Mark, Ottawa
Review Submitted: March 9, 2009 Date of Stay: March 2009

I have stayed at this delightful property a few times, most recently with my wife and two kids. It's an absolute dream, for a number of reasons. The house itself is charming, comfortable and spotlessly clean; it was designed and built to resemble a traditional Cape Breton house, and you can feel the authenticity. It also had everything we needed. Nice kitchen space with new appliances. There's a little living-room area with lots of wall-high windows overlooking the sea and good sleeping spaces. Second, the view. Cape Breton generally is visually stunning, and this little cottage sits on one of the most stunning spots on the western side of the island. As well, there's a great beach, that is a short walk (or a shorter drive) away. Third, the owners, Stewart and Bell. They're great. Friendly and knowledgeable about Cape Breton and happy to share what they know (or to leave you alone, if that's what you prefer).

Anonymous New York, NY
Review Submitted: August 26, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2008

We had a wonderful time staying at the Chimney Corner gottage for two weeks. It is peaceful, unbelievably beautiful, utterly lovely. The views are amazing. This area of Margaree is charming. Stewart and Bell (and their dog Ryder) are wonderfully helpful and hospitable.

J & L Seattle Date of Stay: October 2008

We stayed at this cottage for a week with our 14-month-old daughter and couldn't have been happier. The pictures don't do justice, inside or out. Stunning views of the cliffs and ocean are pretty common around Cape Breton, but it is very cool to be able to come home to your cottage every day with such a spectacular view. Inside, there is a sweet kitchen with all the appliances and utensils you'd need, and the décor is warm and stylistic (in an artistic, minimalist sort of way). We loved the location -- very close to some cool towns and a good launch point for day trips around the island. Stewart and Bell used to live in the cottage..they are responsive and helpful (especially regarding where to go and what to do), without being intrusive in any way. Getting to know them was a nice bonus. As we toured around Cape Breton, we didn't see any other place that came close -- we're very glad we stumbled across this gem and highly recommend it.

Edgar's Ma New York NY
Review Submitted: August 28, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009

We had the pleasure of staying at this lovely cottage for one week. It is architecturally so beautiful, and so impeccably maintained, it was indeed a sad day when we left. We enjoyed weather "events," from spectacular lightning storms to warm, sunny days. The beach is only a few minutes drive down the road which was such a delight. There are several beaches in the area, all of which are lightly populated and lovely places to spend the afternoon. We spent the days touring around and swimming, and every night had dinner on the deck while watching the sunset.

Stewart and Bell were outstanding hosts in every regard. While their own house is nearby, they are very respectful of the guests' privacy - and to be honest it is nice to know someone is close at hand should you need them. Their presence is a great help, not a hindrance. Overall we had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this property.

TMP and MM Vermont
Review Submitted: August 19, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Chimney Corner cottage for one week in late July. The cottage was impeccably clean, tastefully decorated, and well-stocked with essential kitchenware, linens, books and music. The location and design of the cottage capture the stunning beauty and simplicity that make Cape Breton unique. Stewart, the host, was non-intrusive yet very helpful. He provided valuable information about the best spots on the island, ensured the grill tank was full, and on one occasion opened up the house so it would be cool when we returned home late in the evening. We have recommended the cottage to family and are looking forward to returning when the seasons change.

Connor's Dad Burlington, MA
Review Submitted: August 1, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009

Stewart and Belle provided a wonderful home away from home for us during our vacation in Margaree Valley. They have thought of everything to make it easy on the traveler. They are just as nice as the accomodations they provide. If you have never been to this beautiful part of the world, this home is a perfect way to introduce yourself. The home is clean and well cared for. A wonderful place to relax.

N & T Maryland
Review Submitted: July 26, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009

We stayed at Stewart & Bell's Chimney Corner Cottage on our first time visit to Cape Breton Island. The cottage interior has such grace. The high vaulted ceiling and many windows create an open and airy space. Everything, wherever the eye falls, is pleasing to look at, reflecting Stewart & Bell's visual skills and their generosity in equipping the cottage for the comfort of their guests. And then there is the ultimate luxury of stepping out to an unimpeded vista of sea and sky.
Some of the highlights of our week: our first lingering Chimney Corner sunset; falling asleep under a star-filled Cape Breton sky visible through the large skylight over our bed and waking to sunrise through the opposite skylight; the music, the music - at... The Barn in Margaree Valley; our chats with Stewart - always helpful, informative, entertaining - he and Bell really care about this special place and it shows..

