We really loved the cottage; here is a brief review:
- Stunning and exceeded expectations -- incredible location on the water, private, thoughtful design and fully equipped kitchen +
- Extremely respectful owner, no stone left unturned. Property was immaculate
- Personalized visit and walk through with Stewart was a really nice extra touch to know the key spots to see
- Home away from home
Here are some notes regarding our cycling in Cape Breton:
- Beautiful open roads, challenging terrain — Cape Breton trail and the park has some epic climbs
- While there is limited shoulder, there isn’t too much traffic and drivers are respectful of cyclists (single file is always best if riding in groups)
- Terrain is challenging in parts — hilly and was windy on some days
- Routes have spots to stop for coffee / refreshments / washrooms
- Suited for experienced/seasoned cyclists who are comfortable riding on their own / self supported
- (What’s nice for us from Toronto is that there are NO stops / traffic lights)
We hope to have the opportunity to return!" Rebecca N. 2023
"At the end of a winding wooded path on the edge of a cliff overlooking the impossibly beautiful Gulf of St. Lawrence you will find the cottage. Adorable but unassuming. Cozy and very comfortably furnished. An amazing space in a very special place." Fredrick R. 2022
"My wife and I spent a wonderful week at TumbleSea in early September 2022. We were sad to leave this cozy, warm, comfortable, well-equipped cottage that has to have one of the best views on Cape Breton and is in a great convenient location minutes from a lovely beach. Stepping out on the expansive deck upon arrival and throughout our stay was a joyful experience with stunning views, spectacular sunsets and seal and porpoise sightings. The kitchen is well furnished and has everything you need, bath towels are soft, bed is comfortable, lots of good books to read and browse through. Stewart (owner/host) left us a warm welcoming note and spent almost an hour with us in person providing an orientation to the cottage and reliable recommendations to local restaurants, suggestions for great hiking trails on the island, and music venues for the beautiful Celtic music that any visitor must seek out. He is a very nice man who takes pride in his cottage and Cape Breton. Overall, our stay was a wonderful experience and Cape Breton is a gorgeous Island. We would come back to TumbleSea in a heartbeat. It was one of our best getaways ever and even with all the previous positive reviews it was far beyond expectations." Timothy and Randy G. 2022
"We had an amazing two weeks at Chimney Corner. The cottage is cozy, clean and well-equipped. It has a quaint yet modern feel to it, and is isolated and quiet, which was exactly what we were looking for. The silence was beautiful. The expansive deck provides lots of space to relax, read and take in the view. And the view…well, simply spectacular. Perched on a cliff, the cottage looks out onto beautiful ocean as far as the eye can see. The sunsets were a nightly extravaganza. With the windows open at night, you could hear the waves crashing below, which lulled us to sleep. The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for swimming (the nearby sandy beach is gorgeous), hiking, running, and sightseeing (the Cabot trail is a five minute drive away — it’s everything it’s cracked up to be). Our drive to White Point was breathtaking, rivalling a similar drive we took in Corsica some years ago. And finally, Stewart was a gracious and helpful host, always there for us but not overbearing. In short, it was one of the best vacations of our lives. Cape Breton is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, and Chimney Corner is a treasure. We will be back!" Isabelle D. 2022
"My husband and I traveled to CB for our honeymoon in August. This was the PERFECT rental: private, well-appointed, and stunningly beautiful. I cannot recommend this property enough! We will be returning for sure." Stephanie T. 2022
"After my retirement I spent two weeks at the cottage in late May / early June to unwind, slow down, and clear my head a bit. What a beautiful experience! The TumbleSea cottage is a wonderful place to take in the ocean breeze, see amazing sunsets (and sunrises too), and I don't think I've ever seen the stars so bright. Stewart, the host, took the time to fill me in on places to go and see on Cape Breton, and his suggestions, especially for off-the beaten-path ideas, really helped make it a memorable experience. Thanks to Stewart & Bell for an awesome stay at their beautiful cottage by the sea!!" Dan P. 2022
"TumbleSea Cottage in Chimney Corner, Nova Scotia is a clean, comfortable, inviting cottage with a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The cottage is cozy and a bit romantic, with it's private setting just steps from the sea and the accompanying sounds of ocean waves crashing below. Over coffee on the deck our first morning in the cottage we were greeted by an Eagle that happened to be flying along the coastline. Each day featured a new adventure somewhere in Cape Breton, but we always made it back to our lovely cottage in time to witness the stunning sunsets. We can't wait to return to TumbleSea again." Steve C. 2021
"The property is lovely and the surroundings are stunning. The place was clean and well appointed. Take heed of the "must see" tips that host Stewart presents. We arrived several days late and had we not listened to Stewart we would have missed some great sites in favor of more touristy attractions. The national park, not far away, is absolutely stunning. We plan to come back when we can stay the whole week and take it all in properly!" Sharon S. 2021
