As of June 30,2017 there will be a new owner of our property, and we will no longer have the cottage rental, but it will continue under the new owner. I didn’t want to lose my Cottage page, but it is no longer relevant, so I’m sharing it as a post, before deleting it at the end of June. I want to thank all guests, neighbours, and friends, for their kindness, friendship, and hospitality, you all will have a special place in my heart. It has been a difficult decision to leave this beautiful and magical place, but we are moving closer to our wonderful children.
The place I will dearly miss.
Are the two of you looking for a unique experience, look no further.
Looking for that holiday vacation rental while you are exploring Halifax and Peggy’s Cove? Do you enjoy out door living, being by the water, taking in nature, the arts, and old European decor? If so, our cottage is for you.
Not only do you have ocean view you are right on the ocean. The cottage has a lovely sunroom where you can prepare your meals and dine, also a great place to sit and read a book, or just look out the windows.
There is a “sky view” tub and shower house conveniently attached to the building. A queen size bed located in the loft gives you a spectacular view of Shad Bay. There is a kitchen area with everything you should need, a livingroom area warmed with a electric fireplace, internet service, and the all important bathroom. There is a large wharf with your own barbecue.
We are right on the water where you can go kayaking and swimming, we have two kayaks and life jackets for your use. We have a fire pit by the water where you can sit around an open fire, roasting wieners and marshallows. There is golfing within walking distance, Granite Springs Golf Club.
It’s a 20 min drive to Halifax, Things to do in Halifax or Peggy’s Cove, you are right in the middle of things.
Three great hikes near by: Polly Cove, High Head, Terence Bay
Shopping, restaurants and all the big box stores 20mins away, an easy drive
Great Day adventures to wonderful beaches, my favorite are Crystal Crescent to hike around and Lawrencetown Beach to watch the surfers, or take a lesson on how to surf.
A wonderful days drive is to check out the small neighbouring towns along the Scenic Lighthouse Rd, to Peggy’s Cove, Hubbards, Chester, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg. Just past Lunenburg check out The Ovens
If you enjoy wineries, Wolfville, has many, and is only an hr and half drive, and while there you can check out the Bay of Fundy.
Try Tidal Bore rafting, it is great fun and it is only an hour away on the Shubenacadie River.
Spend an lovely afternoon kayaking and then have supper with East Coast Outfitters, Terence Bay 20 mins away.
Scenic Water Tours, Nature Cruises, Fishing Trips, Private Charters
Pictures of Donna’s Cottage Rental , which is on a one acre lot, with our home and Donna’s Gallery
SEASONAL COTTAGE (May-October) We have had wonderful guests and here is our GUESTS COMMENTS FROM OUR GUEST BOOK: (last names and addresses left off)
Oct 24-27, 2016 Donna and Gerald. Your place is one of a kind. Thank you for sharing it with your guests. It is the right place to relax and calm. Even I haven’t spend a lot of time here I really enjoyed my stay. I will recommend your place to my friends. Thank you Donna and Gerald for your hospitality. Christine from Germany
Sept 14-17, 2016 Donna – What a wonderful place to spend our South Shore NS days. Your cottage will be the highlight of our trip. The location of your home on this pennisula is nothing less than awesome!! We enjoyed a morning with the kayaks and we had breakfast each day sitting in the sunroom and looking at the calm of the bay. We will certainly recommend your special place to friends and family. Thank you for your hospitality and for thinking of all the little things to make us comfortable. Hope you enjoyed your family visit too! Karen and Dan
Sept 4-10, 2016 Donna- We were visiting Halifax to celebrate our birthdays & are so gald we found your place online! The view is wonderful! What a treat to wake up to! The outside shower was something we’ll remember for a long time! We enjoyed jumping right over to Halifax & our day trips to Lunenburg, Mahone, and Grand Pre. Thanks for your hospitality! Janell and Brian
Sept 2, 2016 Donna. Sorry we didn’t get to say good bye. Jim and I have had a wonderful second visit to your cottage. Thank you for everything! Great place to stay. Gail and Jim
August 6, 2016 Donna. Thank you. It was a pleasure staying here. We’ve enjoyed our visit. Great information and very clean place. Vivian and Francis.