Lfj vancouver
Review Submitted: July 20, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009

We stayed for a week in July 09 with our 12 month old and we loved it. The house is within walking distance of a great beach and the views from the house (and its great big sunny deck) are spectacular. The house is comfortable, it's clean and it's very quiet and private. It really feels like a holiday. We felt we were really far away from it all and yet we could drive into the Park gates within about 40 minutes. I would love to stay here again and will recommend it to friends and family.

Mark and Susan1 Centennial, CO
Review Submitted: July 8, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009

We were very fortunate to have found the lovely cottage at Chimney Corner. The views are amazing and the cottage was everything we had hoped for and more. Stewart and Bell offered such great advice on what to see and do and were so helpful with directions, etc. They helped make our first visit to Cape Breton a wonderful one and we hope to visit again and stay at this great place again.

Jody and Rick NH USA
Review Submitted: September 1, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009

We New Englander's are known to keep our very special places a secret, which makes us hesitant about revealing all of the reasons why we love this cottage and this part of Cape Breton so much. Aesthetically, it just doesn't get much better...simple, non-cluttered, tasteful, artistically pleasing is how we would describe the architecture and the decor of the cottage. The views are breath-taking. The weather is a constant "show" which you can easily view from inside or outside, depending on the wind and temperature. We rarely left at night, not wanting to miss a single heart-breakingly beautiful sunset. Cooking is a delight in the kitchen and we enjoyed dinners at the kitchen table with candlelight and music. Leaving for home on Saturday morning was sad... although we know we will return and enjoy a reunion with our charming hosts, Stewart and Bell, and their irresistable dog, Ryder.

My husband and I just returned from spending the most amazing week at the Chimney Corner Cottage. Our stay, and Stewart and Bell's hospitality far surpassed our expectations and we are already planning a trip back next summer. The cottage, built by Stewart, is amazing! There is no detail missing in regards to the comfort the cottage provides and the magnificent views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the sitting area, the kitchen, the porch, and the upstairs bedroom. We watched a bald eagle nearly fly up to the back porch, watched seals daily in the bay near the beach and a large pod of pilot whales moving slowly up the gulf. The cottage provides easy access to explore all areas of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the East side of Cape Breton. You must also visit Cape Breton Clay and purchase one of Bell's beautiful art creations. If you are even considering a trip to this magical and spiritual land, the perfect compliment is staying at this cottage.

Michael&June Asheville, North Carolina
Review Submitted: October 31, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009

We can't say enough about this place. We enjoyed the coziness and architectural features of the cottage. It has a spectacular view towards the water that is absolutely relaxing. Steward and Bell are charming, helpful folks. There is no TV or radio, which was refreshing. It really forced us to relax and get away from it all. We enjoyed the whole island, but we certainly would stay on that side of the island again. It is quiet and quaint and was just what we were looking for. We hope someday to return to the Chimney Corners cottage. It's absolutely lovely and stunning.

Its description fits this lovely cottage exactly...and even though we had unseasonably cool and wet fall Cape Breton weather, we could stay warm burning wood in the wood stove, and read, enjoying the fantastic ocean view through the tall and wide "wall of windows" facing the ocean..even saw rainbows and bald eagle. The new deck is large and will be lovely to sit in with the same view, weather depending!. Stewart's hospitality was very appreciated, and he was quick to answer any questions. Highly recommend this cottage, and looking forward to coming again!!

Alex and Phil New England, USA
Review Submitted: November 10, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009

We spent a week in early July at this tasteful cottage with the breathtaking view. Every detail of the house is aesthetically pleasing and practical and comfortable. We found the kitchen very well equipped for cooking. The linens and towels are good quality and quite new. The house was spotlessly clean. Stewart was helpful but not intrusive. He went out of his way to provide us with excellent tips on what to do in the area. The nearby beach is secluded and off the beaten track so we had it to ourselves. It is a lovely sandy beach with nice calm waters for swimming (though this must be weather dependent). We highly recommend this spectacular spot.