"My family and I spent an unforgettable week at this fantastic cottage at Cape Breton's Ocean Coast. As you can tell from the photos, the view is simply spectacular. But what even the photos can't capture is how this place perfectly encapsulates the dramatic beauty of Cape Breton Island. Whether during a peaceful day when the boundless ocean sparkles gently under the sun, or during an Atlantic Storm when the water tumbles and crashes with the wind -- you look out the window, and the sea is right there, with all its sweeping fragrance and engulfing majesty, and all your worldly worries are washed away. Even more incredible than the cottage itself, is Stewart as a host. He takes time to meet with every single one of his guests, giving them all his detailed knowledge of the best and most unique gems that the island has to offer. His guest guidebook is an enchiridion of all the essences of the island. In all our years with vacation rentals, we have never met a host quite like Stewart. His passion and dedication to this beautiful island and his craft are simply unmatched. When you look out of the cottage, you see the art of nature unfolding before your eyes. When you look within, you feel the art of a host making this magical experience happen for you. In our opinion, Stewart’s Cape Breton cottage is a "must-have" Cape Breton / Nova Scotia experience in and of itself. Victoria G. 2021
"My husband and I spent the week here for our honeymoon. It was the perfect location! It was secluded and private with lots to do just a short drive away on the days we wanted. The views of the ocean during the day and stars at night were breath taking. Stewart was an amazing host, giving us lots of suggestions to do in the area. He took time to meet and orient us and answered any questions we had promptly. The property was gorgeous and the cottage had everything you might need. Can't not say enough good about this place! We can't wait to go back." Mary Ellen M. 2021
"We've never said WOW so often! It is true... this property has a huge WOW factor and my wife and I literally said WOW multiple times every day we were there. In fact, the entire west coast of Cape Breton is spectacular. As all the other reviews indicate, Stewart, the owner, was fantastic and super helpful providing great insights and ideas on areas to explore. The arrival and departure process was flawless and everything was handled in a very respectful and professional manner. The cottage is fully equipped and exceptionally clean - just what you need for a peaceful getaway. And the pictures actually don't do justice to this cottage and the location. As great as these pictures are, it is so much better when you get here. The views are amazing and are constantly changing... even when the weather was a bit blustery, especially with gusty winds from the west, the waves and the sounds of the ocean just add to the atmosphere. This is, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent cottages for two in all of Nova Scotia. Thank you, Stewart, for an amazing stay and we hope to be back next summer."
Stephen M. 2020
"My partner and I loved our stay at the TumbleSea Cottage. Stewart was a great host and the cottage exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be back!"
Jess M. 2020
"Best ever. There are not enough words to describe this property. Exceeded our expectations. Amazing views, Private, great location...Perfect in every single way. Comfy bed."
Larry S. 2019
"One of our most memorable vacations ever! TumbleSea was as advertised and more. Stewart gave us great suggestions on places to see and restaurants to eat and other helpful hints. The cottage was very clean and comfortable and the view from the deck was beyond compare. If there was a downside it was that we had to leave. TumbleSea gets a top shelf, 5 star rating!"
Ralph F. 2019
"Pictures of this place can't even capture it's beauty. Stewart, Bell and their attention to detail is amazing. We loved Cape Breton and loved waking up and seeing the lobster fisherman haul in their traps, and we loved watching the sunset for hours on that deck…. Overall it was probably one of the greatest vacation weeks of our lives. The cottage is utterly perfect. Stewart met with us the second day and gave us the "low-down" on Cape Breton. That was honestly another highlight of the trip. He's funny, charming, informative and provides excellent suggestions as to the "must see's" on the Cape. We love the place. Loved it." …Highly recommended. DIANE S. 2018
"This is our second trip to this cottage in as many years. Greatly in need of a peaceful and relaxing spot to rest and relax, Cape Breton and this Chimney Corner cottage was simply perfect. No detail is overlooked. Clean, comfortable, nicely appointed and one of the most stunning locations in the world. As a host, Stewart can't do enough for you. Thank you, Stewart, for a lovely week! We will be back soon." Kenneth E. 2018
"I have been looking at Stewart's properties on VRBO for over 3 years & my husband & I decided that this was finally the year to pull the trigger for one final getaway before we welcome our first child this November. I knew from pictures the cottage was going to be lovely but I was NOT prepared for the view to -literally- take my breath away. The moment we walked onto that deck we gasped, turned to each other & could not hold back a sh*t-eating grin that remained painted on our faces for the length of our stay. How lucky we felt to be able to stay in this truly unique property in this lovely, secluded location on the Gulf of St Lawrence :0. Stewart's love of the area was intoxicating & his advice invaluable, we would not have had the wonderful experience we did in Cape Breton without it. The cottage was impeccably clean with great attention paid to detail (art work on the wall painted by his wife Bell Fraser & lovely photo's of the surrounding area) & amenities (he had a whole basket of Tupperware! something we always forget when traveling which we utilized extensively over the course of the week)...Thank you again Stewart- it was exactly what we needed & are already missing beautiful Nova Scotia."
