dimensions: 20' x 32' + 16' x 16' + 10' x 10'

Building Square Footage: 1,396 Square Feet

Island Size: 430,721 Square Feet, 9.8 Acres

Building Features: 2 bedroom, 1 full bathroom

Water front: 3,702 Feet of Ocean Frontage

Exterior Cladding on Building: Wood siding

Roofing: Metal

Flooring: Softwood

Water Source: Well

Sewage Disposal: Other

Heating: Fireplace and space heater

Fuel Type: Wood. propane

Utilities: Other

Foundation: Piers and wood

Land Features: Not landscaped, wooded/treed

HST: Exempt

Please Contact Listing Broker: Piers Baker- Cellphone Number: 902-980-0522 or Email: piers@tfts.ca