Connie and Galen, Kansas City
Review Submitted: July 5, 2010 Date of Stay: June 2010

The cottage at Chimney Corner, on the sunset side of Cape Breton is a magical place. Designed in the maritime vernacular, it is an archetypal structure that exudes a freshness and vigor. It was built to withstand the seasonal high winds (Les Suetes) that are unique to the west side of the island in the spring. We experienced these winds one night and felt completely comfortable beneath the sheltering roof.

Stewart and Bell (and Ryder) are gracious hosts and accommodated all our needs. The Margaree Valley is a locavore’s delight. Stewart’s recommendation of regional adventures was spot on. He even loaned us the use of his telescope so we could watch an eagle perched on a rocky outcrop at the nearby beach. A week at the cottage at Chimney Corner leaves one relaxed and satisfied, but with a deep yearning to return.

Review Submitted: August 5, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010

I not only thought about returning – like many reviewers have mentioned – I actually did so. It was the very first time in nearly 30 years of travel and vacations I chose to stay in the exact same place, and July 2010 was just as wonderful as July 2009. I’m usually skeptical of camera angles and superlative reviews, but the instant I stepped out of the car, I realized that the only thing better than Stewart’s pictures of the cottage, locale, and island, is actually being there. Stewart and Bell are exceedingly gracious hosts, the cottage and the views from the deck are outstanding, there is ready access to other spectacular scenery without the typical beach and vacationing crowds, wildlife galore (sighted eagles, seals, whales, fox, bear, hawk, and moose...), music (Normaway, Red Shoe Pub, etc), and the local folks are great. And make certain you stop at Bell’s place in Baddeck... Relax and enjoy!

John and Rachal,
Review Submitted: September 5, 2010 Date of Stay: August 2010

Imagine the most beautiful place on earth, waves crashing against rocks, bald eagles soaring, meandering brooks… Now open your eyes, if you are lucky enough to have reserved a stay at Chimney Corner you are witnessing what I have just described. The cottage at Chimney Corner has an unobstructed view of the ocean; pictures cannot properly convey the beauty. The cottage itself is great, with a loft bedroom, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of natural light. Stewart and Bell go out of their way to make your stay wonderful, from a full range of music (now I am a huge Lucinda Williams fan!) to a varied collection of books. Their graciousness as hosts was evident even though they were away. The cottage is a great place to stay while exploring the entirety of Cape Breton or if you are looking for a quiet getaway to read and relax. We can’t recommend the cottage enough; we hope to return some day!

Review Submitted: September 7, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010

Stewart and Belle's cottage is set in one of the most beautiful locations in Canada and possibly the world. I grew up in Cape Breton and I think Chimney corner is definitely the nicest beach on the Island. You're guaranteed to fall madly in love with the person you bring there.

Review Submitted: January 22, 2011 Date of Stay: August 2009

"Our time here in the Chimney Corner cottage has been truly uplifting. We went hiking nearly every day, took our kayaks out an a couple of different bodies of water, visited the Inverness Centre for the Arts, played with our son Grady (our two-year old) on the beach, relaxed while my husband painted a sea turtle on my ever-growing belly (at six-months pregnant), and a strawberry on Grady's, went whale watching, read good books, played Dominoes, took fabulous naps, made simple meals and ate out one evening at the Glenora Distillery... Yum! It was a perfect week...Thank you once again for such a magical week."

Chimney Corner far exceded our expectations. The location is quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to explore the entire Cape Breton area. The cottage is charming, very well equipped, and clean. We booked for two weeks in August to escape to hot Georgia summer. Everyday was a treat. Eagles perched on a rock across the Bay greeted us each morning. We hiked in the National Park. Be sure to do the Sky Line Hike, as well as some lovely waterfalls. We played golf. Picked blueberries. Searched for sea glass. And, listened to music. Even the occassional rainy and windy weather was OK for reading all day.
Bell and Stewart could not have been more helpful in steering us around the Island attractions. I don't think we missed a thing. The deck outside of the cottage is just wonderful. A sky show everynight at sunset.
The perfect get away yet close to everything. We recommend this cottage to anyone.

Dick and Jayne Savannah, GA Review Submitted: September 11, 2010 Date of Stay: August 2010