July 30-August 4, 2016 Donna and Gerald, We’ve enjoyed our second visit to Donna’s Cottage. Morning breakfast on the deck was a fine way to start the day. We spent much time, visiting with family here. Also enjoyed a long walk by the sea and a visit to the Trecothic Creek and Windson Railway-a model train you can ride on. Great fun for everyone! Leaving today for Lunenburg for the Harbour Folk Festival. Karen and Michael
July 25-29, 2016 Donna, Thank you so much for letting us stay in this beautiful cottage. We had the best time rafting at the Bay of Fundy and exploring Halifax. Your website was super helpful. This place has the most beautiful view, it felt like paradise. Thanks again, sincerely, Jamie and Corey
July 19-22 OMG OCEAN VEIW! Thanks you so much for opening up your amazing place to travellers. This was a great way to end our east coast trip (PEI/NB) as we were able to check out some new spots and also walk down memory lane (Marnie). We arrived on a stunning day, had a heartififul meal at Shaw’s landing and saw Peggy’s Cove. The book was an amazing and thoughtful resource. What a beautiful sunrise on Thursday morning a 5 am! Many Thanks Marnie and Joanne
July 16-19, 2016 Thank you sincerely for sharing your piece of paradise with us. Your quaint cottage is full of character and oozes tranquility. This was a fantastic spot to lauch from for our East Coast pilgrimage! Cindra & Mike
July 11-15, 2016 Donna & Gerald Thanks so much again for our wonderful stay in your cottage. Enjoyed our fire together. Colin had fun chasing the Geese away from your lawn. We had a Wonderful Honeymoon. Thanks again Colin and Marlene
July 8-11, 2016 Thanks to both of you for sharing your slice of heaven with us! What a perfect way t6o celebrate Paula’s Birthday! We will be back! 🙂 Paula/Marla
June 25, 2016 Thanks for everything. We enjoyed our 4 night stay immensely- from the cozy livingroom area to kayaking at sunrise..:) Thank you for your friendly & welcoming attitude towards us. Holly and Kristin (cousins on a grand Canadian adventure!)
June 13-18, 2016 Thank you for opening up this great cottage for visitors. The weather wasn’t always in our favor (coming from hot 90 to wet 50) but Ric & I were able to make the most of it. Enjoyed kayaking right out the back door and hiking for geocaches just up the road. Peggy’s Cove, Shon Club, Downtown Halifax, Lunenburg, were just a few stop on our to do list. The cottage offered all that we needed for a getaway. Heide & Ric
Jun, 2016 Hi Donna, Thanks for having us. We love the cottage and had a great stay. Everything was lovely and it felt like our little home while we were here. Cheers Adam & Amanda
Jun 6-9, 2016 Thanks for the use of you oh-so-cute cottage. Very well equipped, and a lovely location. We really enjoyed the peaceful nature of this spot, and watching the wildlife from the deck. Joy and Gary
31st May – 4th June 2016 What a fantastic time we have had on our first visit to Nova Scotia. The cottage is home from home, very well equipped and comfortable. We loved the peaceful location, very relaxing. The walks and golf were fab. Thank you Kevan & Susan
5/25-5/29/16 Donna & Gerald, Thank you so much for making my vacation so enjoyable and unforgetable. You truly are special people – so warm and welcoming and I love your beautiful corner of the world. I will contact you about returning sometime – perhaps next summer! Thank you again so much! Aida
May 21- May 25, 2016 We had a lovely time in Nova Scotia. Donna’s Cottage is the perfect starting point for so many day trips! We -hiked in Peggy’s Cove -kayaked to the blue rocks -whale watched in Lunenburg -watched the Bay of Fundy tides in Maitland -visited the animal park in Shuby -ale oysters in downtown Halifax -learned about nautical history at the Maritime museum -climbed the Citadel And we still feel like we missed so much! It’s safe to say we’ll be back soon (we want to ride the tides!!!) and we would want to stay here again. Donna & Gerald were so kind and hospitable; their home felt like ours! Taylor & Ian
May 2-9, 2016 (First of the Season!) Thank you so much for welcoming us into your cottage! It provided us with a perfect oasis for our honeymoon. Thank you for lending us your tackle while Liam tried to fish:) We loved the quiet surroundings, the fully stocked kitchen, beautiful paintings, and the most cozy loft bedroom. We will definitely be back for another visit (hopefully when the fish are biting!) Cheers! Jenelle & Liam
Oct 17,19 2015 The pictures don’t do the cottage justice! What a wonderful place and exactly what we were hoping for. Also the bed is the most comfortable we have slept in for a long time. Bonus! Looking at the stars! What a pleasure and a privilege it has been to stay here. Lucy & Eric
Oct 13-15, 2015 What a beautiful, peaceful cottage you have here. Although we didn’t spend much time here during the day, we made good use of the deck to watch the stars at night and the sunrise in the mornings. We could certainly get used to living by a lake. Thanks for sharing your lovely cottage with us. Sabrina & Tim
