Retreat to a beautiful heritage farm sanctuary. Popular for SenseaSpa, nr Mahone Bay/L'burg/Bwater. Charming studio cottage (1room), less than 1hr to Halifax. Perfect for touring, romantic getaway or solo/friend escape - unwind & recharge. BBQ, firepit, Wifi/smartTV, AC. *No pets - cuddle our 35 pet goats instead! Optional Hottub, woodfired pizza oven, charcuterie, cheesemaking class & more.
Reg STR2526B1825
The space
This sweet self catering studio cottage is on a private heritage farm just a few mins from Mahone Bay and the highway, 10 mins to Bridgewater 16 min to Lunenburg and under 1 hr to Halifax. Perfect for touring the famous south shore yet tucked away in nature.
Sweetwood is a farm sanctuary with a focus on ‘where nature nurtures’ - this carries from the land to our animal family - to our guests.
This cottage is an oasis of quiet relaxation. As a studio, it is a single large room (with separate full bathroom with shower). It has 1 Queen bed and 1 pull-out sofabed (double size). Suited to up to a cozy 4ppl, recognizing the cozy and non-private nature of the sleeping set-up (and that the 2nd bed is a pull out, not overly long or large).
* Coming in summer and need more space?
We have a glamping tent in summer which can work for group booking (including a 2nd hottub!) We may also have our off-grid cabin available.
Sweetwood cottage has intentional eco-conscious touches - part rustic farmhouse part vintage chique: airy double height ceilings, local larch tongue and groove paneling, vintage doors, copper pipe bathroom fittings & antique furnishings. Luxury touches include high-end down comforters (as well as Laura Ashley quilts and imported heritage breed sheepskin rugs). Heating and cooling (AC) is provided by a heat pump and Bell Fibre-Op internet with a swivel smartTV covers the tech needs of most visitors. Books, games and cards on offer, alongside the outdoor features of firepit, propane BBQ, swing set and - of course, an open-sky hot tub!
Perfect for single getaways as well as romantic couples and friends gathering. We are reasonably close to the Nordic Sensea Spa in Chester.
Practicalities:
Kitchen: There is a 3/4 size fridge/freezer, a gas 2-burner hot plate & Airfryer/convection oven (suitable for simple meals), there is no dishwasher. Included are towels, bedding, cooking pots and pans, dishes & cutlery, teapot (teas too), kettle & an extensive coffee bar:
- starter coffee provided along with multiple options for your preferred means to make it - traditional electric drip pot, a coffee press (bodum), an espresso carafe (stove top), and a keurig for quick and on the go brew (compostable pods).
*Sorry, we don't supply paper towels (eco reasons, dish cloths for spills are provided).
In the bathroom is a full washroom with shower and propane on demand hot water. There is hand soap, sanitizer, shampoo, body wash & conditioner. There are towels, facecloths & TP as well as hairdryer & first-aid kit.
* Booking the Hottub? Our Hottub package includes sole use of the Hottub, robes - and a Spa towel warmer!
There are no neighbours (1km away is the closest) and there is 0 light pollution, making hot tub soaks under the night sky serene and magical. A nearby propane firepit adds to the magic (a woodfired one may also be available). Don't wish to soak but your partner does? Chill on the adjacent deck enjoying the swing or perhaps rustle up some grub on the propane BBQ or make some delish wood-fired pizza.
** Pls note:
- there is a small hottub surcharge for single night stays ($30).Complimentary for stays of 2 nights or more. Prebooking required
- the host's farmhouse is not overly far from the cottage & hottub, however, there is complete privacy (we are just a couple and the house is so large we don't use either of the rooms with windows on that side of the house). You could tub in your birthday suit and we wouldn't know it!
- the hottub and all optional extras are payable in advance either via etransfer or by an additional payment request made by your host to AirBB (your preference)
* Looking to make your stay extra special? A unique feature of our retreat is our onsite commercial kitchen and catering options. Our charcuterie grazing boards - curated by our resident expert @thecurdgirl, are very popular, as is our farm breakfast baskets (all delivered to your door). Combined with our seasonal snacks, eggs, imported cheeses and other staples available from our farm shop in summer, you can hunker down for a true oasis experience. * Catering options and shop stock depends on farm schedules, seasonality and inventory - pls ask). See pricing below.
** Star highlight: To top up your rejuvenation experience, add extra joy to your stay by idling out for a cuddle with our star attractions - our herd of over 30 sanctuary lap-goats (retired dairy goats from our former ethical no-kill dairy) - that, along with chickens, Barney bunny, guineas & rescue dogs are all living their very best lives. Yes, each is named and is family. And your stay directly contributes to their sustenance.
*Some guests return to help with animal care or stay in touch and contribute in other ways - we have a 'adopt a goat' program for eg - a nice way to keep up to date, return for a complimentary family or group farm visit and very much make a difference. Donations are always appreciated.
Staying for more than 1 night? Ask about our private cheese making workshop with The Curd Girl (or gift certificates for later).
** Heading also to Newfoundland? Ask about our beautiful seaview chalet located in a small fishing village just 10mins from North America's oldest city of St. John's (and near the airport). Sweetwood by the Sea is a stunning architect designed private home & we are happy to offer our repeat guests a discount at either site.
Important Things to note:
- The farm is uniquely situated in nature with no neighbours. There are no streetlights on the road leading to the farm - pls take into account if arriving after dusk. The gravel road is 3km long.
* We are NON-smoking inside the cottage and NO pets OR outside visitors are permitted
*Ignoring our non smoking rule inside the house will result in a $100 addl cleaning fee. This includes vaping.
