Located just off Highway 7, on a quiet road, on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, this exquisite ca 6687 sq ft home is an entertainer's dream comes true. Although it looks modest on the frontside, inside this home gives you an exhilarating sense of space that is rare to find - especially in a B&B. The vaulted ceilings, cathedral windows, and the expansive, unobstructed views of Porter's Lake are absolutely awesome and breathtaking.
Set on ca 1.5 acres of land with ca 300 feet of Lake Frontage, this majestic home has 7 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a boat ramp and a fully powered wharf (26 foot max. capacity). Private and peaceful, this haven of a home is idealfor summer beach parties and quiet and cosy starry winter nights.
Pour a glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular sunsets from your huge main floor balcony. Sip a cup of tea on your step out master suite terrace and listen to the babbling brook that rushes through the property. These are the kinds of moments that have made A1 B&B a 4.5 star rated resort - imagine living here 365 days a year...!
The location, the beauty and grandeur of the home, and the nautical lifestyle has drawn a steady stream of local and European guests. Porter's Lake is one of the most popular lakes for recreational boating in the region; so A-1 could grow their service offerings to target boaters. With the 3-slip wharf, why not charge parking and berthing fees; and, if you would expand the parameters of your business license to include meals other than breakfast, A-1 could also be a place for boaters to have a casual lunch, a BBQ, and/or some sun on A-1's beach.
Perhaps you might get a full restaurant licence and capitalize on your waterfront location. There is only one other B&B in the area that has an adjoining restaurant; and with the residential growth in the area expected to increase, this could be an excellent venture to have. The property is approved for entrepreneurial use even though it is zoned residential.
Special retreat weekends for women or for training workshops and meetings could even be developed. The use of the lakefront area for weddings could also be explored not only because it can accommodate up to ca 250 guests, but because there are very few locations in the region where you can have both a wedding and a reception outdoors.
Property Description
This immaculate home with its large hallways, spacious feel, full downstairs bar, multiple balconies, lake frontage, and wharf with electrical hook-ups, is definitely a recipe for a Lifestyle Home. Whatever the season, whether you wish to keep it as a B&B or have it as your principal residence, this is a home that invites relaxation and celebration.
Main Floor
The main floor is quite simply dramatic. The grand double-door entrance showcases the expansive view to Porter's Lake. The three sided gas fireplace allows for the fire's warm glow to be clearly seen from the living, great room and dining areas. Natural light streaming through the bay window, a hot cup of coffee and the morning paper in front of you - happy, heavy sighs are quite common at this home! The kitchen will give you plenty of working space on its ocean-blue countertops with centre island, lake-view window over the sink, dry storage pantry, dishwasher, double fridge, propane cook top stove, and a wall oven - all you need to fire-up your inner culinary genius!
Whether you maintain the home as a B&B or you use for yourself and your family, the layout allows for maximum privacy. What is particularly appealing is the intuitive flow the space which is accentuated by the extra wide hallways. There are two generously sized bedrooms, with two full and one half baths on the main floor perfect for your live-in in-laws, and ideal for those with mobility issues.
The paint colours throughout the house are bright, neutral and in move-in condition; and, the hardwood floors are birch select which means that they will retain their new look and patina for many years. The combination of a heat pump system with three working gas fireplaces ensures that you have steady, even heat or cooling in every room of the house no matter what the weather.
Second Floor
Finely-crafted ceilings made with imported cedar panelling create a grand chalet-style feel to the space while giving the second floor a light-infused open hallway. The tightly set wooden spindles on the hall railing are in keeping with the rustic look, while providing added safety for residents of any age.
This resort-style home offers you a massive master bedroom (honeymoon suite) with a solid oak mantled gas fireplace, and luxurious ensuite with a whirlpool jet tub, bidet, and stand-up shower. Wake up in this light infused room and hear the gentle movement of water, whether it is lake water lapping at the shoreline, or the babbling brook rushing through a shallow rock crevice that borders the property. Step out onto your own private balcony and breathe in the pure morning air - you will live in A-1 luxury in this waterfront home.
Lower Level
The centrepiece of the lower level is the full-sized, solid cedar, professional bar enclosure. Fridays will certainly find your friends knocking at your door to hang out in this huge, lake view space that could also be rented out for parties, and special events for additional revenue generation. Or maybe you could create your own yoga studio - and run the business from the adjoining office. Having a separate entrance allows your clients private access to the studio.
Grounds
The grounds are relatively low maintenance being mainly well-groomed grass, with mature evergreen and deciduous trees at its borders. Retaining walls of natural stones line the water's edge, and keep water away from the main property to shore it up against erosion. BBQ-ready and waiting for memories to be made - they could be yours...
The distinct advantages of A-1's location:
• One of few B&B's in the area: and one of the only ones with a 4.5 star rating
• Lakefront property with boat access to wharf
• Nearby restaurants: Salmon River House, The Bear Den Café, Tin Roof Mercantile & Café, German Lunch Box
• Close to major area attractions such as surfing beaches, golf courses, museums, and hiking trails
Emerging markets
European Travel Market - European economies are generally strong; and, with the population aging, retirees and empty nesters are eager to spend their money on unique travel experiences. There is a preference for vacations that involve nature: hiking, cycling, walking, and whale watching, as well as locations where there are fewer crowds. A-1 Lakeview being located in an area rich in natural splendour and wildlife, would be appealing to this market; especially with its peaceful and private waterfront location.
Getaway Travel - almost 40% of travellers go on more day and weekend trips than five years ago. With the areas secluded beaches, and romantic seaside villages; and, with the numerous fishing lakes and the nearby golf courses, the Eastern Shore is certainly one of Nova Scotia's best kept secrets for a weekend getaway...
Women only - increased about 230% over the past six years; in fact 75% of those taking nature, adventure or cultural trips are women. Don't rule out surfing -as an increasing number of women are taking up the sport; and, surfing as adventure travel has also increased. A-1 Lakeview is located in a region known for its great surfing.
Family & Grandparent/Grandchild Travel Market - It is predicted that family travel will continue to grow at a faster rate than all other forms of leisure travel; in fact, approximately 34% of adults in the US travelled to a family reunion in the past three years. The prevalence of two income families, coupled with the aging of the baby boomer population, has made Family & Grandparent/Grandchild travel among the top travel trends. A-1's spacious rooms, safe and quiet location, and with its private swimming lake, beach and wharf make it a good choice for this demographic.
Motorcycle Touring - aging baby boomers are indulging in their interest in motorcycling and treating themselves to the bike of their dreams. Nova Scotia is increasingly being recognized as a quality motorcycle-touring destination; and, Eastern Shore's Oceanside highway is certainly a popular route.
Lifestyle
Porter's Lake with 3200 residents has become one of the fastest growing communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality, is only ca 4 km from A-1 B&B. Porter's Lake is one of the largest lakes in the province and provides numerous access points for boating, swimming, fishing, and every other water sport and activity you desire.
Do all your shopping as well as other essential appointments only minutes from your lakeside home. Porter's Lake has a Superstore, service station, pub, spa, hardware store, post office, other food outlets, professional services, veterinary hospital, community centre, and dental and medical clinics. You can have it all - a resort-style waterfront home in the countryside just ca 30 minutes from the city and from Halifax International Airport, and just ca 25 minutes to Dartmouth Crossing - one of the largest shopping areas in Nova Scotia.
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