Emily G., 2018
"The views are stunning both inside the cottage and outdoors. Chairs are positioned to maximize the views of the working lobster boats, eagles, whales, spectacular sunsets, nearby beach, and woods. Every aspect of the cottage is exquisitely designed and beautifully appointed with simple and functional elegance... Stewart's generosity in providing an initial orientation to the cottage and surrounding area is such a priceless added value. …The week flew by and the hardest part was packing up to leave. Will try to stay two weeks next time." PAT C. 2018
"This is a wonderful little cottage in a setting of other-worldly beauty. It is airy and comfortable to be in, neat and clean. The bed is very comfortable and the kitchen is well-equipped for cooking. The spacious deck, with its full-width stairs, is an irresistible place to sit and wait for the sun to set, or for a shooting star to flash by, or for an eagle to fly by in the morning, or for seals to appear in the beautiful cove below the rocky cliff, which is just feet from front edge of the deck. Chimney Corner Beach and Sea Wolf Island are both framed in the view from the deck. The beach is just a couple minutes' drive away… The water was perfect when we were there in August. … And finally, Stewart is a friendly, honest, and informative host. If you came to Cape Breton for the culture and natural beauty, you're there. But if you're not sure what to do and what not to do, Stewart can tell you. You should take his recommendations to heart. Enjoy!" GUS R. 2018
"The aptly named TumbleSea cottage is perched on the cliff edge above the lovely, golden beach at Chimney Corner affording uninterrupted views over the Gulf of St Lawrence. The house is perfect - tucked away out of sight of any other houses, exceptionally well-equipped and designed in an open-plan style which is just perfect for a couple. We stayed in another of Stewart's cottages 2 years ago so we had a good idea about Cape Breton's attractions but Stewart again made a point of calling in the day we arrived to give tips about restaurants, walking trails, boat trips, etc. The cottage is ideally located." KENNETH C., Glasgow 2018
"Pictures will never do this place justice…Cape Breton is breath-taking and TumbleSea was the PERFECT place to stay while we explored the island. The attention to detail and the amenities in our cottage ensured our comfort, and our host, Stewart went above and beyond to make our stay truly memorable. We can’t wait to return for more hiking, beach sunsets, seafood, music, local crafts, and hospitality. We have traveled to many places around the world and this tops any that we have visited…both Cape Breton and our accommodations surpassed all of our expectations." CINDY, TN 2017
"The grounds surrounding TumbleSea are intimately private. An impressive deck rewards us with 180 degrees of breathtaking views that follow us into a well-appointed cottage with a floor plan and décor that clearly signify a profound devotion to artistry and comfort. The physical experience of TumbleSea and all it offers is intoxicating. Blah Blah Blah Blah ......THIS PLACE IS FLIPPIN' AMAZING!" CARL & SUZANNE, NY 2016
"The cottage itself was everything we hoped for - beautiful inside and out, private, unbelievable views, comfortable, fully stocked kitchen, wonderful artwork, and spotless. ANONYMOUS, TX
"Tumble Sea is simply magical. The cottage is extremely clean and well appointed–has everything you need and not cluttered with things you don't. Views are stunning. We loved looking out over Sea Wolf Island and eagles passed by almost every day of our two-week stay! We can't wait to return. Stewart and Bell are very helpful in every way, and have poured a lot of love into all their cottages." L AND T, MASS.
"What puts TumbleSea over the top are the views--180 degrees covering the full Chimney Corner beach, Sea Wolf Island and much of the ocean. I can't even begin to describe the spectacle of watching a lightning storm roll over the water one night, or having bald eagles whisk over your head every morning while sitting on the deck." D&C 2017
"You have to see this place for yourself. It's perfect and peaceful, as well as super clean and well equipped with everything you could possibly need, including a stereo with iPod dock. The views are spectacular, whether you're watching the sunset or a storm roll in. You'll never want to leave! " BJ
"We were delighted with TumbleSea, which exceeded expectations.This cottage is a gem!
MELISSA T.
"The cottage itself is simply beautiful to look at; the white beams against the wood ceiling are gorgeous. The cabin itself has everything you need. While Stewart shared a long list of amazing adventures possible on Cape Breton, the lure of the cabin and its breathtaking views kept us there most of the week." BARB C.