* We DO allow smoking on the cottage deck (only). Butts MUST be disposed of in the jar provided. ** Any butts found on the ground, deck, in firepit or in or near the Hottub WILL result in a $50 charge to your AirBB account. We CANNOT risk our sanctuary animals ingesting cigarette waste.
- We have delicious drinking water straight from the tap (deep artesian well)
- Firewood may be available to purchase for the wood firepit (order in advance pls). Campfires are conditional on local seasonal fire laws and wind conditions.
- There is 1 Queen size bed & 1 pull out double sofa bed (pls pre-book bedding for the sofabed if needed).
* As the space is an open plan studio, please be aware of space and privacy limitations - esp if you are a group of 3 or 4 adults (the studio is do-able for 4 albeit cozy - this can work for some easygoing good friends but not everyone).
- We are a working farm - walking surfaces may be uneven in places and there may be mud at times of the year. Appropriate seasonal footwear is recommended, including sturdy footwear or rubber boots for visiting the farm animals.
- It's possible that insects (and wildlife such as deer or raccoons) may be encountered. No refunds will be given should these be encountered.
- Farm equipment and related may be visible on the farm in places.
- We are continually improving the cottage and some exterior and minor interior finishings may not be aesthetically complete during your stay.
Additional Amenities:
>Your private hot tub is available free for stays of 2 nights or more, or an additional amenity charge of $30 for 1 night stays. Robes and additional towels are provided.
* Pls let us know when booking if you wish to use the hottub
> DIY Artisan Pizza! We have a portable wood-fired pizza oven available for rental at $25/stay. This includes instructions, wood chips & starter for your fire - as well as cornmeal (for the pizza paddle) - just bring along your bases and toppings for special and customized delicious pizza! This is a fun and delicious activity to partake on your private deck under the stars.
May also be Available:
> Our famous grazing boards (vegn, vegan and gluten-free options sometimes available) are $50 (for 2-3ppl), other sizes available. These curated boards contain a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses as well as dips, veggies and much more.
> Gourmet Brekkie baskets $40 (for up to 2ppl, larger sizes or multi-day portions available; $45 for vegan options). This is a large gourmet spread.
* Apologies if either are not available for your stay - please enquire at time of booking.
> Cheese making classes are $90 for 1hr cheese making demo or $150 for a 2hr hands-on cultured Feta cheese class (for up to 2ppl - slightly more if more ppl). You will leave with tons of knowledge, excitement & cheese (and supplies to make more!).
Gift certificates for future private classes, including Zoom classes, are available too. Pre-booking including payment is required for all add-ons.
> As a real working farm, we are best suited to singles, couples, friends and families with older (or very young) children - ie. those capable of following guidance on farm safety. ** Children must remain with a parent at all times while outside and cannot be left to play unattended, climb on machinery, chase free ranging chickens etc. ** We are strictly no pets, no exceptions.
Please note:
> Failure to follow Hottub use rules (showering before use to remove all soaps, oils and body products) will result in an additional fee of $100 should the tub be left in a state needing extensive resetting or emptying.
> The Hottub, for insurance reasons, is not available for children under 12 yrs of age.
Goat cuddles year long (weather dependent)
NEWS:
> Would love to visit but can't stay over? Looking for that special unique outdoor venue for a special event? Ask us. We sometimes offer daytime packages such as Afternoon Escapes of lunch, hot tub soak, with or without cheese making class, and goat cuddles (available as gift certificate too). We do the occasional birthday party too!
*We have a large deck at the back of our farm shop - overlooking the rolling hills, small pond and goat pastures - suitable for private parties and events, with our without catering.
> As a not-for-profit farm sanctuary we welcome your support. This could include purchasing merchandise like cheese making kits, catering or vouchers or donating cash or a couple hours of your time to help with goat care. We love to get to know our guests and many become ongoing farm friends!
Guest access
The farm is located 3km along a reasonably-well maintained gravel road (off the main road in the area). This is a residential road however there are no street lights so please take this into account when planning your arrival time. The farm itself has limited night time lighting. In Springtime - this road may have potholes.
Parking is provided approximately 100ft from the cottage and guests will need to walk over grass and gravel footpaths. Please notify us if you have a vehicle larger than a standard size automobile so that we can plan for parking.
We are not able to offer farm tours, however, guests can meet our goats outside in their pasture dependent on daily weather conditions (goats are fair weather animals and will not be outside during inclement weather). Our goats are friendly and love ear scratches. They will follow you through the pastures. Sturdy footwear and a degree of agility is required.
Self-directed farm walks in the fields or woods is possible. If you have bikes, the trail system to Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and Bridgewater is very near.
Private cheese making and other classes are sometimes possible, according to weather, schedules etc.
Other things to note
We are a working farm, which includes livestock guardian dogs (no guest interaction permitted). We are strictly no pets (no exceptions) and a no smoking facility for guests - except on the cottage's adjacent deck. Failure to abide, including dumping cigarette butts anywhere but the container provided, will result in additional cleaning fees and in the case of pets, immediate eviction. Failing to abide with the instructions for using Hottub (showering before hand etc) will result in a $100 fine should the tub need serious resetting or emptying.
Tours, breakfasts and classes must be pre-booked and may be cancelled if farm work interrupts (we try our best to accommodate but farming is not always predictable - we are very sorry if this happens). Summer scheduling dictate that addl amenities cannot be guaranteed far in advance and are usually booked just before arrival. Cheese, charcuterie, jams, eggs, organic veg etc are often available to purchase from our onsite farm shop.
Farms (and nature) can be noisy places including at night (owls, roosters, dogs etc), ear plugs are provided for light sleepers, though are rarely necessary. Farm and nature experiences may also expose guests to various bugs found naturally in our beautiful setting.
Registration details
RYA-2023-24-06201542393184662-637