Oct 9-12, 2015 Donna & Gerald The little cottage is exactly what Scott & I were looking for in celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Beautifully decorated cozy & comfortable, not to mention convenietly equipped. A secluded get away with all the beauty nature has to offer, a chance to refresh from our hectic city life. A good chance of returning, perhaps with another two Thomsons whom we missed dearly** Ivett & Scott
Oct 8, 2015 Thank you Donna & Gerald for giving us such a comfortable, relaxing and memorable stay at this awesome cottage!! It made our 25th ANNIVERSARY VERY SPECIAL!! All the best!! Tony & Cindy
Oct 5, 2015 Dear Donna, Dear Gerald, Thank you very much for your warm welcome and for your cottage. Although we had very rainy days, the sun finally decide to shine again. We had a great week with trips to Lunenburg, Mahone Bay (funny Scarecrow Festival) and a fantastic day out to Polly’s and Peggy’s Cove. Best Wishes, Andi & Sandra
Sept 26, 2015 Love, love, love this cottage! The deck & view were wonderful to wake up to each morning. Thank you for sharing the kayak’s the cove is beautiful from the water as well. For others who like to hike and explore, McNab’s Island is a full day adventure. And thank you so much Donna for dinner on the night of our late arrival, your leftovers were awesome after a long day of 3 flights and airline snacks. Rob & Leslie
Sept 18, 2015 Donna, This little cottage is a wonderful place for vacation! The paintings are beautiful and certainly add to the decor. We especially enjoyed spending time on the dock. It was a real treat as we don’t have that luxury in Calgary. We had a very relaxing vacation…We shall return again next year! Thank you for everything! Cindy & Peter
Sept 8-12, 2015 Donna & Gerald, We had a great time here on Shad Bay. This was our first time to NS and enjoyed exploring each day. Thanks for having the kayaks available-got a paddle in everyday. Besides being here at the cottage other highlights included going to Hirtle Beach (located below lunnenburg) and hiking out to Gaffe point-a beautiful 21/2 mile hike. Also Heritage Park in Terence Bay was a great close area to explore. Despite the questionable weather we enjoyed our time here greatly. Thanks Keith & Deb
Sept 7, 2015 Donna & Gerald Thank you for creating & sharing this beautifyl peice of paradise. We greatly enjoyed watching the wildlife, both from the cabin and from the kayaks. We’re thoroughly relaxed and look forward to returning some day. Thank you for everything, Deanna & Joel
Sept 3rd, 2015 What a fantastic place you have here. We could not have asked for a better cottage & location. Was the most relaxing vacation Jim & I have ever taken. Also made for a wonderful Anniversary. Thank you so much for your hospitality. James & Gail
Aug 28, 2015 Donna & Gerald, We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your cozy cottage. It made a convenient home base for us to explore this beautiful area. Thank you for sharing your family Bonfire with us our first night. Such a nice time. Your paintings brightened our last two gloomy days of rainy weather, a wonderful display in the cottage! Perfect! Thanks again. Mark & Kim
Aug 17th to 22nd Dear Donna, Your cottage is like a little paradise, cozy, warm and welcoming. We enjoyed kayaking around the islands, the quietness of nights and all what the surrounding area offers to do. We learned a lot about the garbage management with requires almost a PHD..:) In french now….(I’m afraid I will type some letters wrong as I do not understand french, you will have to come and read it in the book:) Thanks a lot Donna. Nicole and Francois
Aug 10-14, 2015 Donna, This place is truly amazing! I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our stay here. The cottage is so adorable, cozy & beautifully decorated. Thanks for letting us use the kayaks, that was an extra special treat. You have such great taste in decor and we loved being surrounded by your wonderful paintings. We hope to be back again some day. Thanks and it was lovely to meet you. Sincerely Mark & Zena
Aug 3-9, 2015 Very much enjoyed our stay at Donna’s Cottage….beautiful location and a charming cottage. Especially liked the many changing views of the water throughout the day and into the evening as the light and winds change. Fun kayaking nearby. Relaxing and peaceful holiday.. Karen and Michael
July 26- Aug 3, 2015 Donna & Gerald What a wonderful place to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. What a great place. You have put so much heart and sole into your home and you welcomed us with BIG “Texas” Welcome disproving the “south” is more friendly. We love Canada and all the beauty and the people and can’t forget the great weather. We will truely miss Canada and our new friends in you both. I can’t wait to get my painting for a wonderful reminder. Come to Texas to see us! In the winter of course. Terri & Gordon
July 8-11, 2015 Donna & Gerald, you have built a wonderful cabin here and we much appreciate what you have done as it has been a fantastic place to stay awhile. We will return! James & Leslie.
