Details

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Description

This property consists of thee parcels of land totaling 181 acres, with an old farmhouse and livestock barn. It is in the rural community of Estmere, located on Cape Breton Island. The property has been family-owned dating back to the original government land grant in the 1800’s. Both the house and barn were constructed using heavy, hand-hewed timbers that was the common practice at the time and have been well maintained over the years. The house is a two-story built on a stone foundation, with elevated southwest water views. The exterior is covered in vinyl siding and the roof is asphalt shingles. Windows are vinyl as well. There is a total of 1,575 sq. ft. of living space. The upstairs has three bedrooms and a bathroom. The downstairs has a fourth bedroom, a half bath, a country kitchen, living room, dining room, as well as storage rooms and a very large porch entry. With its solid wood frame construction, it could easily be modified to allow for a more open concept if desired. A forced air oil furnace provides heating, with water from the Victoria County water system. The location is ideally suited for a solar/wind green energy source. Besides a telephone landline, the property has good cell coverage. Internet and television service is available through Bell Canada or via a regional satellite provider. The province has targeted to have fiberoptic service available in 2023. The barn is in good shape, measuring 26 feet by 61 feet and consists of livestock stalls, hay scaffolds and mows. It has a sheet metal roof. With the existing house and barn and 25 acres of cleared hayfield/pastureland, one could immediately start operating a small hobby farm. The remaining 150+ acres would allow for further growth. The land is all completely organic. Instead of chemical fertilizers, a combination of plowing and manure spreading maintained the nutritional value of the soil. The most southerly portion of the property offers approximately 700 feet of waterfrontage on a large, sheltered cove with access to the Bras d’or Lake. Estmere is located on the Bras d’or Lake, which in 2011 was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While it is often referred to as Canada’s largest in-land sea, it is in fact a salt/freshwater estuary that empties into the Atlantic. The area is culturally diverse, being the home of the Mi’kmaw First Nation and the decedents of early Scottish, French and English settlers. Each community proudly cherishes their ancestral heritage. Fish and wildlife protection is a key priority. Bald eagles are plentiful in the area, with protected nesting sites, Cape Breton is known for the natural beauty of its landscape and its rich cultural history. Sydney, is the commercial center of the Island and is located about an hour drive from Estmere. It is a major stop for the cruise industry, accommodating the largest of the cruse liners. Tour buses branch out to the many historical sites, such as the Fortress of Louisburg, the Scottish Highland Village in Iona, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, the Mi’kmaw cultural site in Eskasoni, and of course, the stunning Cape Breton Highlands with its world-famous Cabot Trail. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Cape Breton is ideal for you. The Lake is famous for its water sports, in particular swimming, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail system, with water routes spreading throughout the Lake. Being surrounded by the Atlantic means there are many local beaches for swimming or simply walking. Hiking is also a common activity with many trails, particularly in the Cape Breton Highlands. In the winter nordic skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities since there is always an abundance of snow in the Highlands, with extensive trail systems. There are even two alpine ski hills. Year-round recreational fishing is also very popular. Cape Breton is a golfer’s paradise, with seven 18-hole courses, including three that are rated amongst the best in Canada. There are also an additional seven 9-hole courses. Most provide memberships that are a fraction of what you pay in many areas of Canada. The Rankin School of the Narrows is a relatively new Primary through Grade 12 school located in the neighboring community of Iona, with provided school bus service. Cape Breton University located in Sydney provides undergraduate and graduate programs as well as diploma, certificate, and on-line learning. Many in the area use the family doctors located in Baddeck. Doctors are also in the Sydney area and in the nearby town of Port Hawkesbury. The major hospital is in Sydney, with smaller hospitals located in Baddeck, Inverness and Port Hawkesbury. The closest food stores and gas stations are in the nearby communities of Whycocomaugh and Baddeck. Larger “big-box” stores are found in Sydney and Port Hawkesbury. The County also has a non-profit transit system that provides a low-cost bus service. Residents can schedule a home pick-up/return trip