July 2015 Donna & Gerald. Thank you for the wonderful stay at your cottage. We had a very relaxing 3 day stay. Enjoyed the tour of your studio & your paintings. See you next year. Marlene & Colin
July 2015 Thank you Donna for the wonderful stay. We really enjoyed ourselves! Helen & Brent
June- July 2015 Donna & Gerald Thank you so much for opening up your cottage & allowing us to enjoy all the beauty of Nova Scotia! It was truly one of the most relaxing few days we’ve had in sometime and can’t thank you enough. We will certainly be back. Renee & Matt
June 21, 2015 Relaxing weekend, loved the kayaking! Beautiful location. Victor & Sue
June 17-19, 2015 Lovely location with comfortable amenities. Very handy for local and Halifax touring. Donna always ready to provide any assistance. Lynn
Sept 23-27, 2014 We had a fabulous time for our honeymoon at Donna’s Cottage. The space is awesome to spend time in with the one you love. Super duper added bonus to the gorgeous scenery is the star gazing! We spent every night on the deck sipping beers, talking & watching for shooting stars…..* What a great start to our marriage. Be Well the Fitznelsons *check out Mabel’s down the road for delicious homemade treats!
Sept 8-14, 2014 It was great we enjoyed the stay; was very nice – because we are in our late seventies, the bed in the loft was a surprise and a challenge – but we did, OK. Thank you Nan & Art
Sept 3-7, 2014 Thank you so much for the warm welcome (and help with our fire). This getaway was exactly what we needed to recharge. Your home on the water is so beautiful! Thank you! James & Cristina
August 30-Sept 3, 2014 Donna & Gerald We had a great stay. Your cottage is so cute. The area is beautiful. Great place to relax. It was a short stay for us, but we enjoyed it very much. We hope to be back. Thank you, Carlos & Lucy
August 9-16, 2014 Our thanks to you, for your kind hospitality! We loved staying in the cottage, we have some great memories to share about the East coast. We loved staying here on our 34th wedding anniversary. Karen & Dave
Aug 5, 2014 Donna, We are so happy that we found your beautiful cabin on the water. It is cozy, welcoming & beyond compare to anywhere we have stayed. We LOVED coming “home” after our daily adventures to Wofsville, Peggy’s Cove, Chester & lastly Lunenburg. We are off to Halifax for the rest of our trip & we will miss this spot. Having access to the kayak’s was a highlight! My boyfriend saw a bald eagle on one kayak outting. Thank you for letting us use them freely. I loved being surrounded by your art. I will be in touch to purchase a piece! Courtney & Chanuncey
August 1, 2014 Donna, Beautiful inside out. Cozy warm and very welcoming. May we cross path again. With grattitude and love. Johanne & John
July 25, 2014 Donna & Gerald, Thank you so much for creating such a lovely retreat it was just what David & I needed. We could be found most days on the dock. Sherry & David
7-10-2014 What a beautiful place you have here! Thanks for everything! Joesph & Amanda
July, 2014 Donna’s cottage” was a very pleasant place to end our ” six-weeks” trip through the east of Canada! Thank you so much! Gertrui & Daniel
July 3, 2014 What a wonderful place. We so enjoyed staying here and will never forget it! Onward! Lucas & Kendra
June 29, 2014 Thanks for your warm & friendly hospitality! We really enjoyed visiting with you and getting to know you a bit. Donna – a special thanks to you for sharing your lovely gallery/cottage. It was a perfect getaway for us! We truly felt privileged that you would share this space with us. You have made it feel so “homey” and comfortable -plus- there is all of your lovely artwork! I have to say that when you graciously showed me all of the artwork in your home as well and talked to me about different pieces I was touched by what I heard in your voice and saw in your face as you explained different pieces of art to me. Thank you for sharing that with me. I won’t forget it. You’ve made our vacation a special one for us – in this lovely art filled cabin that you shared with us. Thank you so much for everything! Stepfanie and Tim
June 16-20 Thank you so much for opening this adorable little cottage up to be used. We felt giddy with excitement as we sat on the dock and enjoyed watching the tide come in and felt the breeze blow softly against our faces. The view is stunningly beautiful! You and your husband were so kind to invite us to share dinner and conversation. Thank you! It was so nice to get to know genuine, honest folks. Thank you also for letting me tag-along on a morning kayak ride. That has been my favorite thing this whole trip. The beautiful paintings are wonderful decoration to enjoy. We wish you every blessing God has to grant and all the success life has to give. We hope to bring some of the kids next time and definitely have dreams to return. Thank you again so very much! Andre & Joanne
June 7, 2014 Thank you for providing us with all the comforts of home and more. We really enjoyed having this quiet, peaceful, beautiful spot to come to after a hectic day of sightseeing. Deb & Geoff
Thank you so much for helping to make our Nova Scotia visit a wonderfully memorable adventure. We will always remember our stay at Donna’s Cottage and hope to maybe one day return to this beautiful place and you lovely folks. Bob & Ali
May 19/14 Donna & Gerald. What an amazing weekend! Such a quaint cottage with an unbeatable view. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our weekend getaway. Thank you for being such warm & welcoming hosts. Your generosity was much appreciated and it was a pleasure getting to know both of you. Cheers, Kathleen & Chris.
Oct 5-12, 2013 Dear Donna & Gerald. What a beautiful spot! The view is stunning, so peaceful. Location, location, location. I don’t think there’s anywhere better than this. We’ve never been to this part of Canada, the scenery is breath taking, the serenity and peacefulness of the bay and the energy of the ocean, all in one town. This has been a relaxing week for us. The cottage is cute, you made it very comfortable, all the conviencies of home. I can’t image all the thought that went into that. You have both been very helpful, very few challenges. All your help is apprieciated. Thank you Rick & Sue.
Sept 22-25 We stayed here for 3 nights during our honeymoon. The view is breath taking! Such a beautiful spot! Thank you so much for having us! You & your husband are very kind, knowledable & accomodating hosts! Donna, your paintings are beautiful, we really enjoyed the chance to see them, one of a kind! We had some great lobster thanks to your recommendations! a perfect slow down before our long drive home!! A truly one of a kind experience! We will return! Mr & Mrs Rose (Alex & Alex)
Sept 1, 2013 You have a great place here. It was a great retreat for us to come back to each day during our working weekend in Nova Scotia. It is very relaxing we took some great pics of the area and your blue heron. If your in Prince Edward Island come see us at The Roadside Gallery & Cafe, when we have to come back to Nova Scotia we’ll call you to come back to our retreat by the Lake. Bill and Cathy
Aug 26-30, 2013 Thank you for letting us stay at your cottage. We thought it was such an efficient use of space and we were taken away by the views of the lake. We appreciate everything, we were having so much fun we decided to stay for another day! Jacquie and Robert
Aug 16-19 Kevin & Christina Had an incredible weekend! Donna and Gerald made us feel absolutely at home, we couldn’t have asked for a better stay and a better introduction to the East coast. Thanks!
Donna & Gerald, Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your wonderful cottage oasis! We had an amazing time and are already planning our next trip! Your place is beautiful, and you were excellent hosts. Thanks for everything. Jordon & Lindsay August 16, 2013
Donna & Gerald what a place you have. It is a gift of God. Thank him! We loved that place at a point we don’t want to leave. But anyways, I plan to come back at a time. Thank you and God Bless you. Louise & John 9 aout 2013
7-20-2013 Words cannot describe how much we loved staying here! You have the prefect spot and are very kind & generous hosts. Thank you so much for everthing. This is the most amazing place! Not only was the location great, but Donna and Gerald are warm, wonderful hosts! We were sorry to leave and hope to be back soon. Peter and Deanne
7-16-2013 Thank you for allowing us to share your slice of heaven! Thank you again for a wonderful stay in your beautiful country. Rene and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Your little cottage is a slice of heaven. We couldn’t have dreamed of better accommodations. You and Gerald are terrific hosts. Please post this to your website. I would highly recommend staying at your cottage. Can’t wait to tell my friends about our trip. Nancy and Rene
Thanks for all of your hospitality. Here is some wine from the Lunenburg winery that we stopped at for everything you have done for us while we were here. It was exactly what we were looking for in our vacation. All of your help with what there was to do in the area was fantastic, if only we had a few more days!! Thanks again Jamie & Michelle
How Donna’s Cottage Rental came about. Three facebook albums showing an old cottage that had to be taken down and rebuilt.
1st Album of Boathouse Saga on Facebook
2nd Album of Boathouse Saga on Facebook
3rd Album of Boathouse Saga on Facebook
Cottage Rental with the new owners is now Bayside Bliss
